I'm currently at a crossroads in my setup. I am one of the unfortunate few who happens to have a decent sized tank (120 gal) that is not reef ready (not drilled) !:smash: In my previous setup (which was a FOWLR) I was using my Amiricle wet/dry filter which came with an overflow box. The problem that I've always encountered was that my returm pump (MAG 9.5) was too powerful for the overflow box's capabilities. I've always had to slow down the flow on my return pump with a ball valve to compensate.
I'm aware that this has been discussed before, in fact the info that I found while doing the search has lead to my dilema.
I've seen a few recommendations for the Lifereef overflow boxes because apparently they offer a higher flowrate.
The question I have is this, does a really high flowrate offer any significant advantage over a slower one? If your tank water is RUSHING through your sump at 1400 gph, is it really getting the benefit of your skimmer/ fuge/ carbon/ heater/ liverock etc. ???? I understand that you want to have your tank water turned over often but at what stage does it become ineffective to have water flying through your sump at warpspeed. If there is a formula/ratio that I haven't seen then please point me in the right direction.
OPINIONS ??????????
I'm aware that this has been discussed before, in fact the info that I found while doing the search has lead to my dilema.
I've seen a few recommendations for the Lifereef overflow boxes because apparently they offer a higher flowrate.
The question I have is this, does a really high flowrate offer any significant advantage over a slower one? If your tank water is RUSHING through your sump at 1400 gph, is it really getting the benefit of your skimmer/ fuge/ carbon/ heater/ liverock etc. ???? I understand that you want to have your tank water turned over often but at what stage does it become ineffective to have water flying through your sump at warpspeed. If there is a formula/ratio that I haven't seen then please point me in the right direction.
OPINIONS ??????????