overflow setup

MISTERFIXIT · 10-26-2003, 07:20 PM

Hey ,
Anybody ever try to synchronize an overflow w/a return pump??
It's a pain in the butt.I've got a Gen X 6000 return pump and an overflow w/2 1in outlets in a 90 gal tank.The overflow is hand made as well as the 30 gal sump.It took less time to build the overflow than to set it up and get the water flow just right!!

Marc AKA Mr fix it

**Poseidon** · 10-26-2003, 07:39 PM

I guess I lucked out... I have an overflow with 2 1" outlets and a Mag 12 return pump using 1" PVC and all the valves are wide open and the water level stay's constant in the tank...

I guess it is easier to regulate the return then it is the input... Remember the scientific method only make one change at a time...

Mike

MISTERFIXIT · 10-26-2003, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poseidon

I guess I lucked out... I have an overflow with 2 1" outlets and a Mag 12 return pump using 1" PVC and all the valves are wide open and the water level stay's constant in the tank...

I guess it is easier to regulate the return then it is the input... Remember the scientific method only make one change at a time...

Mike

Hey Mike,
My return is a gated pump and it is a pain.How's the mag set up?
I've got 2 1 inch inputs and 1- 1 inch return,and I still don't seem to be moving enough water,about 900 gals per hr.The return I'm using will pump about 1587 gals per hr,can't get there!!The pump gate is about a quarter open!!I keep losing siphon on the tubes any higher.

Marc Aka Mr Fix It

***Reefland*** · 10-26-2003, 07:58 PM

Marc,

How did you build the overflow? is it from one of the various DIY plans available?

The water level should regulate itself as long as the overfow is built correctly. Runningbetween 900-1200gph is probably going to be all you'll get through the overflow box so what I would do is fine what seems to be the max (by adjusting the gate valve on the pump) and then turn it back just another hair that way you don't overflow the tank if the overflow starts to slow down a bit. It shouldn't if you are pumping that much water through it but it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Regards,
Scott Z.

MISTERFIXIT · 10-26-2003, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefland

Marc,

How did you build the overflow? is it from one of the various DIY plans available?

The water level should regulate itself as long as the overfow is built correctly. Runningbetween 900-1200gph is probably going to be all you'll get through the overflow box so what I would do is fine what seems to be the max (by adjusting the gate valve on the pump) and then turn it back just another hair that way you don't overflow the tank if the overflow starts to slow down a bit. It shouldn't if you are pumping that much water through it but it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Regards,
Scott Z.

Hey Scott,
Thanks for the reply,
Home made as the name suggests (Mr fix it) many hrs of research.
Right now it's running very smoothly,I've done what both of you have suggested,TWEEK IT.The flow has changed from the start but I've adjusted.Is there a better return pump I can use to even out the flow?
I was running the pump with 1 input and 1 return,too noisey,now 2 inputs and the same return,NICE!!!

Mrac Aka Mr Fix It

***Reefland*** · 10-26-2003, 08:29 PM

Marc,

The key is to not pump more water into the tank than the overflow can handle. As long as your not pumping more into the tank than it can drain, the water level will remain at one constant level. A MAG 12 would probably be a nice pump, closer to what the overflow can handle.

Regards,
Scott Z.

MISTERFIXIT · 10-26-2003, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefland

Marc,

The key is to not pump more water into the tank than the overflow can handle. As long as your not pumping more into the tank than it can drain, the water level will remain at one constant level. A MAG 12 would probably be a nice pump, closer to what the overflow can handle.

Regards,
Scott Z.

Hey Scott,
The overflow is 10 inch by 10 inch by 3 inch w/2-1 in openings for input to sump- 1--1 inch opening for return pump.My tank water level is fine at this time.The problem I'm having is I turn the return pump up and I lose my siphon and over run my overflow.Different return pump huh?

MISTERFIXIT · 10-26-2003, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefland

Marc,

The key is to not pump more water into the tank than the overflow can handle. As long as your not pumping more into the tank than it can drain, the water level will remain at one constant level. A MAG 12 would probably be a nice pump, closer to what the overflow can handle.

Regards,
Scott Z.

Ok fine I,ve over run my overflow,you're right,but I still think I need Mag pump.Sounds good to me!

Marc aka Mr Fix It

***Reefland*** · 10-26-2003, 09:35 PM

You might check out Premium Aquatics for the pump. Their ground shipping is an overnight service to Louisville.

Regards,

**Poseidon** · 10-27-2003, 08:30 AM

Hey Marc

Setup on the Mag is SUPER EASY I run mine Internal, but they can be external too... All you need is a couple adapters from the hardware store, I'm pretty sure it's 3/4 FPT to whatever sive PVC you use slip and then of course you can go from there for the return plumbing.. I do have a ball valve on the return so I can reduce flow during feeding time and water changes and such, Maybe you can use the Gate valve you already have???

Mike

10-26-2003, 07:20 PM	#1
MISTERFIXIT Citizen Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: LOUISVILLE,KY Posts: 135	overflow setup Hey , Anybody ever try to synchronize an overflow w/a return pump?? It's a pain in the butt.I've got a Gen X 6000 return pump and an overflow w/2 1in outlets in a 90 gal tank.The overflow is hand made as well as the 30 gal sump.It took less time to build the overflow than to set it up and get the water flow just right!! Marc AKA Mr fix it

10-26-2003, 07:39 PM	#2
Poseidon Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Swartz Creek, MI Posts: 6,166	I guess I lucked out... I have an overflow with 2 1" outlets and a Mag 12 return pump using 1" PVC and all the valves are wide open and the water level stay's constant in the tank... I guess it is easier to regulate the return then it is the input... Remember the scientific method only make one change at a time... Mike __________________ Need a Photographer? Just say NO to CRABS Mike

10-26-2003, 09:35 PM	#9
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 12,999	You might check out Premium Aquatics for the pump. Their ground shipping is an overnight service to Louisville. Regards, __________________ Scott Z. 75 Gallon Reef Log Powered by Reefland's Personal Online Aquarium Log

10-27-2003, 08:30 AM	#10
Poseidon Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Swartz Creek, MI Posts: 6,166	Hey Marc Setup on the Mag is SUPER EASY I run mine Internal, but they can be external too... All you need is a couple adapters from the hardware store, I'm pretty sure it's 3/4 FPT to whatever sive PVC you use slip and then of course you can go from there for the return plumbing.. I do have a ball valve on the return so I can reduce flow during feeding time and water changes and such, Maybe you can use the Gate valve you already have??? Mike __________________ Need a Photographer? Just say NO to CRABS Mike

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10-26-2003, 07:58 PM	#4
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 12,999	Marc, How did you build the overflow? is it from one of the various DIY plans available? The water level should regulate itself as long as the overfow is built correctly. Runningbetween 900-1200gph is probably going to be all you'll get through the overflow box so what I would do is fine what seems to be the max (by adjusting the gate valve on the pump) and then turn it back just another hair that way you don't overflow the tank if the overflow starts to slow down a bit. It shouldn't if you are pumping that much water through it but it's always better to be safe than sorry. Regards, Scott Z.

10-26-2003, 08:29 PM	#6
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 12,999	Marc, The key is to not pump more water into the tank than the overflow can handle. As long as your not pumping more into the tank than it can drain, the water level will remain at one constant level. A MAG 12 would probably be a nice pump, closer to what the overflow can handle. Regards, Scott Z.

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