How do you choose....???

I have decided I want to build my own Sump. It doesnt look that hard
(PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong) so I want to give it a go, I have a couple
of questions regarding having a sump however.
I just wanted to know how one would choose what size sump they
would need for a 55 gallon setup?
Also how do you know what gph to look for when purchasing overflow
boxes and return pumps?
Any info you guys can give me will be greatly appreciated.

 

I think its best to go as big as your budget and space allows. More system volume means for stability.

When you choose your sump return and overflow you need to consider how much flow you want in your tank and what flow internal power heads in the tank will already be putting out. After you get your return pump picked out choose an overflow that is rated for higher flow than your return pump is capable of.

 

So would a 15 gallon be ok?
(It would fit under my stand without having to chop the stand up)
Or should I try for bigger?
Could you give an example of the Pump to overflow gph ratio?
(ie Pump with xxxgph should have an overflow with xxx)
Just to get an idea of what you mean. How will the power heads affect it?

 

I built a sump back in December for my 55. I used a 20 gal. long tank, an Eshoppes 800 overflow, it's rated at 800 gph and I use a Rio 2100 for the return. The Rio 2100 is rated I think at about 700 gph, but that's at no head. As long as the overflow is rated at a higher gph then the return pump you will be fine. As for sump size, I would get whatever size will fit your equipment or stand. However, the bigger the better.

 

Biggest sump you can fit is best IMO.

I put around 5x the tank volume through my sump per hour so I really think maybe only 275-300gph or so.

Tons of info about sumps in general, building etc.
Melevsreef.com - What is a Sump?

 

I was looking at the Eshopps overflows, are they good?
In fact I was looking at the 800gph one.
Thank you all so much. If any one else has some input or some
"no no's" they wouls like to add, please do! The more do's and don'ts the better!

 

Ideally, you want about a 5X turnover rate in the sump. So for a 55, you would be looking at around 250-300gph would be great. Any faster, and the equipment in the sump will not be as efficient at processing the water.
I also recommend the Eshopps overflows, they are great.

 

Hmmmm...thats a lot lower than I thought I would need.
Thanks Pack, as always- super sweet and helpful. ;D
I need to keep you and a few of our other 3reefers under my tank so I
can just pull you out when I run into trouble.:

 

i made my own sump and i read and read about it. I was worried about the flow blah blah blah... i used the KISS principle and mine turned out great. or at least i think so. Now this is not to say everyone else is worng but all i am saying is try not to over complicate things!

 

Thanks Bunner, but whats the KISS principal?