Sump/Overflow question...

[eb8919]

I am currently building a sump for my 50 gallon and i have a question about the overflow. I have a lower stand (about 3 feet high) and i was wondering if the overflow and pump are gonna work at a low height. I was told it needs more height to due the gravity it needs to work. I'm not sure how much this actually is. Altogether from the overflow at the top of the tank, it will have about 4-5 feet to the sump. Can someone explain or elaborate on how this can work succesfully. Thanks in advance.

[gws76]

Shouldn't be a problem. Is the bottom of your tank three feet from the floor when your tank is on the stand?

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12328103#post12328103 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eb8919
I am currently building a sump for my 50 gallon and i have a question about the overflow. I have a lower stand (about 3 feet high) and i was wondering if the overflow and pump are gonna work at a low height. I was told it needs more height to due the gravity it needs to work. I'm not sure how much this actually is. Altogether from the overflow at the top of the tank, it will have about 4-5 feet to the sump. Can someone explain or elaborate on how this can work succesfully. Thanks in advance.

it is called head pressure---there is a head pressure calculator on the home page---you just plug the brand of your pump in there and the height and it will tell you how many gph it is pushing.

gravity feed is dependant on what the diameter of the drain pipes are
for eg--if using a one inch drain then the max it can drain is 600 gph
on the other side then you will need a pump to push with the head pressure you have, at least 600 gph.

If it is alot stronger then that then you must install a ball valve on the return line after the pump in order to keep the flow no more than 600 gph

but first check your pump on the chart and see what your gph will be after that head pressure

[stingythingy45]

"I was told it needs more height to due the gravity it needs to work."

Huh...wha..?
You don't need anymore height for gravity to work.Trust me,sometimes water does some strange things but as long as the sump is below the tank and a siphon is started,gravity will take over.

[eb8919]

haha, ya that did sound confusing, but i didn't know how to put it straight forward, i didn't get the greatest explanation, but now i got it. Was just making sure, Thanks a lot for the help.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12330040#post12330040 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eb8919
haha, ya that did sound confusing, but i didn't know how to put it straight forward, i didn't get the greatest explanation, but now i got it. Was just making sure, Thanks a lot for the help.

we do have are own lingo in Ontario--don't we:lol:

I had no problem following your question

[Pulp Fishin]

We sure do eh!
:)