overflow difference?

[dannyafoster]

Is there any? I'm going to put a 20g sump on my 55g reef when I finally get everything together? Is there a certain size I need? I don' have a drilled tank so I need the HOB kind. Help?

 

[cr500_af]

Do some reading. HOB overflows aren't as reliable as drilled tanks, but they aren't a ticking time bomb IMO as long as you take some precautions. The biggest thing is a: get one that will flow more than you need it to and b: do everything possible to prevent it from losing its siphon. There is a method of using an aqualifter pump on the U-tube to restart the siphon if it is lost.

Edit: Use the GPH rating of your return pump as a guide. I'd maintain as large a margin for error as possible. I am not a HOB overflow expert by any means, but I wouldn't feel good unless I know the overflow could handle at least 20% more flow than I was going to put through it. I have heard good things about the CPR brand, but I've never owned a HOB overflow box, so take that for what it's worth.

 

[falos]

I would go with this one http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=23781the">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=23781the</a> pump will help make sure you do not lose syphon

Welcome to the arc

 

[dannyafoster]

Now I've read that a good rule of thumb is to run 5-10x your gallonage
such as a 55g yo should run 550gph? Or am I mistaken also if this is correct do you include the water into the sump. Like 55 plus a 20 sump would be 75 so I should run a pump aroung 750gph?

Edit: Thanks. that link wont work for me.

 

[josh42]

I'm building an overflow out of four feet of PVC and connector pieces tomorrow to add a 20g tank onto my 55g+20g sump tomorrow. I have a pump, I was going to try it out and see what happens

 

[dannyafoster]

I want a 20g sump on my 55 but this is my first saltwater tank. I was looking at overflow boxes on eBay and they are a lil more costly than I expected as a beginner would I be better off buying a filter or should I start with a sump?

 

[josh42]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65yVr7DiDls&feature=youtube_gdata_player">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65yVr7DiDls&feature=youtube_gdata_player</a> 10$

I don't see how this doesn't work. But, I wouldn't want to risk it either. Atleast 55g of my water is in the corner overflow tank. I'm not sure what the best thing for you to do would be, maybe some live rock.

 

[dannyafoster]

I get the concept but isn't one of the big reasons for a sump to skim the top of your water?

 

[josh42]

And to safely add chemicals and makes water changes easy, and for filtration.

 

[dannyafoster]

Alright but this design pulls water from the bottom. Therefore it isn't skimming the top.

 

[josh42]

No, it pulls water from the top, I'm pretty sure. Probably not as effective though. U need to watch the video regain I ma be mistaken but I believe the length of the tube where the water enters sets the water level..

Edit: I need to watch the video again I may be mistaken***

 

[dannyafoster]

I only watched about halfway but from what I saw it seems the pipe inside the tanks was the intake Ans it was about 1" from the bottom of the tank.

 

[rdnelson]

Here is a great web link that explains HOB Overflows and sumps. I used this as a guide when I built mine. Not hard to do and I had about $35 in materials once I bought the acrylic and the weldon.

http://www.melevsreef.com/what_sump.html">http://www.melevsreef.com/what_sump.html</a>

Here is a video of it in action while I was testing it in my garage.

<div class="gc_ifarem_title">DIY HOB Overflow - YouTube</div>

 

[jead85]

Also check out glass-holes.com. Turn your non reef ready into reef ready with no fear of losing siphon

 

[rdnelson]

Agree completely unless you were dumb like me and set up your tank before drilling it. :bash2:

jead85;723554 wrote: Also check out glass-holes.com. Turn your non reef ready into reef ready with no fear of losing siphon