My new 350g with 100g sump

[browning_boy20]

So I bought a 350g that has a cracked back and am in the process of getting it fixed for a fowlr bare bottom. The dimensions are 96x33x25 with pvc bottom and I am trying to get an idea of how I want to set it up. It currently has a bean animal over flow but that will be removed during glass replacement at the factory and I am toying with the idea of doing something different as I don't like the idea of having my tank about 8" off the wall to accommodate the pipes and valves coming from the overflow so I am thinking the best route would be to drill the PVC bottom and put overflow and returns there. Thoughts? Also can I run my return from the reeflow dart on two sea swirls for movement and adding two tunze 6105 if needed. Should i need more flow after the sea swirls. know I would still need to have pipes run behind for them but I would relocate the valves so less space would be needed. I am going with the reef octopus 5000 for a skimmer but should I get a in sump or external? Does both require an additional pump to work or just the external? I am open to suggestions as this is my first build and I am upgrading from a 125 so I am looking for your advice on setup. I will start posting pictures as soon as I get the tank repaired and start building. I am just in the process of getting all my ducks in a row so I am ready once I get it back. Thanks in advance.

 

[worm5406]

8" why so far out? Let the pipes go straight down behind the tank and put your valve under the tank in the sump area.

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Great idea worm.

 

[browning_boy20]

OK so I can move the valves from their current location to under the tank but still after the bulkhead and 90 with the 2" pipes coming out the back I am thinking I will still be 5" off the wall but I guess I can deal with that. I just know the closer I can get it to the wall the quieter it will be. What can I do for returns? The last guy had a single pipe run back inside but I don't like that. Should I drill the bottom and put nozzles in it? Or would buying 2-3 sea swirls be my best option instead of having to buy as many power heads? The only thing I don't like about the sea swirls is I can't go low flow for feeding and at night. What about the skimmer being internal vs external? Will each need another supply pump and which would you recommend internal or external? Lastly should I keep the bean animal overflow or go with something different? Thanks in advance , I know this is a lot of questions but I need a lot of help.

 

[browning_boy20]

Anyone got advice or suggestions?

 

[CyclistMT]

Personally, I wouldn't go through the bottom with returns. That will mean check valves (that WILL fail at some point) unless you run the return to the top of the water line. If you do that, you might as well come over the top.

So, obviously, I would come over the top. I would do a few return points (not just one) and Sea Swirls are fine if you want them.

For cutting flow for feeding, you could always hook your pumps up to a reef controler if you find that important enough. Or you could use the newer DC controled return pumps which have an integrated controller in them with a feed feature As for lowering the flow at night, don't do it. Night time is when you need the most oxygen you can muster and good flow helps ensure that. Besides, the ocean doesn't magically reduce it's flow at night. Yes, you'll hear people say the ocean gets calmer at night but I believe that is mostly wind that calms down and doesn't disturb the surface of the water as much. Currents are still flowing under the waves and wind doesn't always die down at night. Storms don't just happen during the day.

Internal vs. external will need to be a design desion you make. It all depends on how you want to set your tank up. You will need a feed pump for external unless you feed it from the overflow (best option). If you get a recirculating internal you will need a feed pump also. However you don't need to go with a recirculating. Up to you. Personally, I prefer internal skimmers. If something goes wrong with an internal skimmer (overflows) water will not end up on the floor.

Beananimal is best.

Good luck!





Current tunes: Chevelle - The Red

 

[browning_boy20]

OK so it looks like I will keep the bean animal and deal with the tank being so far from the wall, get an internal sro 5000 for the skimmer and look into the sea swirls for my returns. What size and how many sea swirls should I get to handle the flow on the return? 1" or 1.5"? Looks like I need to start breaking out the wallet and get a few things ordered.