Opinions needed

Eggs

Eggs

In Memoriam
I am getting ready to set-up a 180g.
It had a 1 1/2" hole in one upper corner, and I drilled a second in the opposite corner. This will allow two 3/4" drains to the sump.
My question is: will these be adequate for a 180, or do I need larger holes to create more flow to the sump? I may add a hang-on over-flow leading to a refugium if needed.

Thanks for your thoughts.
Mike


PS - I may have a new PS3 (20 GB) up for sale with 2 year warranty from Best Buy if anyone is interested - at cost.
 
not understanding how two 1 and a half inch holes are allowing two 3/4 inch drains to the sump.... if you mean that you have both then the answer is something like this, you want the drain holes typically bigger than the returns... this is simply because you cannot return more than your draining. 1 and a half inches is more than enough and 3/4 is likewise enough. Make more flow in your tank with powerheads as opposed to rushing it through the sump and back into the tank, you want your turnover rate to allow time for your skimmer to pull out as much as possible (if that makes sense)

For example my 310 gallon tank has two 1 and a half inch drains and two 1 inch returns with a 65 gallon sump and a sequence dart (3600 gpa) pump which is throttled back to about half because it was sucking the sump dry. The tank is fairly stocked with sps (particularly monti caps and they are growing about an inch of new plate a month.

So your simple answer being yes you'll have more than enough flow going to the sump on your 180 :)
 
Sounds like what I was thinking, but let me clarify alittle.

I haven't decided yet on the return. The drilled holes in the tank will allow me two 3/4" bulkheads for draining to the sump.

I don't want to drill two more holes for a larger bulkhead, unless I would be much better off. I agree with not rushing water through the pump, but lfs said I should increase the hole size to increase flow to 2000 gph - doesn't that seem rather excessive? I was thinking 1000-1200 gph.

Thanks.
 
the 1-1/2" holes are for 3/4" bulkheads and most likely returns from the previous owner. Each would be good for 500-600 gph each depending on the plumbing or tubing. Most tank to sump drains are setup to generate desired flow to the sump then you match that outflow with a pump and plumbing capable of the same return volume plus the head loss of pumping the water vertical. Most use a valve either to control the outflow or the return flow (I prefer to control the outflow myself just incase the pump has any issues). If you plan on using a hang-on overflow don't worry about retuen buklhead sizes as you will simply get a higher pressure return. I wouldn't use a top hole as a drain to sump of fuge. Overflow the water to the sump and return or thru bulkheads in your 2 holes. If you want to add a fuge, simply pump or overflow water to it from the sump then back to the sump for a single return system to the tank. I can diagram the most widely used systems or reference a few links if you are interested.

In a 180 I'd suggest drilling the center back bottom for a single 1-1/2' drain, add an overflow partition and standpipe, dump that thru and valve to the sump. Return using a 1200-1500 GPH pump to the 3/4" bulkheads and you'll be very happy with the results.

Don't listen to coralkiller/aptasia farmer, he's clueless! :)
 
why in the world would he drill another hole in the center of the tank if he's already got 4 holes to work with.... I think you've just got a big hole in the center of your head stackdaddy.... eggs your going to get plenty of flow with what you've got going on already, what size sump are you using?

and just remember, the only time you want to actually listen to stacker aka the old crazy fellow is when he's telling World War 1 stories :lol:
 
I only have 2 holes drilled. After the bulkheads are added, they will be 3/4".

How hard is it to build an overflow partition?
 
You can buy one preformed to fit your tank. Several manufacturers make em. Making your own isn't impossible but you need to have a grasp on the size needed and have access to the proper tools.

Don't mind Ryan, he lost what little of his brain that functioned when he moved to Florduh. :)

there are threads here on RC with pics, illustrations and diagrams of many setups. You can find others on some of the other reef boards too.

Your 3/4" bulkhead holes can work as drains but they will suck air and gurgle and there is little you can do to eliminate it. the best drain solution for the 180 is a dual corner standpipe and quad return (1 - 1 1/2" standpipe in each back corner, 1 return in each top/back corner, and 2 returns in the top back center. Gives you great out flow and even better return flow dynamics. Paul (hookedonfish)has a 180 with a single back/center overflow and 4 returns and his tank is one of the nicest I've seen.

Just a few ideas that you'll be happy you did in the future.

Again, if you have other questions or want help on specifics just ask but ignore Ryan's 2 cents whenever possible... :)
 
Alright, after working on the stand and watching the Buckeye BB game, mixed in with quite a few beers, I ordered a hole saw to put a 1 1/2" drain in. Gives me about a week to decide on a center-bottom hole or putting two on each end.

I appreciate all of the input.

Mike
 
If you plan to go with SPS more flow is better and I'd suggest the corners, if you plan on a mixed reef with fish, sofites, and LPS the center will do and save cutting the extra holes and all the extra plumbing and time. Alot depends on what you want to keep and time and $$$ you want to invest now.
 
Eggs, You are welcome to stop by and look at my 180. I live in Howland just off 46. Or I may have some photos of my plumbing I could send you.

Paul
 
I can't find my photos of my plumbing, ect. I will be home every evening this week after 5:30. Just stop by. In fact, Jimmy and I will be working on his propagation tank and stand set up at my house tonight. Typical young man with no mechanical skills....LOL (but has some nice coral and will trade Superman monti for the work). And yes Stacker my tank is currently a little getto due to the lack of time, but at least i have one running.....LOLOLO.....

Address:
200 Stonecreek Ln
Warren, OH 44484

Ph. 330-856-1996

Paul
 
LOL...

You guys would get the joke if you saw Paul's setup(s). Nothing is 1/2 assed and the worse you'll see is maybe uncleaned inside glass if you popped in unexpectedly....

BTW, I just got a freebie 55 with stand (brand new) for helping my Mom and Dad's neighbor move. I'll prolly set it up for a couple months so I can transfer out my LR and from the prop tank. I'm Glad noone bought my big LR pieces now.... I should be able to move all but the 3 big pieces of LR to the 55. I'll raffle it off or sell it cheap in the spring after I get the 120 finished.

Now, who has a diamond holesaw? LOL
 
Paul,
I'll call you after I check and make sure my wife hasn't scheduled me for anything in the next few days.

Stacker,
I have some diamond hole saws you can use: 1 5/8", 1 3/8", 1 3/16", 1", and 3/4" (only used the 1 5/8", once).

Also have a 2 3/4" on the way, and I just found and ordered a 2 5/8" (which is what I needed instead of the 2 3/4").

Mike
 
Paul def has a nice setup, you'll enjoy it, shame more people don't post stuff about their tanks on here i'm sure more people are out there with sweet tanks in your area. I'll get some pics of mine up shortly too now that I got a semi decent camera, but first i got to get some time....
 
Thx Mike, I think I have your number somewhere but you may need to shoot it at me again. Send it to SYSMAN@MODESINC.COM and I'll give you a shout after X-Mas... I have a grand scheme to design and built something completely off the hook that will require ALOT of bulkhead drilling. I appreciate it!
 
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