Need 180 g plumbing advice

[Rhodes19]

Hi All,

I need some plumbing advice. I just picked up a 180 g tank and need help on the plumbing. The biggest tank I ever had was a 55 g and all of the equipment was HOB. The 180 g has 2 corner overflows and 2 holes in the bottom of each for the return and overflow. What I want to do is use a 45 g as a sump/refugium but lately I have been seeing posts about closed loop systems and I am not sure that they are for. Do I need a closed loop or can I run both overflows through the refugium? What size return pump would you recommend? Should I use the ridged PVC or should I use the flexible tubing? For the fug I was thinking of using filter material on top of bio balls for the overflow water to go through, the fug in the middle, and a protein skimmer and return pump at the end. At some point I would like to add a calcium reactor and an automatic top of system. Should there be anything else I need to take into consideration? Any and all advice or suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks.

 

[Rhodes19]

Any one?

 

[waynem]

How about lights?

Search closed loops,

Use a filter sock, skip the bio balls IMO
Good luck.

 

[nylogger]

Start reading, all the info you need is here.

 

[Traill]

It might seem unhelpful but I agree w nylogger. You've got a lot of questions, any one of which could occupy an entire thread, or several threads. Best thing to do IMO is to start digging in by reading a bunch. That, and lose the bio balls.

 

[Rhodes19]

Waynem, Nylogger, and Traill,

Thank you for your response and recommendations. Unfortunatly, I have been reading for the past couple of weeks and I wind up with more questions than answers. To complicate things, the search function has not been available to narrow the search down. Its starting to become frustrating. I read referrances to the subject I am interested in but see no specific details. Making stands and DIY rocks have been the only exception. Pleanty of pictures, detail, and advice. I was hoping that by asking questions I would get some answers or at lease be directed to existing threads and save hours of searching.

Waynem,
A 6' PC came with the tank. It has day, actinic, and moon light. The LFS told me I would need more light. I'm thinking T-5.

 

[nylogger]

I understand the frustration. I don't know how long you have been reading posts (hopefully long before you joined), but it is the best way to pick up hte basics, then you can ask specific questions on each topic.

I will answer one for you; the closed loop does not, and should not run thru your sump or refugium. A closed loop is a direct circuit : Intake ..... Pump.... outlets (or multiple outlet)
The purpose is to create flow for your reef, a refugium is generally low current and passive.

Most likely in your tank you will require all 4 holes in the overflow for filtration and returns. A closed loop would require additional plumbing over the top, or drilling (careful with tempered glass)

This site is very accepting and patient with questions, just a matter of finding the right forum. Good luck!

 

[Rhodes19]

HI Nylogger,

Thanks again for your help. Your definition of a closed loop was excellent. I'll start with plumbing for filtration first. I don't think I will be drilling any holes in my tank though. I had been lurking qround RC for about a month looking for info I could use for a 45 and 55 g I was going to set up until I got the 180 g. Whole new ball game now! A lot to learn. Thanks again.

 

[yankee26th]

Re: Need 180 g plumbing advice

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14279016#post14279016 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rhodes19
Hi All,

I need some plumbing advice. I just picked up a 180 g tank and need help on the plumbing. The biggest tank I ever had was a 55 g and all of the equipment was HOB. The 180 g has 2 corner overflows and 2 holes in the bottom of each for the return and overflow. What I want to do is use a 45 g as a sump/refugium but lately I have been seeing posts about closed loop systems and I am not sure that they are for. Do I need a closed loop or can I run both overflows through the refugium? What size return pump would you recommend? Should I use the ridged PVC or should I use the flexible tubing? For the fug I was thinking of using filter material on top of bio balls for the overflow water to go through, the fug in the middle, and a protein skimmer and return pump at the end. At some point I would like to add a calcium reactor and an automatic top of system. Should there be anything else I need to take into consideration? Any and all advice or suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks.

Hello Rhodes19 ---
I am currently running a 150 Reef tank. I'm going to be upgrading to the exact tank that you have. I, like yourself, had alot of questions although I have 15 years or so experience in the hobby. I found out, over the past several months, that I don't know anything about the hobby as certain members do in RC.

The best way to help you would be the following --- I have been fortunate enough to have met Mike of Reef Specialty.com. He has been in the business and the hobby for several years now. He was recommended to me by another member. When I told him that I was looking to upgrade to a 180 he made the following suggestions to me.

First, get a serious return pump. He suggested the Reef Gold Dart Pump with the Baldor motor, ( I bought it ). This pump has enough flow that I'm going to be able to run my Chiller, Protein Skimmer, Calcium Reactor, Media Reactors and supply water to my main tank with only this one pump. The funny thing is, this pump only uses an average of 132 watts. All my equipment will be supplied with water flowing from the pump through a Manifold. This is a device that anyone can build out of PVC, and its best to use flexible PVC for your hose material. The return pump flows water through the Manifold and then distributes the water to your different equipment. To see how he designs his manifold click on this link http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1313678
This thread was started by his employee Jeremy (JRAquatics). In the thread you will see photos of his build and of his Manifold. By the way, they do not recommend using a Closed-Loop system.

Next you have to invest in a serious Protein Skimmer. They have recently designed a new line of Protein Skimmers called the "Hurricone". If you want to see what one looks like go to the "Reef Specialty" sponsor forum and click on the thread "Hurricone - A new line of Protein Skimmers, or click on this thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1524407. I purchased the CAT 2 External model.
Then I would recommend a larger sump/refuge. You may want to consider a 70 to 80 gallon sump/refuge. Don't use Bio-balls. It would be best to design your sump to hold Filter Socks. I'm having one custom-built based upon a design I came up with. When its finished I'll email you a photo. Filter socks are also great for reducing bubbles.
I hope this answers most of your questions. If you have any further questions please let me know.

Good Luck ---
Chris

 

[Rhodes19]

Hi Chris,

Wow, thank you for all that information and advice. I like the idea of running every thing off of one pump and going through a manifold. I can make it and then add equipment to it as I get them. I also like the energy savings. I was going to use my 45 g as a sump/refuge but from what I understand, the more volume the better. I’ll start looking for something bigger. I was thinking about making my own protein skimmer but I think it will be better to buy one. I hadn’t considered a filter sock. Wasn’t quite sure what it was and hadn’t researched it yet. It sounds like it takes the place of the filter floss for large particles. I would love to see a picture of it when its done.

Thanks again for your help. This definitely gives me a better idea of what I need to consider and do. Thanks.

Cheers,

Chris