Eshopps pf-300 Overflow Question

[John_A]

Hey guys just installed this overflow last night I currently run barebottom and have a Jaboe Dct-8000 my question is could I add another U-Tube to my overflow to double the flow through it?

 

[jd371]

The pf-300 - pf1200 have the same size bulkhead ( 1") so it should be able to handle more water draining, but the size of the boxes are different so you might run into the problem of the water level in the box either close to the top or possibly overflowing because the box itself isn't large enough to handle the extra volume of water.
Why do you want to double the flow? If you need more you should just step up to the pf-800.

 

[Water Dog]

With those HOB overflows, the first thing I would do is get rid of that prefilter sponge and replace it with a Stockman standpipe. Those prefilters tend to clog quickly and restrict flow. Also, make sure that the drain is running wide open and not restricted with a valve in any way. Back when I ran an HOB overflow, after about a 3 or 4 days, I‘d notice the water level in the display getting higher. Sure enough, it was the prefilter sponge getting clogged up. Problem solved when I installed a Stockman standpipe.

Ken Stockman's Standpipe Implementation - Durso Standpipes

Durso Standpipes are used to make your aquarium overflow (weir) nearly silent. We help you make your own or purchase them ready made!

www.dursostandpipes.com

 

[jd371]

With those HOB overflows, the first thing I would do is get rid of that prefilter sponge and replace it with a Stockman standpipe. Those prefilters tend to clog quickly and restrict flow. Also, make sure that the drain is running wide open and not restricted with a valve in any way. Back when I ran an HOB overflow, after about a 3 or 4 days, I‘d notice the water level in the display getting higher. Sure enough, it was the prefilter sponge getting clogged up. Problem solved when I installed a Stockman standpipe.

Ken Stockman's Standpipe Implementation - Durso Standpipes

Durso Standpipes are used to make your aquarium overflow (weir) nearly silent. We help you make your own or purchase them ready made!

www.dursostandpipes.com

Yes! The first thing I did after setting up the pf-800 was make a Stockman standpipe. It also quiets the overflow drastically, I have my tank near were I watch TV and you can't hear the tank at all.

 

[Dirk Griffin]

Be careful!!!!!
A second u-tube is only going to make both work less and -could- lead to more air bubbles developing in the tubes.
Also, most 1" bulkhead draining....set ups can only handle approx. 600 gph-max thru the hole. Depending on how the rest of the plumbing is, every elbow slows this down, the type of scheduled pvc pipe, every little thing will contribute to less water flowing....
Chances are, the water coming down is 500-550 gph.
A second 1" or a larger diameter bulkhead (somehow installed) will help your flow down to the sump. Many boxes are not large enough for 1 1/2" or 1 1/4" sized bulkheads
good luck

 

[John_A]

The reason I ask is because I can't turn my pump up past the 2nd setting without it trying to overflow and the flow coming out of the returns are almost nothing

 

[Water Dog]

There are no restrictions in your overflow drain line, correct? Also, as I said above, check your sponge to see if it’s clogged. On just the second setting on your pump, to raise the water level in the DT is a telltale sign of a clogged sponge if in fact, you are running without restriction in your drain line.

 

[John_A]

There are no restrictions in your overflow drain line, correct? Also, as I said above, check your sponge to see if it’s clogged. On just the second setting on your pump, to raise the water level in the DT is a telltale sign of a clogged sponge if in fact, you are running without restriction in your drain line.

Sponge is out Gurgle Buster made No restrictions on the drain not even a valve

 

[Water Dog]

Hmmm... what is the diameter of the U-tube? Also, how big is your tank?

 

[tsouth]

The reason I ask is because I can't turn my pump up past the 2nd setting without it trying to overflow and the flow coming out of the returns are almost nothing

Keep in mind that it's recommended to run a 2-5x turnover rate with regards to your return and your drain. Also, your overflow is only rated for 300gph. Your return pump is a beast in comparison and capable of over 2k gph. I suspect that the second setting is pushing the limits of your overflow.

If your tank is 60 gallons or less, then this setting is perfectly fine.

If you want to increase this multiplier, then increase the size of your overflow, rather than adding a second u tube.

 

[John_A]

Tank size is a 40 Breeder with a 20 Gallon sump

 

[John_A]

I know I can't have the pump even turned halfway up 2nd step up doesn't seem like alot I read someone on here has the same setup and runs around 10%-15%

 

[Water Dog]

That’s a lot of pump for a relatively small tank. My understanding is that at its minimum setting, a DC pump runs at 30%. Your pump is rated at 8000 lph or 2113 gph so at its minimum setting of 30%, you’re pushing 634 gph at its second setting, even more. So you’re definitely maxing out your overflow’s capacity. So maybe run it at its minimum setting and make due or get a bigger HOB overflow.

 

[John_A]

So What if I keep the Pf-300 and add a Pvc overflow to add to the overflow gph what total flow rate would you shoot for between the Pf-300 and the Pvc overflow?

 

[tsouth]

Your total water volume is 60 Gallons. It's recommended to run between 2 and 5x turnover. That's 120 to 300gph. You're already at the 300/gph, top end. This is ideal. The reason this number is low is because you want your filtration to be able to contact and cycle through all the water as much as possible. If you're pushing water too fast then it will more than likely skip the skimmer and get right back into the tank.

What are you trying to achieve?

I wouldn't change anything. You're at a 5x turnover rate. This is great. If you want more flow, then add flow within the tank via power heads and what not.

 

[John_A]

I just figured I could get more flow through the tank since it is bare bottom and can handle it without adding more Powe heads since obviously the Pump already has the power do provide that

 

[tsouth]

Understood. If that's what you want to do, then by all means add another tube, but I do not expect this to meet your goals. Note that you have an absolute threshold of around 600 gph because the bulkhead and pipe that is draining from the box is only 1". You will not be able to go any further than that.

Again, I recommend dis-associating the two flow rates to one another. Your turnover rate is great. Work on the flow in the tank

Here's the options I see fit:

1. Sell the pump for a smaller one, and take those funds to invest in another powerhead
2. Add another powerhead
3. Replace the overflow box with a larger one and increase your flow
4. Add the u-tube and test it

Good luck