DIY Sump

hey guys! noob here

my main tank is a 30gal tall and i'm building a 10gal sump for it. i'm planning to order eshopps pf-300 overflow box but i'm not sure which pump to buy. i was looking at Hydor Seltz L Universal L30 320GPH 6.25ft /max head OR Rio Aqua 382GPH 6ft/max head. are these pumps sufficient for the overflow box without losing siphon? any other pumps recommended?

 

As long as you are close to the max flow for the overflow box you should be OK. You need just enough flow to keep bubbles from collecting in the u-tube, thus keeping the siphon. My overflow is 400 and I have my return moving around the same according to the fact-sheet of my pump.

Put a ball valve on your return so you can adjust it, just make sure you don't under-do the pump because you will have to get a stronger one.

 

I pretty much have the same setup and use an Eheim rated at 325gph. By the time I account for head loss I'm looking at an actual return rate of 120gph, which is almost perfect for my sump. Eheim is not cheap but they are quiet and do not put out alot of heat.

 

thanks guys.. i ended up ordering the rio. planning to get the tank up by the following weekend. can't wait!

i purchased 8x10 picture frames from the .99 store to use the glass as baffles. it's a perfect fit and i have a glass cutter if i need to trim off some. it's not as thick as the glass the tank is made of though.. bad idea?