Overflows

[reddhaus]

I just wondered if anyone had any input on this.

I will be purchasing an AGA with built in overflows. I will be using the Durso standpipe method. An AG rep told me that the overflows were rated for 500gph each. This means i would only get a total flow rate of 1000gph. This number seems low and hard to believe. I really was hopeing for more. I am not ready to get into a closed loop system to make up for lack of flow at this point.

Does anyone have this setup? What kind of flow rates have you been able to push? What pump(s) do you use?

If anyone has an AG tank with a single built in overflow it would be nice to know what rates you are getting as it would at least give me a starting point.

Thanks!

[Kashi]

I have a 125 AGA with their dual corner overflows and the overflow kits. I run a GENX-MAK4 at 1190@4ft. I run it at 3/4 otherwise my overflows can't keep up with it and it drains my 35 gallon sump into the main tank.

I have a closed-loop for circulation but not because of the limitations of the overflows but because I dont like powerheads. Closed-loop uses a Dolphin Ampmaster 3000 and works really well.

If I had to do it over again I would not purchase an AGA because of there overflow design.

[reddhaus]

I have also been wondering what the best way to seal or plug the outlet on the bottom of the overflow.

As everyone may or maynot know, AGA have an outlet on the top AND bottome of their overflow boxes.

I want to seal the bottom one because i measured that it is approx. 3 inches from the bottom of the tank. I would like the depth of my sand bed to be around 4 or 5 inches and i don't want to deal with a constant flow of sand down into my sump.

Any thoughts or ideas?

[Steve]

Just place the sand to the depth you want it. If it is higher then the bottom slots they will just plug it. There is not enough current to sweep the sand into the overflows. I gave up on trying to keep mine clear of sand and unplugged.

[Kashi]

I have a 4 to 5 inch DSB and around the bottom slots I cleared the sand away and put small live rocks around to keep the sand from building back up around them. It has worked well.