need some advice on 55g aquarium setup

nbgen12 · 03/14/2010, 07:20 AM

I'm getting a 55g saltwater tank, but I need to purchase an attachable overflow, and was wondering what amount of waterflow would be ideal for this size aquarium. I'm about to pick up the tank in a week and will probably be needed lots of advice from everyone here, as I am brand new to this hobby. I'm also going to be asking for advice for when and what I stock the tank with to start off. I can't wait to get started...

muttley000 · 03/14/2010, 07:29 AM

What are you planning on keeping in the tank? Do you know what you will have for a return pump yet? Your overflow should be able to handle 2 times your return pump fopr safety reasons.

Denbf58 · 03/14/2010, 07:32 AM

you need to match the overflow to the pump size A single 1" drain will handle aporx. 600ghp
on my 75 g i run a 580p . is it a new tank why not just get reef ready?

Denbf58 · 03/14/2010, 07:32 AM

you need to match the overflow to the pump size A single 1" drain will handle aporx. 600ghp
on my 75 g i run a 580p . is it a new tank why not just get reef ready?

nbgen12 · 03/14/2010, 07:42 AM

The tank is actually an up and runnig system I'm getting from a guy who is leaving the country. He has one of the big filters with bio balls and everything but it is lacking the overflow to feed water to it. I'm not sure at the moment how much the return pump handles, but I will email the guy and figure it out so I can get the appropriate information. So the way to go would be to have an overflow, which has double the flow rate of the return pump? I just need to clarify before I make any moves.

muttley000 · 03/14/2010, 08:12 AM

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BulkheadFloRateArt.htm

Here is enough information on flow rates and plumbing to keep you occupied for days!

kimber45 · 03/14/2010, 08:47 AM

for reef aquariums you want about 3 to 5x turnover through your sump. so that's about 150 to 250gph. so you'll want a pump rated +/- 200 gph at what ever head height your using.

so assuming around a 4' head a mag3 would be a good choice.

for a overflow i suggest a glass-holes 700gph kit. you may be able to get away with a smaller overflow but i always error on the side of safety.

03/14/2010, 07:20 AM	#1
nbgen12 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern VA Posts: 307	need some advice on 55g aquarium setup I'm getting a 55g saltwater tank, but I need to purchase an attachable overflow, and was wondering what amount of waterflow would be ideal for this size aquarium. I'm about to pick up the tank in a week and will probably be needed lots of advice from everyone here, as I am brand new to this hobby. I'm also going to be asking for advice for when and what I stock the tank with to start off. I can't wait to get started...

03/14/2010, 07:32 AM	#3
Denbf58 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: selden N.Y. Posts: 885	you need to match the overflow to the pump size A single 1" drain will handle aporx. 600ghp on my 75 g i run a 580p . is it a new tank why not just get reef ready? __________________ Life is good Current Tank Info: 75gal reef ready koralia 3, 30g sump, 4b 48" t5s lighting, 29g reef with breeding pair clowns 55g reef 55g freshwater

03/14/2010, 07:32 AM	#4
Denbf58 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: selden N.Y. Posts: 885	you need to match the overflow to the pump size A single 1" drain will handle aporx. 600ghp on my 75 g i run a 580p . is it a new tank why not just get reef ready? __________________ Life is good Current Tank Info: 75gal reef ready koralia 3, 30g sump, 4b 48" t5s lighting, 29g reef with breeding pair clowns 55g reef 55g freshwater

03/14/2010, 07:29 AM	#2
muttley000 MTS Sufferer! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 1,926	What are you planning on keeping in the tank? Do you know what you will have for a return pump yet? Your overflow should be able to handle 2 times your return pump fopr safety reasons.

03/14/2010, 07:42 AM	#5
nbgen12 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern VA Posts: 307	The tank is actually an up and runnig system I'm getting from a guy who is leaving the country. He has one of the big filters with bio balls and everything but it is lacking the overflow to feed water to it. I'm not sure at the moment how much the return pump handles, but I will email the guy and figure it out so I can get the appropriate information. So the way to go would be to have an overflow, which has double the flow rate of the return pump? I just need to clarify before I make any moves.

03/14/2010, 08:12 AM	#6
muttley000 MTS Sufferer! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 1,926	http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BulkheadFloRateArt.htm Here is enough information on flow rates and plumbing to keep you occupied for days!

03/14/2010, 08:47 AM	#7
kimber45 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: michigan Posts: 455	for reef aquariums you want about 3 to 5x turnover through your sump. so that's about 150 to 250gph. so you'll want a pump rated +/- 200 gph at what ever head height your using. so assuming around a 4' head a mag3 would be a good choice. for a overflow i suggest a glass-holes 700gph kit. you may be able to get away with a smaller overflow but i always error on the side of safety.