120 Gallon Tanks- Overflow Configurations

[algaeguy]

HI!

I'm in the planning phase of a new 120 gallon (48"x24"x24") system. I'm trying to finalize the overflow placement and configuration, and would like to see how other reefers have done theirs for this sized tank. I'm a bit confused! I'm not looking for wicked flow, but I do want to develop an adaptable system that can handle a modest amount of flow with no problems.

I'm particularly interested in the dimensions of your overflows and standpipe configurations(number of standpipes, type, and size) that you are using, as well as the main system pump that you favor.

Any photos or other feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Scott

 

[55Reef]

Hey Scott,

I'm also in the planning stages of a 120. I'm leaning towards
a built-in external overflow. Mainly for saving some space inside the tank.
I'll be using a Durso standpipe. I'm not sure about the size of the standpipe yet, 1 1/2"? I'm looking for around 1000gph.


Hope this helps

 

[cmhollis]

Scott,

I have a standard AGA120g with two of the Mega-Flow overflows. I am using two Durso standpipes, 1.25".

These overflows are rated at 600 gph. One drains to my fuge, the other to my sump. The Fuge gravity drains to the sump. My fuge and sump are in the basement, with about 12' of head to pump against. For this reason I am using a Sequence 1000 Sw3200 return pump. It does a great job and seems to be very reliable.

Here is a photo of the basement setup:

Things have changed in the basement since then, but you get the basic idea.

Have you thought about drilling the back of the tank for a CLS? I added 6 holes to the back of mine (2 1.5" drains, 4 1.5" returns). The drains come together into a 2" pipe, drops to the basement to my CLS pump (Sequence 5800), come up to an Oceans Motions 4-way, to the 4 returns.

You say you don't want 'wicked' flow, but you really need to decide what you want to keep in the tank before you have water in it. If you think that you will ever want to keep SPS, then you should turn over your tanks volume at least 30 and preferably 50 times per hour. So for a 120 you are looking at 3600 - 6000 gph.

If you don't like the idea of drilling your tank, then look into Tunze streams or the new Icecap Vortech pumps to give you more flow.

Basically you need to decide what kind of tank you want, what you want to keep, and design your system with those thoughts in mind. Also, read, read, and read some more. Look at what others have done, and then make up your own mind on what will work best for you.

HTH,

Mike

 

[Rendos]

I have a custom acrylic tank with overflow built on the outside of the tank...here is a picture.

I like this better than internal because it doesn't take up any room in the tank.

 

[algaeguy]

Thanks so much for all of the tips! I am actually going to employ Streams for te internal curculation in this system, so my biggest concern is calculating the right flow through the overfolw. I'm thinking about to one inch or one and ahalf inch standpipes in the overflow.

I definitely think that it's better to be able to accomodate more flow if my future plans change.

Thanks!

Scott

 

[h20cooled]

I'm also in the building stage for a 120G, I'm going for 2x 1 1/2" drains and 2x 3/4" returns through the overflow box. I would recommend getting your holes bigger then 1" you can always slow down the flow but its hard to make the holes bigger if you want it faster. Also if you can get 2 drains, that way if you decide you want to split them up or something else you have that option or you could setup the 2nd and as backup...

Rich

 

[eddybabyhd]

this is the inside pick of my overflow (view from tank)

this si the outside on the back

there is two 1 inch stanpipes that go in there