New 65 Flow Question

[AquaNewb]

Hello Guys,

I just got back from the LFS and I think I decided on getting a 65 gallon AGA RR Tank. The thing that I dont like is the Mega-Flow system is only rated at 600gph. I don't think that will be enough for such a deep tank.(36x18x24) Can another modification be made without drilling the tank? I'm not real comfortable having to drill it.

Has anyone one used both holes in overflow for Drains, And just returned from the sump over the back of the tank? Do any of you know what the flow rate would be if I did that?

Or

Should I just use a HOB overflow to supply a CL system? If so what pump should I use for CL?

Sorry so many questions but Im new.
BTW: tank is going to be mainly reef with corals. A couple clowns And have 2-3" of sand in bottom. Would love to get a Clam later on.

Thanks

 

[SeanySean]

depends on the corals you want but you can always increase the internal flow of your system with powerheads if you like the look!!!

Flow rate if you used both drains... what pumps are you returning with - look at the head rate and calculate, I worked mine out by putting a measuring jug and timing, quite good really as I had to replace a pump that was less than half the output of the written quote!!

 

[Andrew]

600 pgh hour on a 65 gallon tank would be good. You don't need that large of a turnover rate for your overflow. If you want more flow then you can add some powerheads to the tank.

 

[AquaNewb]

Well thanks guys that was fast!

So you think that would be enough turnover? I would like to limit powerheads though.

So why do so many people talk about having 15x to 20x turnover rate doesn't that help keep the tank cleaner? I may be all wrong, just need a little guidance.

I really only want to buy the main equipment once. dont want to have to add a bunch to it once I get it up and running. So if there is a question abut having marginal flow , I'd rather have to turn down then to not have enough later if I get more demanding critters.

Thanks Again,

 

[SeanySean]

SPS corals need the high flow you are at +/- 10X which is good for everything else

I hate PH's so I have over 15X going thorugh my overflow - NOISE is going to be an issue

15K of water every hour has caused me a lot of mods to reduce noise

for starting your great, good flow, good size tank, if you want the more difficukt corals later then there are PH's that can produce enough flow 10K Litres p/h!

Or the route I have done, bigger return pumps (I still have PH's though )

 

[Andrew]

You could have that return pump plus 2-3 maxi-jet 1200's or two seio 820s or 1100's. That would be a good amount of flow. I run two seio 620's and a rio 600 on my 75 gallon tank ( 4 foot ) and thats good enough flow for me.

 

[AquaNewb]

once again guys Thank you..

All your help is appreciated.

question about what pump to use. It says on spec sheet that to get the 600gph from overflow that it must have a "2400gph pump at 5' of head" What does that equate to in "new guy " terms? Is there a standard pump that is the best to go with. Or are there other outside factors that need to be considered.

Basicaly, Is there something you guys prefer over another.
I've heard bad things about using a mag pump outside of sump. Is that true? Do they leak or do they over heat?

What are some other good choice for the price?


Thanks

 

[Fast Fred]

According to this chart, you would either need a Mag-drive 7 or a Mag-drive 9.5 and throttle it down with a valve.

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_powerheads_pumps_danner_mag_drive_supreme.asp?CartId=

Magdrives can be run in the water or as an externally mounted pump.