jimbirm
07/18/2006, 01:56 PM
First off, I would like to say how much I appreciate this site and everyone that populates it. The knowlege listed within these pages is unbelievable.
I recently started a 45gal reef tank and am currently in the planning stages for my sump, skimmer, etc.
Now for my question...
I want to keep my sump in a different room from the display tank. Obviously that entails drilling holes through the wall, which is not a problem. The problem lies with the height of the holes. It is my understanding that an overflow box works relying on gravity to return the water to the sump. In order for that to work in my case, I would need to drill holes halfway up the wall, which would make the wife unhappy.
I have 2 options I am considering.
1. I have a Fluval 304 canister (i know they are a nitrate factory) that I could use as a pump to get the return water up to the sump at the level I need. The problem there is that the gph is only 260 which would mean roughly a 6X turnover. This would allow the holes to be located at the base of the wall.
2. This is where I am looking for input, is there a "jockey" pump I could use in lieu of the canister filter? I am guessing one on each end of the system would keep the flow balanced. I would just need an overflow box (DIY/suggestions appreciated) that would sustain the rate. I welcome any and all comments/suggestions.
Thanks in advance.
I recently started a 45gal reef tank and am currently in the planning stages for my sump, skimmer, etc.
Now for my question...
I want to keep my sump in a different room from the display tank. Obviously that entails drilling holes through the wall, which is not a problem. The problem lies with the height of the holes. It is my understanding that an overflow box works relying on gravity to return the water to the sump. In order for that to work in my case, I would need to drill holes halfway up the wall, which would make the wife unhappy.
I have 2 options I am considering.
1. I have a Fluval 304 canister (i know they are a nitrate factory) that I could use as a pump to get the return water up to the sump at the level I need. The problem there is that the gph is only 260 which would mean roughly a 6X turnover. This would allow the holes to be located at the base of the wall.
2. This is where I am looking for input, is there a "jockey" pump I could use in lieu of the canister filter? I am guessing one on each end of the system would keep the flow balanced. I would just need an overflow box (DIY/suggestions appreciated) that would sustain the rate. I welcome any and all comments/suggestions.
Thanks in advance.