Overflow Box/Return Pump/Sump

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I am soon upgrading my system to a 65 gallon reef tank (from a 20g)and need some advice on the plumbing for the 65 gallon tank.  The tank dimensions are 36x18x24.  I have a 10g tank sitting around but I am thinking this may be a little small for a sump.  Would you agree?  Do you think that a 20g long would work better?  Regarding the overflow box and pump, what do you think the best combination would be for water circulation?  The return pump would have to travel a total distance of 4 1/2 feet.  I was looking at the Eshopps PF-300 overflow box with a Mag 5 pump. (i also do plan running 2 powerheads inside the tank as well). Would this be enough water circulation for the system?  Also, what is an ideal GPH ratio between the pump and overflow box and choosing each?

Thanks for your help!

ANSWER: Hi Malik,

A 20L would be a more appropriate Refugium / sump for your aquarium.

You are correct.

My answers regarding your pump questions are what kinds of corals do you keep?  Also, what other specifications are there with your aquarium?

The amount of flow is immensely important in your system.  Both hard and soft corals need moderate flow.  Most people don't know this.

In the water of an ocean, certainly currents go back and forth all day long and they can be quite heavy at times.  Corals expect this to survive and use it as mode of cleaning, feeding and propegating.

I'd run 2 Koralia #3 or at least 2 #2s, as well as the stuff listed above.  I would also skim heavily.  

The main idea is to keep any debris from landing on the bottom of the floor and to keep everything moving in a motion completely around the aquarium.  This will keep the tank from having bacterial breakouts.

Happy reef-keeping.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again,

Some of the other specifications that I plan to go by are:
- About 70-90 lbs of live rock
-1"-2" sand bed
- LED lighting (PAR 30's)
-Currently don't have any coral, but plan on keeping LPS, and inverts like anemones, and feather dusters
- The only livestock I will be transferring would be 2 clownfish
-Eshopps Protein Skimmer

Thanks Again

Answer
Okay, so flow will be an essential part of your tank, and you will want moderate flow, not high/moderate flow.  This means instead of being on medium-high, medium is good.  LPS do well in medium flow, as do anemone.

Should you ever have anemone questions in the future, they are one of my specialties.

I keep 7 varieties.

Yes, for your specifications, I believe you've chosen appropriate pumps and the 20L is deffinitely the way to go.

Be certain to use strong supports while building it if you use it for a refugium. I highly recommend a fuge over a sump, any day.

It sounds like it will be a nice, clean system.  

You will need moderate flow, not directed on corals, but through the water in circulating columns, to mimic wild atmosphere for anemone, dusters and most LPS.

Happy reef-keeping. :)