nickkohrn
Corals for President 2020
I am working on putting together a new frag system. It will consist of a 40-gallon breeder and a Bashsea Smart Series sump. The sump has three 1.5" drain connections, which is helpful as I intend to use a Bean Animal configuration. However, that is where I need your assistance as I decided to purchase a modularmarine overflow box, but I need help with deciding which to get.
I am using a COR-15 return pump, which is rated at 1,500 GPH, but I do not plan to run more than 600 GPH since I have two VorTech MP40s for water movement in the frag tank, so I don't need to move a large amount of water through the sump quickly. The overflow boxes that I want to choose from are:
Should I go with the largest that I can afford so that I can use the overflow box on a larger tank if I decide to upgrade in the future? Does it make much of a difference if I get the box with three 3/4" drains as opposed to one with three 1" drains? I understand that I can reduce the connections at the sump from 1.5" to 1" or 3/4", depending on which box I get, but will there be a noticeable difference between the two sizes?
This is the first time that I have attempted to install an external overflow box since I have had only reef-ready systems in the past. I don't know what decision would be best for my application.
If it helps, this will be an SPS-only frag system that I plan to have for the next decade, or more. I don't plan on upgrading in the near future, so I will be happy with whatever overflow box is best for my situation; however, I just don't know which one is.
I am using a COR-15 return pump, which is rated at 1,500 GPH, but I do not plan to run more than 600 GPH since I have two VorTech MP40s for water movement in the frag tank, so I don't need to move a large amount of water through the sump quickly. The overflow boxes that I want to choose from are:
- 800 GPH overflow box
- 800+ GPH capability
- Attaches through tank with two 1" bulkheads
- Three 1/2" or 3/4" uni-seal drains (message us if you want the 3/4" uniseals)
- Inside skimmer box- 8" x 1.125" x 3.75" tall
- Outside plumbing box- 8" x 3" x 6.25" tall
- Recommended for aquariums up to 150 gal
- This two part overflow box system also comes with two lids, a drilling template, a 1.75" glass hole saw, two 1" bulkheads (with nuts), two 1" bulkhead gaskets (to go between tank and exterior plumbing box), and three 1/2" uni-seals
- 1,200 GPH overflow box
- 1,200+ GPH capability
- Attaches through tank with two 1" bulkheads
- Three 3/4" uni-seal drains
- Inside skimmer box- 11.875" x 1.125" x 3.75" tall
- Outside plumbing box- 11.875" x 3" x 6.25" tall
- Recommended for aquariums up to 150 gal
- This two part overflow box system also comes with two lids, a drilling template, a 1.75" glass hole saw, two 1" bulkheads (with nuts), two 1" bulkhead gaskets (to go between tank and exterior plumbing box), three 3/4" uni-seals, and detailed installation instructions.
- 1,600 GPH overflow box
- - 1,600+ GPH capability
- Attaches through tank with two 1.5" bulkheads
- Three 1" bulkhead drains
- Inside skimmer box- 16" x 1.125" x 5" tall
- Outside plumbing box- 16" x 3.75" x 7" tall
- Recommended for aquariums up to 175 gal
- This two part overflow box system also comes with three lids, a drilling template, a 2.375" glass hole saw, two 1.5" bulkheads (with nuts), two 1.5" bulkhead gaskets (to go between tank and exterior plumbing box), three 1" bulkheads, and installation instructions.
Should I go with the largest that I can afford so that I can use the overflow box on a larger tank if I decide to upgrade in the future? Does it make much of a difference if I get the box with three 3/4" drains as opposed to one with three 1" drains? I understand that I can reduce the connections at the sump from 1.5" to 1" or 3/4", depending on which box I get, but will there be a noticeable difference between the two sizes?
This is the first time that I have attempted to install an external overflow box since I have had only reef-ready systems in the past. I don't know what decision would be best for my application.
If it helps, this will be an SPS-only frag system that I plan to have for the next decade, or more. I don't plan on upgrading in the near future, so I will be happy with whatever overflow box is best for my situation; however, I just don't know which one is.
