SUMP+Plumbing+overflow

[itsdeej]

Hey everyone,

As I dive deeper into this build, I find myself getting more confused. I'm working on setting up a 60-gallon breeder with a drilled overflow. My plan is to pair it with a 40-gallon breeder sump to ensure plenty of space for filtration and to allow room for future display tank upgrades.

Overflow Confusion​

The overflow options are really throwing me off—some use 1/2" plumbing, others 3/4", and some even go up to 1". From what I’ve seen in other builds, people seem to gravitate toward either Modular Marine or Eshopps Prodigy systems.

Here’s where I’m stuck:

• Should I go for a system rated at 1200 GPH, or is that overkill?
• Would the 900 GPH Eshopps Prodigy be a better fit for my setup?

Return Pump Dilemma​

The return pumps are even more confusing. I’m considering the Jebao MDP-2500 pumps. My plan is to run two return pumps with 3/4" plumbing, and these are rated for a max of 660 GPH each.

My questions are:

• Would two MDP-2500 pumps be sufficient for this system?
• Or should I step up to the MDP-3500 pumps, which are rated for ~900 GPH each?

​

I feel like I might be overthinking this, but I want to make the most of my upcoming time off and start making some real progress on the build. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[KrisReef]

I suggest you decide how much turn over you need and build the aquarium to make it work.

In a 60 gallon tank ten times flow through is only 600 gph. But in the sump, 600/40 is 15 times or once ever 4 minutes. The need for water movement is real but we have to make sense of the situation and make the flow match with filtration rates and water top off needs.
Water motion increases temperature and can swim fish to death easily within a system.

Lots to consider. Best way to see and learn is to open up the stands at the LFS and see what other people are doing.

 

[itsdeej]

I suggest you decide how much turn over you need and build the aquarium to make it work.

In a 60 gallon tank ten times flow through is only 600 gph. But in the sump, 600/40 is 15 times or once ever 4 minutes. The need for water movement is real but we have to make sense of the situation and make the flow match with filtration rates and water top off needs.
Water motion increases temperature and can swim fish to death easily within a system.

Lots to consider. Best way to see and learn is to open up the stands at the LFS and see what other people are doing.

Ideally, I want an overflow that has 3 drain heads for a bean animal style drainage system. I’ll use a gate valve on the main drain line so I can control the flow into the sump and with two DC pumps for returns, I should be able to get the flow just right.

 

[RocketEngineer]

Ideally, I want an overflow that has 3 drain heads for a bean animal style drainage system. I’ll use a gate valve on the main drain line so I can control the flow into the sump and with two DC pumps for returns, I should be able to get the flow just right.

I would never use 1/2 for drains as just about any build up inside them will cause issues. 3/4 should work for a 60g with 1 inch being another viable option

Regarding turn over vs overflow size, the benefit of the bigger weir inside the tank is more skimming for a given flow rate since out have more edge for the water to flow over. Also, you don’t need or want to max out the overflow box as they tend to splash and be noisy.

For pumps, having two gives you safety and is what I’m doing on my setup. The exact flow rate isn’t too critical but be aware that some pumps handle pushing uphill better than others. If you can find a flow chart, you can dial in better but most companies don’t publish this info. If flow is too high, you can always add a valve on the output and no, this won’t hurt the pump.

 

[itsdeej]

I would never use 1/2 for drains as just about any build up inside them will cause issues. 3/4 should work for a 60g with 1 inch being another viable option

Regarding turn over vs overflow size, the benefit of the bigger weir inside the tank is more skimming for a given flow rate since out have more edge for the water to flow over. Also, you don’t need or want to max out the overflow box as they tend to splash and be noisy.

For pumps, having two gives you safety and is what I’m doing on my setup. The exact flow rate isn’t too critical but be aware that some pumps handle pushing uphill better than others. If you can find a flow chart, you can dial in better but most companies don’t publish this info. If flow is too high, you can always add a valve on the output and no, this won’t hurt the pump.

So you think I would be okay with the 3/4” drains on the modular marine and just use 3/4” returns as well?

 

[RocketEngineer]

So you think I would be okay with the 3/4” drains on the modular marine and just use 3/4” returns as well?

You may have to tune the pumps down a bit, but yeah. I prefer 1in drains if possible but that doesn’t always work.

 

[itsdeej]

You may have to tune the pumps down a bit, but yeah. I prefer 1in drains if possible but that doesn’t always work.

Cool. Thanks, appreciate the advice.