Too big of a pump?

[Jimmy]

I have a built in overflow on my 65g. I just hooked up a mag 12 as the return pump. Will the overflow be able to handle the flow or will it eventually overflow the tank? I think all-glass claims that their overflows can handle 600gph but for now the overflow is keeping up with the pump. Suggestions? (was using a mag 5 btw)

[jamesbuf]

I would bet that it will overflow the tank. You can go to home depot and get a ball valve to slow down the flow to the tank.

[Jimmy]

Here is what it said on All-glass' website: "Aquariums up to 110 gallons are fitted with one MegaFlow

[jamesbuf]

Not sure how you're interpreting that, but you can't run 2400 gph through one overflow. I'm telling you from experience that you will overflow your tank if you use a Mag 12 on a tank with just one overflow.

 

 

You best option is to use both of the holes behind the overflow as outflow from the main tank to your sump, and use a U-tube to return water to the tank. I'm sure you could get upwards of 8-900 gph doing this. You can get the U-tubes here: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~Sea...ns~vendor~.html

[gsedlack]

I think it;s pretty simple - you can drain 600 gph at best, if you pump in more than that you will have trouble

Mag 12 stats

Head Height (in feet) Gallons per Hour

0' 1200

1' 1200

2' 1180

3' 1150

4' 1130

5' 1120

6' 950

7' 810

8' 710

9' 650

10' 600

11' 500

12' 450

13' 300

14' 130

 

It looks like trouble to me

[YBeNormal]

There's more to it than that though. The amount of water pushed by the pump is influenced by head height, size an type of plumbing, number and type of fittings and other variables. There's a tool on RC that will help figure all of this for you and give you an estimated flow rate for your pump and configuration.

[lanman]

I think you are 'pushing the envelope'... but the only way to be sure is to keep on trying. Ensure that overflow from the edges of your tank won't damage anything important. Like the ceiling in the floor beneath you.

 

bob

[jason the filter freak]

i agree just not a good plan at all. you can add a T and have part of the retun just come back into your sump. and have that regulated by a ball valve so you're not putting any back preassure on the pump and shortening it's life span

[dschflier]

As James suggested you should just put a valve on it. This way you can down rate it and have no problems. Slowing the flow you also use less electricity. I would also think but other members may know better then me, that the pump may last longer because it isn't being pushed as hard.