NEW plumbing method for an ULTRA QUIET REEF TANK!!!! LONG !!!!
- Thread starter Herbie
- Start date
nattydread
Member
I guess I should post these questions in the right thread.
Im getting a tech 120 with 2 mega flow kits. 2 drains rated at 600 gph each and two returns. My return pump will be a Sedra 12, rated at 1200 gph - headloss. So figure I lose 200 gph due to headloss. Will this be too much pump when running only one main drain with the other for emergency? Should I downsize the pump? I dont like the idea of restricting it.
Also, with the 2 megaflow kits can I mod them to herbies method (not including gate valve)?
Im getting a tech 120 with 2 mega flow kits. 2 drains rated at 600 gph each and two returns. My return pump will be a Sedra 12, rated at 1200 gph - headloss. So figure I lose 200 gph due to headloss. Will this be too much pump when running only one main drain with the other for emergency? Should I downsize the pump? I dont like the idea of restricting it.
Also, with the 2 megaflow kits can I mod them to herbies method (not including gate valve)?
rdmpe
New member
When you run the drain as a full siphon (submerged, no air) it has a much higher flow capacity. So you'll probably be fine. But the emergency drain also should be able to handle the full flow in case of a clogged main. So that's probably where you are most likely to have an issue. You'll probably just have to set it up and test it (by closing the main drain valve).
Always use a screen on your main drain too! No need to screen the emergency drain IMO.
I've been using this setup for about 1.5 years now with amazing results.
Always use a screen on your main drain too! No need to screen the emergency drain IMO.
I've been using this setup for about 1.5 years now with amazing results.
I've got a center overflow with two 1" drains and two 3/4" returns. I had Durso's on both drains...and had a quiet overflow and a noisy sump. I was lengthing the Durso's but realized that I didn't have enough pipe (1 1/4"). So after reading this thread I lengthened one, stuck the open (shorter) pipe on the other and fired up the pump.
The open drain handled the entire flow from the Mag 18, so i began to close down the ball valve until I got the water level in the overflow where I wanted it and the sump was blissfully quiet. The Durso acts as the backup--and the upper drain limit--it feeds the fuge, so I needed it to carry part of the flow. I've still got some tweaking to do, but so far I'm pleased!
The open drain handled the entire flow from the Mag 18, so i began to close down the ball valve until I got the water level in the overflow where I wanted it and the sump was blissfully quiet. The Durso acts as the backup--and the upper drain limit--it feeds the fuge, so I needed it to carry part of the flow. I've still got some tweaking to do, but so far I'm pleased!
uhuru has the right idea(passive power adds no heat. ) Alot of tank to tank multilevel systems use this meathod. Great thread, however a drain cannot take as much in at first untill it gets started so make sure to turn your systems on and off to test that your secondary drain is sufficent.
Thank you very much for your idea. (kept me from taking my tank down as I want low maintenance going to college an hour away) My tank is way quieter. the reason it isn't silent is because after silencing the water i relized that the pump is making noise along with some power heads. I used a 3/4" plastic gate valve and flow around 600 gal/hr. Definately the best idea i have heard of after talking to many people. I also have a trickle of water down the emergency bulkhead, but it i quiet and could be prevented by higher placement of the intake. Thanks a million.
Thank you very much for your idea. (kept me from taking my tank down as I want low maintenance going to college an hour away) My tank is way quieter. the reason it isn't silent is because after silencing the water i relized that the pump is making noise along with some power heads. I used a 3/4" plastic gate valve and flow around 600 gal/hr. Definately the best idea i have heard of after talking to many people. I also have a trickle of water down the emergency bulkhead, but it i quiet and could be prevented by higher placement of the intake. Thanks a million.
Little Bitty
New member
Sorry, but I don't have the time to read 38 pages of posts. This will be my first tank that doesn't use HOB. I have an 80 tank that I bought used and am redoing. It currently isn't drilled. Can this be done drilling holes on the back and not the bottom of the tank. Please "dummy" down your answers as much as possible. I am completely new to the "sump scene"
Thank You,
Christy
Thank You,
Christy
robertifly
Premium Member
I drilled two holes in the back at the same height one on each side. I built an overflow box approx. 5.5 X 5.5"across the back on the inside, each bulkhead has a 90 degree elbow one is turned down and is the main drain, the other is turned up and is the overflow. It works, and is silent.
Little Bitty
New member
robertifly-
Do you have any pictures?
Do you have any pictures?
robertifly
Premium Member
click on "my gallery" there are a few on last page. I have since separated the feed to the refuge from the corner. drain as I did get some gurgling sound back from that but nothing now. The OF box all the way across the back was an idea to get more skimming action from the water surface which it does, however it takes up quite a bit of tank and I'm not sure two smaller corner boxes won't do as well.
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