Sump Flow Help! Please!!!!

[budster.stig1]

I will be connecting 3 tanks that I will build for my new twin 155's in wall DT's that will be used for Drain sump (1) Refugium (2) and return/change tank (3). These tanks will sit side by side and be connected with end panel flow holes. My question is how do I calculate the necessary diameter of these holes. I will have a main pump flow rate of 2600 gph before head loss, I estimate the actual flow to be about 1900gph. Can any one help me with this calculation, I would appreciate it.

The tank sizes are: 1) 24"x18"x21" 34g Drain sump/skimmer/etc.
2) 72"x18"x19" 90g Refugium
3) 24"x18"x19" 30g return/change tank
........................Thanks Stig.

[username in use]

I would just go way larger than you need. Like 2 - 2" holes per end. That way no matter what happens, it can level quickly.

[budster.stig1]

Joshua: Thanks for in-put, if the hole was in an over-flow, the hole needed for 2600 gph would be 2.11 in.. What I don't know is how gravity figures in to the calculation. MY hunch is your spot on by going almost twice the gravity assisted hole size. 22" holes may be just right.

[mike&kel]

That is waaaaay too much flow through your sump. Right? Are you going to use a closed loop system or just a sump pump?


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.098912,-119.559401

[budster.stig1]

This sump (34g), "Fuge" (90g), and return tank (30g), is servicing twin 155 in wall DT's. The total system cap. is 464g's, Display cap. is 310g. Using a 2600 gph main pump for circulation, after head loss gives me about 1900gph, or about 5-6 times my display tank cap.. I will use power heads in the DT's for additional flow, but total system flow will be about 4 times total system cap.

Stig.