How much is too much?

[akopley]

What is the max flow you can send through your sump? I want a very high flow system and i am worried about my refug. What can i do?

[seattlerob]

I think most people accomplish most of their flow via either closed loop or powerheads. The flow thru the sump is usually not where the majority of flow comes from. One thing about flow thru sump in general is the greater the flow, the louder it is.

I guess in direct answer to your question, you need to determine the max flow your overflow can handle and also factor in your return pump (minus head loss). Those answers, along with how loud you're willing to let the overflow get, should give you an idea. To achieve a very high flow system, I'm pretty sure you'll end up getting a vast majority of that flow via means other than the sump (i.e. closed loop and/or powerheads).

HTH,
Rob

[akopley]

Since i have one overlow in my tank and i plan on using both the 1.5 inch hole and the 1 inch hole as a drain could i drain the 1.5 straight to the return pump area of the sump and send the 1 inch drain to the area with the skimmer and then the refugium? I believe i could get around 1500 gph from the 1.5 inch bulkhead and then the rest of the flow from the 1 inch bulkhead would be less and most likely better for the protein skimmer refugium area. Any suggestions i hope this made sense or is somewhat possible.

[mfinn]

You can put almost any amount of water through your sump.
I have almost 2000 gallons per hour going though mine and I do use part of the sump for a fuge.