Old Reefer returning to the Hobby, 120gal plumbing/build advice requested!

[SinCityReefer]

Hi there RC folks! Oh how I've missed you all over the years! Back in Las Vegas I had a quite successful 120gal (4x2x2) setup running for several years, but i had to move to WA state (Seattle) for work and the prospect of a multi-state tank relocation just seemed like too much to bear. My livestock went to the local community and i packed it all up into storage.

Now, here we are, almost 5 years later, and I'm finally ready to get going again. And i must say, things have changed in 5 years! Holy Smokes!!! Im back eyeguzzling all the forms, and I really enjoyed the "52 Weeks of Reefing" Youtube series from BulkReefSupply, i feel like i know whats out there now, but im looking for some seasoned advice/opinions from you all!

Ok, first things first. I am used to the "old school" durso drain plumbing setup, so reading about Herby and BeanAnimal has me a little at odds with how to proceed. I've not ordered my new tank yet, but had planned on going with a "Standard Reef Ready" option with overflows already in place and drilled. That will leave me with two overflow boxes and a total of 4 holes... Would you;
A) Run two old school durso's and returns
B) Run two Herbies and run the return up the back of the tank
C) Something else entirely?

In my reading it sounds like it might be difficult to adjust two separate overflow boxes to both have a properly running Herby,? Anyone doing this? Ive looked into custom tanks (which would have more drains) to implement a BeanAnimal, but the cost difference is staggering.

Do you guys think a custom tank is worth it from the plumbing perspective?

Thanks again everyone, nice to hear from you all again.!

-Steve

 

[SinCityReefer]

Ok, so the custom take idea is off the table..

Im looking at an Aqueon Reef Ready 120, it will have two overflows with two holes in each. One for 1" and one for 3/4" in each. Would you..??

A ) Run two durso's on the 1", and two returns back up the 3/4"

B ) Herby one overflow, using the 2nd overflow as return and emergency-emergency 3rd drain?

C) Herby both overflows and run the return up the back of the tank over the lip?

I'm looking at the vectra M1 to run the system though the sump and feed the refuge. Whats the GPH rating of a 1" full siphon setup anyway?


Thanks again for looking.

 

[RocketEngineer]

Personally, I would buy a standard tank and drill it myself. I've done it twice and other then the pucker factor involved its not that hard to do. Plenty of water and going slow are key. Beyond that it just takes time and the nerve.

I have a 1" BeanAnimal setup and I'm pushing ~1000gph through it with no problems. You could probably do 1500gph depending on the plumbing. Try doing that with a "Reef Ready" (I hate that term btw) and the overflow won't be able to handle the flow quietly.

Given how big the commercial overflow boxes are, having two in a 120g just makes me think its a 90g instead. A DIY overflow would give you a much cleaner look.

Just my opinion.

 

[dkeller_nc]

Yep, I second that opinion. The Aqueons and Marinelands are certainly cost effective, but after you get over the awful plastic brace going straight across the middle of the tank, you shouldn't have to put up with the awful, huge "textured" injection-molded overflows.

So do it yourself. I you want a really low-profile, full-siphon BeAn Animal that doesn't intrude on your new tank, you could consider one of the Synergy Reef overflows.

 

[SinCityReefer]

Well I was afraid you guys were gonna say that!!!

Man, but the pucker factor is so high! BRS's video makes it seem so trivial, but still makes me nervous.... But I suppose nothing ventured nothing gained!

On the bright side I can finally support "Drill baby drill!!"

 

[dkeller_nc]

By the way, if your comment about a custom tank being "off the table" is because of cost, you might consider something in between the low-cost but less-than-desirable design and construction of off-the-shelf tanks and the really nice but pricey high-end totally custom offerings from folks like Reef Savvy, A.G.E. and others.

There are several vendors that offer imported low-iron glass tanks that are generally better suited to reef tanks than the Aqueon/Marineland options, but still don't break the bank. CADlights is one such company - I've had one of their 50g artisan cube tanks set up for 3 years, and am very happy with the tank. It's a low-iron, rimless design with an exceptionally well constructed acrylic trapezoid overflow and black silicone.

I was equally pleased with the all-glass, 3-chamber sump. It's basic, but I much prefer the basic box design rather than lots of "integrated" features like probe and filter sock holders, covers, euro-braced designs, etc...

My only note is that I didn't care for the included equipment (in this case, skimmer and return pump), so I replaced those with units of my own choosing. But they'll gladly sell you a tank-only, tank + sump, or tank + sump + stand package.

SC aquariums is another vendor that uses a similar model - imported tanks that they marry with in-house constructed stands, sumps and equipment. And they've a special this month on their 5' long 150g euro-braced, low-iron glass tank for $845 including shipping. Pretty hard to beat that for a tank with no obtrusive, across-the-top plastic bracing.

 

[Mrramsey]

Personally, I would buy a standard tank and drill it myself. I've done it twice and other then the pucker factor involved its not that hard to do. Plenty of water and going slow are key. Beyond that it just takes time and the nerve.

I have a 1" BeanAnimal setup and I'm pushing ~1000gph through it with no problems. You could probably do 1500gph depending on the plumbing. Try doing that with a "Reef Ready" (I hate that term btw) and the overflow won't be able to handle the flow quietly.

Given how big the commercial overflow boxes are, having two in a 120g just makes me think its a 90g instead. A DIY overflow would give you a much cleaner look.

Just my opinion.

+1 This... I also did a BA on my 120 - I can do about 1200gph silently 1500 max. My build thread is in my sig. Good luck and welcome back to the hobby.

 

[SinCityReefer]

By the way, if your comment about a custom tank being "off the table" is because of cost, you might consider something in between the low-cost but less-than-desirable design and construction of off-the-shelf tanks and the really nice but pricey high-end totally custom offerings from folks like Reef Savvy, A.G.E. and others.

There are several vendors that offer imported low-iron glass tanks that are generally better suited to reef tanks than the Aqueon/Marineland options, but still don't break the bank. CADlights is one such company - I've had one of their 50g artisan cube tanks set up for 3 years, and am very happy with the tank. It's a low-iron, rimless design with an exceptionally well constructed acrylic trapezoid overflow and black silicone.

I was equally pleased with the all-glass, 3-chamber sump. It's basic, but I much prefer the basic box design rather than lots of "integrated" features like probe and filter sock holders, covers, euro-braced designs, etc...

My only note is that I didn't care for the included equipment (in this case, skimmer and return pump), so I replaced those with units of my own choosing. But they'll gladly sell you a tank-only, tank + sump, or tank + sump + stand package.

SC aquariums is another vendor that uses a similar model - imported tanks that they marry with in-house constructed stands, sumps and equipment. And they've a special this month on their 5' long 150g euro-braced, low-iron glass tank for $845 including shipping. Pretty hard to beat that for a tank with no obtrusive, across-the-top plastic bracing.

THANKS!!!! TBH, i had a hard time finding a "custom" place that didn't want 2500+ for a 120g... But SC has one for 899 shipped! Well now, thats more like it! Looks like their overflows come drilled with 3 holes already, pucker factor is going down by the minuet....