Built-in overflow question

[Cliff]

I started to replace the outer silicone seal on my 90 gallon and started thinking about the design of the over plumbing. The way the past owner had it set up is in the below pics. The one thing that you may not be able to see is a ¼ to ½ inch air hole in the top blue cap.

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/data/1029/thumbs/Overflow_1.jpg (http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/showphoto.php?photo=19247) http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/data/1029/thumbs/Overflow_2.jpg (http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/showphoto.php?photo=19248)

I’m thinking this design would not be the best as you would get trapped water in the bottom of the overflow and end up trapping debris and resulting in some nitrates (this is going to be a SW set-up).

I’m thinking it would be better to remove all the plumbing from the inside of the tank and just allow the water to flow over the walls of the overflow box and into the plumbing leading into the sump. I would like to try to keep this as simple as possible.

Do you think that would that work ?

Any suggestions and/or comments would be appreciated

thx

[Crispy]

that air hole is to keep it quieter. The method you describe will work, but will have a 'gurgling' sound all the time.

[Dave66]

Cliff, if you run a PVC pipe up to the lip of the overflow, the gurgling noise will stop. I've a reef in our bedroom and that's the only way I know to keep the tank quiet.

You'll also need a prefilter to keep debris out of your pumps.

Dave

[Crispy]

Cliff, if you run a PVC pipe up to the lip of the overflow, the gurgling noise will stop. I've a reef in our bedroom and that's the only way I know to keep the tank quiet.
You'll also need a prefilter to keep debris out of your pumps.


dave> I find prefilters limit my gph that can drain into the sump. especially when you're looking to get max flow from your bulkhead. In my simple drawer wet/dry setup, the floss is easily changed and won't impede my drainage.

I suppose if your bulkhead(s) can keep up no probs to your pump, them prefilters are ok, but when you're like me and want max flow, prefilters just slow ya down. :ssmile:

[Cliff]

Thanks guys, I didn't think about the noise

Dave, I will set up the intake as you have suggested

I was planning on using a filtersock in the sump for mechanical filteration. The drain line into the sump is a 1.5" PVC line so I'm hoping the flow into the sump won't be restricted too much.

Crispy, I can which to floss as you have suggested if it will restruct the flow. I can add it to my sump with only little changes.

Thanks again guys