More Sump Questions... Experts please help!

[ner'T']

Hi, I'm hoping that some of you can can share your knowledge...

I'm setting up a 20G tall sump for my 37 gallon reef, (currently sump-less). 52" head height to tank and a 300 gal/hr CPR overflow.


-What pump brand/size do you recommend?

-How large do you recommend making the return section, (I have a
auto-top-off)

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[brizzo]

-What pump brand/size do you recommend?

I've had success using mag drive and rio pumps for submersible in-sump return pump. I would lean towards a Rio 2100, since it should be around 300gph at 5'. And of course, install a ball valve to control flow.

-How large do you recommend making the return section, (I have a
auto-top-off)?

The bigger the better, per say. When evaporation takes place, the water level in your return chamber is going to lower. Use google to calculate the water volume (ie: "(12 * 12 * 8) cubic inches to gallons" )

[mark]

RC (http://reefcentral.com/index.php/head-loss-calculator)and RDO (http://www.reefs.org/library/pumps/)might give an idea for pump selection.

Would agree bigger better for pump compartment specially if don't have a ATO, but since you do have one, you don't need to sacrifice a large portion of your sump. I'm using a humidifier float for a ATO and find the level stays within about a 1/4".

(for size HxWxL ( in inches)/231 = gallon)

[brizzo]

(for size HxWxL ( in inches)/231 = gallon)

All this time I never thought to question "how many cubic inches are in a gallon". duuuurrrr. Thanks for that Mark :)