More Tank Build Questions...

[TriggerHappyDude]

I found out that the magic number is 5x the gallons of the tank...so 150 gallons x 5 = 750 gph...which is what I used in my example...

Now using those numbers I engaged in the RC calculator on the overflow...

Calculators->Drain Size Calculator

Using the following input parameters
Gallons per Hour = 750

Drain and Overflow sizes are calculated as
Recommended minimum drain pipe diameter = 1.13 inches
Recommended minimum linear overflow size = 11 inches

So mine being a 15" x 5" overflow = 20 linear inches? Right?
So I'm good...I could even redesign the overflow to be smaller, move to the corner, as long as I have 11" of linear size.

Like making 3"x3" corner overflows in two corners, or one corner of 5.5" x 5.5"...not sure I can get all my holes drilled in those sizes though. Is this theory right though?

 

[TriggerHappyDude]

I am wrong on the linear overflow size...
Its each side and front, so 15+5+5=25
Still more than enough for the GPH I need on a 150 gallon tank.

 

[pwhitby]

Chris,

The flow in a tank should not just be a function of the water passing through an overflow. To my mind the overflow rate should be calibrated to fit that of the skimmer. I say this because the skimmer works most effectively when the water entering it is loaded with organics. These naturally accumulate at the air-water interface. So....the water overflowing is likely the most polluted water in the system. If you have too much for the skimmer then it needs to flow directly into the sump and you are wasting an opportunity to remove the majority of the dirt, and are diluting it out.

A skimmer on a 150g tank will have around 300-400 gph tops.

Now.............its always better to have more overflow capacity incase the holes get blocked, which they will do. Sheets of nori (used for feeding tangs) are notorious for this. The excess also helps out should coralline algae begin to compromise the holes.

In essence...what I am trying to say, is that you are giving way too much thought to something that is not necessarily important.- I dont mean that to bad...

---so what skimmer are you planning on?

HTH some,

P.

 

[TriggerHappyDude]

Paul,

No I haven't gotten that far ahead, I wanted to finish the tank designs, and I didn't know about my overflow size, so thats why Im where I am now. Knowing that a 300-400 gph skimmer is what I'll need, is good info, from there I'd have to ask for suggestions on what skimmer to get..

 

[pwhitby]

My advice to you is to build a system with the largest water capacity possible, given the constraints of the environment it will be in. That essentially comes down to the largest sump/refugium possible.

--i have a question for you...just occured to me....have you visited many peoples tanks? You are welcome to come see what remains of my set up which may give you an idea as to what you can/cant do and what you need to concentrate on.


Its good that you are thinking on all of this and posting your thoughts. Without those you would jog our collective minds to offer advice and opinions.
P.

 

[TriggerHappyDude]

Paul,
I have not visited many peoples tanks, who are on here or serious about the hobby, I just don't have the contacts or connections or time usually. I'm not part of the COMAS yet either, haven't been to a meeting yet etc...it will come soon.

I'm not sure I understand what you are saying about come see what "remains" of your setup...I'd like to see more peoples tanks who are doing a rimless design like what I'm going for, but most are just online pictures they provide, not sure of people around here with one.

I'm just trying to understand what all I need to purchase to set this up, starting with the tank/stand/sump/skimmer...being most important. Right?

So what skimmers in the 300-400gph range are good?
What is the magic number for a sump/refuge, 10% of your tank min?

 

[TriggerHappyDude]

Also, on the topic of internal vs. external overflows...and deciding which one to build in the custom tank...

Which is better for a newer hobbist, or easier to maintain?
I know the internal OF will allow me to put the tank right up agains the wall, and I won't have to worry about losing syphon flow...but what does external offer me besides aquascaping space?

 

[TriggerHappyDude]

Exernal examples...

Exernal examples...

This is the same guys tank, but looks like AGE tried two different methods for the external...

This is the one they didn't go with from what I can tell...

Then the final one that shipped to this guy...