First Saltwater Tank

[ArtieFufkin]

Hi all! I've had freshwater aquariums for years and now I'm currently putting together my first saltwater tank. Its a 55 gallon and I will be turning my 29gal into a sump for it. I plan on having corals and a few fish.

In planning the plumbing I am thinking of 1in overflow drains and 1.25in return line. Haven't decided if the overflow drain will be drilled on the side or the bottom of the tank. Any tips or reccomendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[JohnL]

I'm currently putting together my first saltwater tank.

Welcome to Reef Central

 

[ArtieFufkin]

Welcome to Reef Central

Thanks!

 

[reefing102]

Welcome to RC! I’m not too good with overflows, I just have a basic Durso drain with bottom drilled (standard 65 gallon). Perhaps @BeanAnimal may be able to help

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

@only 55 gallons 1" is more than enough for return & drain lines.

 

[ArtieFufkin]

Thanks for the input so far. I decided to go with a 75 gal and it is on the way! It is coming predrilled in the bottom. Building the stand this weekend hopefully.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Still 1" is fine.

 

[kfisc]

Welcome and good luck! Post lots of pictures. It's fun for all of us to cheer you on.

 

[ArtieFufkin]

Welcome and good luck! Post lots of pictures. It's fun for all of us to cheer you on.

Thanks, I will. Probably be a little while before anything photo worthy is ready but the wheels are in motion

 

[ArtieFufkin]

I have a 75 gal marineland tank with corner overflow drilled on bottom. They have it plumbed with a drain and return both in the overflow. Can I plumb the overflow with a drain and backup drain and just run a seperate return line?

 

[reefing102]

I don’t see why not. Your return line will likely just have to run up the back and over the top.

@Vinny Kreyling @BeanAnimal thoughts?

 

[ArtieFufkin]

I don’t see why not. Your return line will likely just have to run up the back and over the top.

@Vinny Kreyling @BeanAnimal thoughts?

That's what I was thinking, seems safer to me. Didn't know if there was a specific reason why they might do it their way. Thanks!

 

[reefing102]

That's what I was thinking, seems safer to me. Didn't know if there was a specific reason why they might do it their way. Thanks!

Only issue possibly is I believe the holes in the overflow are two different size holes so just different size plumbing

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

It's called a "Herbie Drain", I ran 2 overflows on a 250 like that & returned via 2 Sea Swirls.
Just be sure to use a GATE VALVE on the main drain line.

 

[ArtieFufkin]

It's called a "Herbie Drain", I ran 2 overflows on a 250 like that & returned via 2 Sea Swirls.
Just be sure to use a GATE VALVE on the main drain line.

Will do, thanks!

 

[ArtieFufkin]

Took a while (stupid working for a living getting in the way) but I got the stand built. Here is a pic of the dry run. Hopefully plumbing and aquascaping this week. Thanks for all the info and tips. More to come

 

[JohnL]

Good looking stand

 

[reefing102]

Very nice

 

[ArtieFufkin]

I'm starting to add water but it might take a day or two to fill. Should I have a powerhead running to keep the water moving if I have to leave it for a while?

 

[OldReefGuy]

With the LR (assuming its LR) in there, I would run a powerhead and a heater...nice stand BTW