Disadvantages to full overflow box?

[Krakilin]

I just got a new U-tube style overflow to replace my CPR - which is a LOT better.

The only problem is it doesn't seem to have as much flow rate as the CPR. I have my pump ball valved and turned off 3/4 of the way and my overflow box is still full. I checked and there is no clogging in the pipe.

Should I get a second box or is it okay to have the pump turned off like that and the overflow full of water?

[LoyalConvict]

welcome to reef central.... I would recommend not having the box full.... if your pipe clogs even a little you could end up over flowing your tank, second is there any air bubbles in the u tube, with the box being full either its trapped at the bottom of the u-tube on the outlet or it just does not flow as fast as a cpr (obviously) third, what type of return pump are you using? how far and how high is the piping going from your sump to the tank? How big is the pipe for the return. Or do you know how many GPH you are flowing? how big of pipe are you using on the drain (from the overflow to your sump)? did you redo the plumbing? are you using 90 degree fittings or 45's??

[Krakilin]

The return pump is AQ6000 900 GPH. From the top of the tank to the water level in the sump is about 2 1/2 feet. The pipe for the return is 1 inch thick. The pipe on the drain starts at 1 inch and 1/2 and when it hits the sump I have another pipe hooked to that thats an inch thick. I didn't redo any of the plumbing. And I have no idea about 45s or 90s.

Here are pictures if these help:
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l232/EternalPum/DSCN1317.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l232/EternalPum/DSCN1318.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l232/EternalPum/DSCN1319.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l232/EternalPum/DSCN1320.jpg

I just took the carbon bag out of the box and that helped a ton :P That was taking up a lot of space. I guess that wasn't a good idea.

[gws76]

Have you tried going with 1" tubing or pipe from the overflow to the sump. Your 1/2 in. pipe maybe constricting the flow from the box to the sump.

[Krakilin]

I haven't. I felt bad for my octopus because for the past week the tank has been fluctuating so much in O2, pH, a lot of stuff. So I finally have the water circulating.

I guess thats the only other option besides putting another box up there. Thanks for the responses!