return pump and overflow box

I have been running a quiet one 2200 return pump with a eshopps pf 300 gph overflow box. The pump is rated at 594 gph so i convert some water back into the sump. My tank is a 65 gallon mixed reef with 20 gallon sump. I never thought it would be an issue since the overflow box is rated for 75g and i have a ton of live rock taking up space. But I have noticed a ton of debris in the water floating around. Would it help to buy a overflow box rated for around 800 gph? Also Would it be ok to run the quiet one pump with the 800 gph overflow box even though the pump is only 594 gph?

Thanks

 

Yes; that's a very good idea.

Typically the overflow should be rated for more flow than your pump can provide, that way it's impossible to overload the overflow (and make your DT spill on the floor).

Also, by using your return pump in the manner which you currently are, you are using energy (electricity) but are not getting much benefit for it. Recirculating the sump isn't really beneficial; recirculating the DT is.

 

Are you using a filter sock in the sump? If not, do so.

I understand evolved's opinion of bleeding flow back to the sump as opposed to simply "valving it down" with an inline valve, but I prefer bleeding any excess flow back to the sump as you're doing. Unless you have pump-zilla on your setup, which you don't, the difference in cost isn't going to be a whole lot.

However, since you're using a HOB O/F, you're best bet is to replace it and match its flow to that of your pump. It can be rated above your pump's rating since the amount of return flow is dictated by the pump, not the O/F.

 

I got a filter sock. I will order a 800gph overflow box and use the quiet one 2200. thanks for the help.

 

I used to do the bypass a little also on my set up. NOt now though since I plumbed to the basement and ran a straight spa-flex hose on my return. Mines 1385gph- at 0 head height.

Is the return pump rated at 594gph at your 'head height' and number of 90 degree bends, etc?
If not, you're not actually seeing 594gph at the return in the DT. At 4ft head height and a few bends, you're not even getting 300gph probs.

Have you tried running 100% to the DT? If not, give it a try, but keep a close eye on your OF box, DT level, etc.


As usual, good advice thus far.

 

The eshopps 300 gph overflow i got now can not take all of the pump. When I increase the flow the display starts to overflow, so I know im getting more than 300 gph out of my pump. I guess im going to order the pf 800, 800 gph. Do you think i need a stronger pump? I have around 4 to 5 feet from the pump to the tank without any bends.

Thanks

 

One of the things I like about eshopps overflows is that they come with sponges to prefilter the water going down to the sump. With that you don't need a filter sock.

 

I have found the PF's flow ratings to be optimistic at best. Would definitely upgrade to the 800 for at least safety.

I thought the bypass method was to extend pump life. I would think restricting the return to reduce flow wouldn't show any energy savings.

Yes you do. That sponge is mainly to prevent clogging. I would still fill up my filter stock every few days.

 

Bypass/throttle does absolutely nothing for pump life. Moving more water uses more power. Recircing water for no reason, uses more power. Throttling uses less power.


The QO 220 is enough pump for your tank. It does 450 gph at 4' of head. That is plenty for your setup. And doing 300gph from your overflow through your sump is plenty for your setup. Depends what you have... skimmer, fuge...ect.

But moving more water does nothing to filter it...if you do not have a filter. Stuff in the water is food for something. If you do not like it, then get a filter sock or something to clean things up. Moving more water through your sump just moves more water through your sump.

What skimmer are you using on your system?

 

The cost in power may or may not be a problem, but it is adding more heat which may or may not be a problem. What isn't uncertain is that there is zero benefit from recircing flow. So doing it just for giggles is about all it is worth.