60 Gal Cube Build...... help wanted!
- Thread starter likefish
- Start date
this is a better representation of what i plan to do:
I hope to use one pump to supply both tanks. I will add valves to the lines to control flow. I am looking to keep the pump as small as possible and have been looking at suggested turnover rates for tanks -vs- sumps. Some suggest minimal turnover as low as 5x sump volume per hour to maximize filtration (skimmer/algae scrubber) Others reccomend turnover rates as high as 30x per hour.
I will maintain tank flor rates with power heads. Turnover is the question for now.
As you can see i have yet to figure out the connection between the 40breeder and the sump. The differance in height is the issue. I suppose i can raise the height of the breeder but it will cost me working space above it.
Any suggestions?
I hope to use one pump to supply both tanks. I will add valves to the lines to control flow. I am looking to keep the pump as small as possible and have been looking at suggested turnover rates for tanks -vs- sumps. Some suggest minimal turnover as low as 5x sump volume per hour to maximize filtration (skimmer/algae scrubber) Others reccomend turnover rates as high as 30x per hour.
I will maintain tank flor rates with power heads. Turnover is the question for now.
As you can see i have yet to figure out the connection between the 40breeder and the sump. The differance in height is the issue. I suppose i can raise the height of the breeder but it will cost me working space above it.
Any suggestions?
You can also use flex tubing. I got like 100' of 1.5" when I started my 180 build. I am slowly using it up. After I get the 120 plumbed in With the 180 it will be ONE large body of water.
Use a small MJ/Cobalt and switch the water between the both tanks (40 and sump) Just, like you said, do not get into a siphon effect or the breeder will be low in water.
Use a small MJ/Cobalt and switch the water between the both tanks (40 and sump) Just, like you said, do not get into a siphon effect or the breeder will be low in water.
What would the benefit of 30x/hour flow rate in the sump? Sounds like a waste of electricity. I have a large pump currently because I was using my return for the flow in the tank and I am completely changing that idea and going with a much smaller pump. My reasoning is that I have finally given in and added a powerhead and the pump I have been using adds lots of noise and heat which are two things I am working to eliminate.
I don't see any reason why you couldn't get a BB pump to handle all your return needs and it will be quiet as a mouse. I also love the idea of plumbing the tanks together. I think you will find that once you have everything set up, the added volume makes things much more stable.
woodnaquanut
Active member
Since the frag and sump are at the same level you would have to pump out of frag to sump. Seems like balancing this would be just about impossible.
Any chance you could use the space to the right of the 120 for the frag tank? Take out the cabinet next to the 120 and add another tank. If that is possible, how about moving the sump to under the 120/frag, move the cube closer to the corner and put seating next to the cube?
As it sits now are you planning on running plumbing across the gap (120/cabinet side) or going thru the wall or ???
Any chance you could use the space to the right of the 120 for the frag tank? Take out the cabinet next to the 120 and add another tank. If that is possible, how about moving the sump to under the 120/frag, move the cube closer to the corner and put seating next to the cube?
As it sits now are you planning on running plumbing across the gap (120/cabinet side) or going thru the wall or ???
Reefmedic79
Life and Reef Saver
I don't see a way to do it short of drilling the 40 and sump and allowing the 40 to overflow.
Also, have you considered an external pump for the return?
Run the 40 independent from the main system. With a large canister or HOB filter or skimmer. This would prevent you from having all your eggs in one basket. (Hint: I know someone who has something that might work)
Sent from my future self.
Also, have you considered an external pump for the return?
Run the 40 independent from the main system. With a large canister or HOB filter or skimmer. This would prevent you from having all your eggs in one basket. (Hint: I know someone who has something that might work)
Sent from my future self.
The 120 and the location of the cube are pretty much fixed (the wife has spoken). I will be plumbing through the wall and behind the cabinets. I will be using the space to the L of the cube for a cabinet that will hopefully house a display refugium (plumping it should be easy enough).
Where's the water level in the sump and frag tanks? If you raise the frag tank so the water levels are equal, then you could drill them both and connect with flex tubing. The water would drain into the frag tank, go through the flex into the sump and pump back from there. You could also split the drain and run 1 to each if you wanted to with a valve between to controll how much water goes which way, still connected through the flex tubing so only 1 return pump. You could also drain into the sump first and then put the return in the frag tank. It doesn't matter.
KnownStrangeR
New member
where are you finding the felx tubing?
Maybe a pool supply place? It's not a pressure line here so it doesn't need to be as strong.
KnownStrangeR
New member
im on the hunt for some flexible pressure tubing i cant find anything! im debating buying those hoses on TV where they shrink when the water turns off
Do not buy them.. Those are pressure based hoses.
http://flexpvc.com/ is where I got mine. I ordered 100feet of it for future use.
http://flexpvc.com/ is where I got mine. I ordered 100feet of it for future use.
I know that Pool supply companies carry Flex PVC. Gorman pool in Apopka will have it.
They are typicaly pretty proud of it $$$$ but it sure can solve problems!
Thank you for the suggestions on elevating the frag tank. I believe this to be my only option and probrably the best one. if i plumb the Frag tank with a been animal type overflow or just drill the frag tank and sump and have it gravity return i should be able to get it to work.
I like the idea of using some of the retrun water from the tank to supply the frag tank. Then it will benifit from a mouthfull fo fish poo from time to time! YUM!
They are typicaly pretty proud of it $$$$ but it sure can solve problems!
Thank you for the suggestions on elevating the frag tank. I believe this to be my only option and probrably the best one. if i plumb the Frag tank with a been animal type overflow or just drill the frag tank and sump and have it gravity return i should be able to get it to work.
I like the idea of using some of the retrun water from the tank to supply the frag tank. Then it will benifit from a mouthfull fo fish poo from time to time! YUM!
Swirlygig
Active member
KnownStrangeR
New member
thnx swirly
Went out of town for a week so project went on hold.
Lumber is purchased and project is under way. Building tomorrow.
For now the trim is off and i finalized all of the dimensions.
also gave my rock a bleach bath and then acid bath. Nasty process! Lots of goo came off though.
Lumber is purchased and project is under way. Building tomorrow.
For now the trim is off and i finalized all of the dimensions.
also gave my rock a bleach bath and then acid bath. Nasty process! Lots of goo came off though.
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