Plumbing Question

I have a drilled overflow but plan on splitting the overflow, some to a refugium with a valve, the rest to a skimmer chamber. These will both flow into a return section in the middle. I want to put a valve on the leg to the refugium to slow the flow through it. Do you think this will cause a problem?

 

No problem. Thats basically how I have mine. Its a 1" overflow to the center or skimmer section of the sump with a 1"x1/2" tee brancing off thru a 1/2" ball valve feeding the refugium. Just don't valve the main portion of the flow so it remains unrestricted.
You may find the overflow rate is more than the skimmer can efficiently handle depending on your protein skimmers design.

 

But isn't the overflow rate direcly related to the flow of the return pump? If the return pump runs 340gph (incl. head loss), isn't that the flow through the overflow?

 

Mine is a mix of clear tubing (down in the sump where there's no light to cause algae growth) and PVC. A big advantage to using PVC as your overflow tubing (other than the fact that there won't be algae growth in it) is that you can make one of these (http://www.dursostandpipes.com/make-your-own-diy). I've found it really makes my overflow almost silent. Another tip - when using PVC, try to use 45 degree bends instead of 90 degree bends whenever possible.

 

Yes it is, the return pump determines the flow. As long as the overflow rate and your protein skimmer are matched that is fine but some skimmers work by recirculating water at a lower flow rate so its multiple passes that do the job. My old Turboflotor skimmer was fed by a MJ 900 powerhead then had an internal OR2700 recirculation pump so worked better when the feed flow was lower and recirculated it over and over internally. Each skimmer is different so you need to know the specifics of your skimmer to determine how it will work best. The ASM-G2 I have now uses a single pump with a venturi to feed the skimmer so feeding it from the overflow directly would not work, it pulls from the sump center chamber.

 

Absolutely! I have 1" Bulkheads with a Durso already in mind! I will be having a refugium in the sump which means there will be light in sump area. Should I avoid clear tubing there as well?

I plan on using an in-sump skimmer (was thinking of AquaC Urchin) and will definitely pay attention to the pump on it. Will try to match the return pump (w/ headloss) to the pump on the skimmer. Totally makes sense.

 

I didn't want them as a restrictor but more as a shut off. If I have an issue in my sump i turn off my return I could turn off my flow from DT to sump. that shouldn't be an issue right?

 

If the overflow is designed properly the display should only drain a gallon or two to the sump before it breaks suction anyway so a valve isn't really needed.The level of the standpipe will determine when the overflow quits draining.

 

If I use a refugium in the sump, there will be light in the sump for the macro, then should I not use clear tubing in the sump area as well?

 

Many Lowes and HD sell heavy duty black vinyl tubing. I use the braided reinforced milky white stuff myself and it only requires cleaning once or twice a year even next to the refugium lights. Fluval makes a brush set you can tie some fishing line to and feed them through the tubing or piping so it may not need to be disassembled.