Plumbing sump

[Parker288]

I currently have a 30g tank with just a normal store bought filter but I have a 120g tank I want to do properly with and sump but I’m really having trouble under standing the over flow and return sizes.. I have an apex so I’ve been leaning towards one of their return pumps but the whole gallons per hour and what size of pipe I need to achieve that has thrown me for a loop.. I’m just hoping someone can give me a little knowledge I’m not getting from watching videos.

Thank you!

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

This helped me a lot. But I did have to re read and go back to reference a few times...

http://www.reefaquarium.com/2012/aquarium-plumbing-basics/

 

[lapin]

With a 120 gallon tank you want something like 1" or 1-1/2 inch drains. If the tank does not have overflow box/boxes then you will need to drill it for an overflow box. A Bean Animal type drain is the best.
This box will only handle 1000 gph
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eclipse-l-overflow-box-1000-gph-eshopps.html
The return pump should be between 5x to 10x tank volume. 1200 gph pump or more would be good. You can also dial a pump back, but not dial it up. You will lose some GPH because of pipe head pressure.
For added flow in a tank people use power heads these days.

More overflow info
https://gmacreef.com/aquarium-overflows-durso-herbie-and-bean-setups/