NEWB Question...

How does the input back into the tank from the sump work?

Normally the flow back in comes out the same place the water spills into the overflow correct? Instead of doing that could i drill two holes in the back of my tank and just attach to flow accelerators to them? Then run those straight to my pump?

I dno what to do. This is the next step of my build and i'm clueless.

 

Well, you need a pump to push the water back to the tank from the sump. Flow accelerators increase back pressure which can be a problem long term for some pumps so you need to be careful with them. The return outlets can be put just about anywhere really. Its best to have them by the top so you can drill a siphon break that will prevent your tank from overflowing your sump if the power goes out.

~Will.

 

With flow accelerators you need a pressure rated pump which is usually a higher wattage pump. I would maybe look at Tunzes, Vortechs or Koralias for flow in the display since thye are very low wattage and extremely efficient and stick with the normal return configuration. Another possiblity is a closed loop through the back which would not have as much head loss as a return and can be put on a switching device like a Oceans Motions Squirt. I have both the Koralias and the closed loop/Squirt and both have their good points.

This also allows you to keep your returns higher in the tank so you eliminate the possibility of a flood in a power outage. Deep returns will siphon down to that level and check valves are a no no if a reef system since they all fail eventually guaranteed.

 

Here is a link with a diagram that will help you to better understand how the whole sump thing works.
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