How to Increase Aquarium Tank Turn Over

The turnover rate of an aquarium, or how many times the volume of water in the tank cycles completely, is a critical factor in freshwater and marine aquariums. If the rate is not high enough, the water quality and the health of the tank's inhabitants will suffer. If your current aquarium turnover rate isn't what you wish it to be, you have a few options to fix it, especially if you have an overflow sump system.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Larger overflow
• Larger gallon per hour pump
• Neoprene hose
• Hose clamps

1. Turn off all power to the aquarium.

2. Remove the existing overflow box that hangs on the back of the tank and replace with the new larger overflow, changing the neoprene hose that drains to the sump as well. You will now more than likely need to move up in the diameter of the hose.

3. Run the new overflow hose to the sump housed under the aquarium.

4. Disconnect the power to the pump and return hose. Remove the old pump from the tank.

5. Place the new pump into the sump and either reuse the old return line or install a new one if necessary. Run the new return line from the pump to the display tank.

6. Attach the hose clamps at all of the new connections---the overflow box and the pump output.

7. Plug the pump in and re-power the aquarium.

Tips & Warnings

• A standard overflow box has a 1-inch bulkhead drain. With this size of drain, water moves at a rate of 600 gph, therefore increasing the overflow drain size to 1.5 inches will result in a 900 gph turnover rate. This is just a reference so that you know how to match your new pump to your new overflow. Additionally if you use a hang on the back filter such as an Emperor, Whisper or any self contained filter. You can increase the turnover rate by simply adding a second filter.
• Make sure all connections are tightened securely to prevent leaks.

References

• Reef Central: the Best Aquatic Resource on the Web