How to determine pump/overflow needed?

ahill3780 · #1 03/21/2006, 11:17 AM

I have a 55 gallon tank that is back in the planning/setup stages (just refinished the inside silicone seams and it is once again leakproof). I have a 35 gallon rubbermaid bin that I will be using as a sump for this setup.

I know that the pump I decide on will be mostly based on my preference of turnover rate after factoring in head loss, but how do I determine what type/diameter of overflow would be needed for this application? I have decided that it will be easier for me to go with a HOB siphon overflow versus drilling the tank. Since it was purchased used there is no way for me to know who built it and thus no way for me to know if it is tempered glass or not.

Any suggestions and/or comments are appreciated. Thanks!

ahill3780 · #2 03/21/2006, 11:44 AM

You now, I just realised I posted this in the New To The Hobby forum and not the DIY forum! (This is what tabbed browsing does to people!) Could a mod please move this thread for me so I don't have two of the same floating around the board? I think I will get a better answer there. Thank You!

mg426 · #3 03/21/2006, 01:07 PM

Shoot for 3 to 5 times tank flow through your sump. Use the calculator to figure out how much the diameter of your overflow tube will handle. If it is enough you are fine. As for a pump I would think that a mag 5 would be about right.