Overflow issues

porkchop · 05-23-2005, 02:27 PM

Over the weekend I set up some new return plumbing to increase flow to my 20g and by way of RC's headloss calculator I now have 442gph of flow. When I fired it up I wasn't paying complete attention to my tank and much to my dismay I heard a water fall. My HOB overflow can't keep up! I have about 10 linear inches of surface area into the in tank box with a 1 1/4" u-tube to the extenal box and 1" pipe to the sump. It seems that the water is not getting through the u-tube fast enough but I see HOB setups with the same size plumbing capable of 900gph. Any ideas to remedy this? There is some algae on the walls of the u-tube but not much. Could this cause a loss due to friction?

wanareef · 05-23-2005, 03:17 PM

You have 10" of linear surface, 1 1/4" "U" tube and 1" pipe to the sump.

What size is the BH that the 1" pipe is connected to?
What size is the return pump?
Is it straight shot down to the sump?

1" pipe should flow about 600gph, the same for the "U" tube with the bend in it. If you are not using a 1" BH then your restriction is there.

porkchop · 05-23-2005, 03:35 PM

BH is 1". The problem is befor it gets there tho. It is not making it to the rear box fast enough. I think I need to try it without the internal skimming box and see if my problem lies there. If that u-tube can deliver 600gph then the box could be it. The sump sits 2'-4" below the tank, 3' horizontal, (2) 90's, (1) 45, all 1" pipe, and ran by a RIO 2100 = 442gph according to RC.

wanareef · 05-23-2005, 03:46 PM

Just a FYI on that RIO pump - I'm not sure if you have heard all the stories about RIO. But my firsh hand experience - I was at Deepsea Gallery before they closed up, they had just gotten in an order of fish in and Liz placed then all in a tank for later sorting and since it was kind of overcrowded - 50 fish in a 75gal tank, she just thought she would toss in a pump to help add water movement and oxygen to the tank. In about and hour, I saw a flash of red, some bubbles and then heard aw f%^@k The RIO blew and she lost all those fish. Do a search on RC on RIO and you'll see for yourself

porkchop · 05-23-2005, 03:53 PM

yeah, i haven't heard good things. Probably going with a quiet one. Don't know yet as I am contemplating getting another 20 and drilling for overflow scrapping my sump (wet/dry with built in skimmer built by a local guy ?) and converting my current 20 into a fuge/sump. Lots of plans, just got to get the wife to sign off on it. BTW know anyone locally trying to get rid of a 20?

Clownfishman · 05-23-2005, 04:03 PM

Always install GFCI's is the moral of the story and also buy good pumps

wanareef · 05-23-2005, 04:05 PM

porkchop

Check the site out - there is always someone selling something - you could use a rubbermaid tote too

Where in stump town are you? In aug we are having our yearly "big" mtg and it's at Steve Weast house, again. If you have not seen it- you gotta go and meet the gang, buy some raffle tickets oh ,forgot to mention bring a bib to wipe the drool up after you see his tank.

go to http://oregonreef.com/ to see what 850gals looks like.

We have mtg's on the 3rd sunday of each month- as well.

Twitterbait · 05-23-2005, 04:30 PM

I have 4 20 gal glass tanks. We could talk a deal. I also have some Gex-X pumps if you need another pump. PM me sometime

porkchop · 05-23-2005, 04:30 PM

Im in SE. I was at the meeting a coupla weeks ago just had to bail a little early.

wanareef · 05-23-2005, 04:31 PM

See- your need for a 20gal tank ansewred

porkchop · 05-23-2005, 04:46 PM

I went to Steve Weasts site while on lunch today. That is one hellofa setup, can't even fathom the power bill.

Twitterbait- I'm interested. PMing ya.

wanareef · 05-23-2005, 04:48 PM

You gotta to see it in person- just amazing.