Basic Refugium?

I'm trying to lower nitrates, but a large water change im going to do is going to take care of that. Why do i need an overflow if I can just pump it straight back to the dt?

 

The overflow is for taking water out of the DT. It sits on the top of the DT. You can use whatever you want for the return. All I'm suggesting is for you to take precaution on the overflow. I was going to suggest a Weir style overflow but its going to cost you more money which seems to be the overwhelming decision maker for you.

Another thing is because you arent going to use an overflow box I dont know if youre going to be able to control the amount of water coming out of the DT. Say 600 gph comes out of the tank....say your pump is rated to do 500gph at the max height of your return. You'll have an overflow in your 10g tank. If you can control the amount of water coming out of the overflow then you wont have this problem. The problem could also be in reverse where your return pump is stronger. It will run your sump dry. That problem is easier to control though with inline valves.

One more thing is do you have an ATO? If not youll have to worry about evaporation. If your siphon stops sucking down water your return pump may overflow your DT. The return pump does not care that your siphon has been lost.

In any case Im just looking out for you. Its up to you what you are willing to risk. All I'm saying in the end is to make sure you can live with the results. If your cool saving money and risk overflowing water in your DT or sump then go for it.

 

A DIY overflow may work for you, there are several hundred designs on YouTube and a few on here as well. A solid return pump with at least 500 gph rating, and a light less than 10k spectrum.

 

I knew there was a flaw in my thinking! Thanks so much

 

Hey what about using 2 of the exact same pumps, one in the sump, one in the dt? Then I wouldn't have to worry about power and there would be no need for risk with an overflow box.

 

And if the power went out (which it never has) there would be no harm because both pumps would stop working!