While at the ACC bash, I noticed the Red Sea Reefer 500 Return pump was on a pulse or wave mode. I thought it was a little noisy. On a 2 drain overflow system, getting the primary drain to almost match the return pump appears to be the key to keeping a syphon and hence a silent drain system. In addition, a syphon can drain more water than a regular overflow (for the same diameter). It would seem that you would need to set the syphon to handle less water and get more flow in the emergency drain, which would also cause more noise. ( Or is the pulse over too quick to notice) And I would think it would make the emergency drain not really for emergencies but constant use; if either drain clogs, they tank could overflow (depending on sump volume in the sump chamber). It would seem that a triple pipe drain (Beananimal for instance) would be prudent with variable speed pumps with the second a durso type drain (that could function as the syphon if the primary drain clogs). The third drain would then act as an overflow. Note that you would also need to be able to take the max flow of the pump with the primary syphon set at the normal operating mode just in case you turned on the wrong return speed (or shut off all auxiliary manifold lines).
Most Reef Ready tanks I see only have 2 drains, per overflow, Those with multiple overflows might not have the same worry. I note this may be a question for September's meeting as it appears an equipment manufacturer will be there.
Is anyone using a variable speed pump (mostly DC?)? If so, how does it work for you. Do you use pulse or wave modes?
Most Reef Ready tanks I see only have 2 drains, per overflow, Those with multiple overflows might not have the same worry. I note this may be a question for September's meeting as it appears an equipment manufacturer will be there.
Is anyone using a variable speed pump (mostly DC?)? If so, how does it work for you. Do you use pulse or wave modes?
