Overflow and return pump suggestions

[Silverback26]

Hey guys, I’m working on a 135g build and just wanted to get some additional opinions on overflow size and return pump options before drilling the tank. From what I understand the general rule is 5-10x turnover for the overflow size but I’ve gotten some advice from 1200gph minimum up to a max up to 2400gph. I was originally going to use a HOB overflow but undersized it and it didn’t look good on the tank. I have also purchased a current eflux 3170 gph DC pump as it was on sale and figured it could handle whatever overflow I end up getting without running at 100%. I’m look at modular marine overflow boxes as I have read and heard good things but I am just a little confused and conflicted on what size would be best I’m leaning the 2400gph just to be safe and running the pump at around 2000gph maybe or going with the 1800gph to save money if that will be enough? The tank is 6 ft long and the sump is a sapphire CR44 from trigger systems. Let me know, thanks!

 

[00W]

Hey guys, I’m working on a 135g build and just wanted to get some additional opinions on overflow size and return pump options before drilling the tank. From what I understand the general rule is 5-10x turnover for the overflow size but I’ve gotten some advice from 1200gph minimum up to a max up to 2400gph. I was originally going to use a HOB overflow but undersized it and it didn’t look good on the tank. I have also purchased a current eflux 3170 gph DC pump as it was on sale and figured it could handle whatever overflow I end up getting without running at 100%. I’m look at modular marine overflow boxes as I have read and heard good things but I am just a little confused and conflicted on what size would be best I’m leaning the 2400gph just to be safe and running the pump at around 2000gph maybe or going with the 1800gph to save money if that will be enough? The tank is 6 ft long and the sump is a sapphire CR44 from trigger systems. Let me know, thanks!

Well...
You can do a whole bunch of math and take 135 gallon tank plus sump minus rock and times it times 5 or 10, adjusting for head loss and get your answer I'm sure.
Supposing this is how that's done.
But, YOU have to decide how much turnover you want. Or need.
With a DC pump, you can adjust so go on the bigger side.
With the overflow, if it's a siphon type, you have to moderate the flow.
Too low, siphon break.
Too high, overflow.
I tend to go bigger pump, smaller box.
I have a 100 and only turn it over 2 times an hour.
I run my skimmer at the same rate.
It works for me.
Best thing you can do is find a fellow reefer, someone you trust or someone on r2r who's keeping the inhabitants YOU also want to keep and ask them what their turnover rate is.
And why.
Some people go massive turnover while others, like me not so much.
If I were you I'd probably shoot for about 400 gallons an hour turnover.
Smaller pump, smaller box, less noise, less watts used.
Just my opinion.
Good luck.
Joel