Plumbing my 125g

[MBuck]

I have stepped out of the NORA forum for some advise on this....
Here is a diagram of what I would like to do, would appreciate some input

What size return pump, what dimensions on the overflow box, all the spec are in the diagram, would like to use a submersible pump....heat will not be an issue, I am using regular NO lights....no corals, etc, FOWLR.

Thanks everyone!!

Also, for these size bulkheads, the calculator says 2700gph, for both holes, and 20" linear inches for the overflow...

Thanks again!

 

[Dubbin1]

I think what you have there looks like it will work just fine.

 

[skippysmind]

I think you should have both overflows empty into the sump, so some of the water doesn't bypass the skimmer. IMO

 

[MBuck]

If I do that Jeff, what kind of hole am I going to need in betwwen the tanks?? Just concerned about the volume of water filling a fairly "low" tank...

I actually thought about that myself, but was concerned about overflowing one tank...

 

[Go Hooter Go]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6994436#post6994436 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MBuck
If I do that Jeff, what kind of hole am I going to need in betwwen the tanks?? Just concerned about the volume of water filling a fairly "low" tank...

I actually thought about that myself, but was concerned about overflowing one tank...

I also think that you should have them both drain into the sump so none bypass the skimmer... As far for overflowing the sump, would it be possible to have a bigger sump?

If not, I would put 2 1 3/4" Holes to connect the sumps... The same amount of flow going down can also leave with the same size holes...

Also, do you have 1 3/4" HOLES??? That would only be a 1" Bulkhead instead... So you'd only have 1180 GPH with both holes, not 2700...

 

[MBuck]

The bulkheads are for a 2 3/8 inch hole, the inside diameter of the bulkhead is 1 3/4"....

I have a29g, and a 20g long.....that can be used for sump, QT, I would prefer not to buy another tank, cuz it will have to be a Long, or a more shallow tank.... i only have about 24" under the stand, and will need room to remove skimmer cup, or other devices....

I want something bigger than 20 gallons though, so I was thinking about just using two, they are fairly easy to come buy, if I got it used...

Dubbin recommended a 40 long, which would work, but I would have to special order it, as I have not seen one for sale at any of the stores, not a standard size...

My other concern is a ASM 4, I believe that's what I looked at, is going to be too tall to fit under my tank...

I really do not want an external sump....

Not sure what to do....

 

[Go Hooter Go]

Re: Plumbing my 125g

Also, for these size bulkheads, the calculator says 2700gph, for both holes, and 20" linear inches for the overflow.

I just did the calculator and I got 1790 GPH for (1) 1.75 Hole with a 27" Linear Overflow size.

Total that would be 3580 GPH...

So for the problem below, I would drill (2) 2 3/8" Holes and buy 2 extra 1 3/4" Bulkheads to install them down there to connect the 2 sumps. So there for, that should be more then engough to handle the flow so neither of them overflow.

As for the return this is what the calculator gave me for a Mag 12...

Total losses are 7.24 feet of head pressure, or 3.13 PSI. with a flow rate of 855 GPH

Now with a Mag 24

Total losses are 10.17 feet of head pressure, or 4.39 PSI. with a flow rate of 1183 GPH

This is figured 4 Feet High, 2 45 Degree Elbows, 6 90 Degree Elbows, and Return Line 1", but I couldn't find anything for the Tee Elbow... Might have to add 2 more 90 Degree Elbows...

 

[MBuck]

Ok, making sense!!
I am learning so much, and I don't even have H2o in there yet!!

I am also figuring out that buying the tank, stand and acnopy, AREN'T these expensive parts of this hobby!!

You're right about the calc. I had it for a 1.5" drain....my bad...

So, drain both into one sump, make a bigger refugium, and return it out of the sump with the fuge?

Sound about right? Should I place those bulkheads at the top of the 20g tanks, like I have it drawn?

 

[Dubbin1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6994619#post6994619 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MBuck

Dubbin recommended a 40 long, which would work, but I would have to special order it, as I have not seen one for sale at any of the stores, not a standard size...

PSP stocks them

 

[Go Hooter Go]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6994791#post6994791 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MBuck
Ok, making sense!!
I am learning so much, and I don't even have H2o in there yet!!

I am also figuring out that buying the tank, stand and acnopy, AREN'T these expensive parts of this hobby!!

You're right about the calc. I had it for a 1.5" drain....my bad...

So, drain both into one sump, make a bigger refugium, and return it out of the sump with the fuge?

Sound about right? Should I place those bulkheads at the top of the 20g tanks, like I have it drawn?

Answer this question and you'll know right away....

Is your Sumps always going to be FULL?

Also I think the higher they are, the bigger chance of overflowing....

I would put them as low as you can go with out interferring with your Refugium... Now remember this, the tank that you drain this into, the water level might be slightly higher then the one it is going to, so say the Water Level in Tank 1 is 12", it might only be 11" in Tank 2... But if you had equal size bulkheads compared to your drainage, I would think the level should stay the same in both....

I had a lot of fun with my 220 plumming it.... Oh boy there fun alright.... lol :rollface: Always be sure of what your doing before you glue, and hope for no leaks....

 

[Spuds725]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6994742#post6994742 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Go Hooter Go


As for the return this is what the calculator gave me for a Mag 12...

Total losses are 7.24 feet of head pressure, or 3.13 PSI. with a flow rate of 855 GPH

Now with a Mag 24

Total losses are 10.17 feet of head pressure, or 4.39 PSI. with a flow rate of 1183 GPH

This is figured 4 Feet High, 2 45 Degree Elbows, 6 90 Degree Elbows, and Return Line 1", but I couldn't find anything for the Tee Elbow... Might have to add 2 more 90 Degree Elbows...

1" is way too small a return for a mag 24--- is slightly too small for a mag 12--- I'd go with 1 1/2" return up to a 1 1/2" tee--- then after the tee reduce down to 1" for your 2 returns... if you bump up the diameters in the calculator your flow should go up a fair amount.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6994912#post6994912 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dubbin1
PSP stocks them

Ditto... I saw one at the PSP in toledo on Talmadge Rd on saturday-- Sorry I don't remember the price... want to say it was around $80--- I was looking for a tank for my fuge-- they have a 45 Tall for $92 that will suit my needs but I thought the price was a bit high...

You could plumb a 40L for the fuge with a 15 gallon for your skimmer (if it fits) (like you described in your pic)

Regarding your bulkhead size-- 1 3/4" is not a standard size and I've never seen it??? I'm not talking about the measured diameters of the bulkhead..

Standard sizes for pipes are

1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/4, 1 1/2, 2 (these are not ODs but correspond to IDs with schedule 80 pipe thicknesses)

Their OD's (outside dimensions) are listed on this page-- (All OD's are the same for all standard piping-- ID of piping varies with wall thickness)
http://www.rondexter.com/professional/rigging/telescoping_pipe_and_tube.htm
these ODs should corespond to the ID on the bulkhead... as you can see you (1 3/4) fall between 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" piping.

Looking at this thread-- http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=603816

You will see that a 1.5" bulkhead needs a 60mm hole-- (60 mm is 2 3/8)-- so I'm reasonably certain you are using a 1.5" bulkhead..the ID on it should be 1.9" but realize your limit will be the ID of the piping--not the ID of the bulkhead (since the piping goes in the bulkhead)... either way.. i think you have plenty of pipe cross section for a Mag 12 return pump-- your ID for the piping will be 1.5" if you use Sched 80 PVC-- a bit more if you go with thinner wall PVC or spa flex hose.

You will probably want to support the piping with some pipe clamps attached to your stand-- this will prevent strain/leaks on the bulkhead.

Regarding the skimmer height and your stand-- a big pain-- I agree... I built my own stand for this very reason-- I went overboard a bit... the rim of my tank is above eye level-- Could you possibly add a cabinet beside the tank for the skimmer and then plumb this to your 40L??? Probably easier then building a new stand.


Sorry this is a bit long winded.. HTH..

 

[hllywd]

Meijer's has 40Ls here too... $80 sounds kind of steep but I never really priced them....

 

[MBuck]

You are probably right about the bulkhead, I simply measured the ID of the bulkhead in my hand...but with PVC it would be smaller...

I have already purchased the bulkheads, and used the little gasket to mark on the tank exactly where I want the holes.. I pray to God they don't break it!!!!

The little stand outside my cabinet is a good idea. I will take the bulkheads with me when I purchase my piping/ tubing.... Would you recommend PVC or that soft vinyl (clear) hosing?

I want to have this completely planned out before I buy anything, I hate it, but I have a tendancy to measure twice, cut three times!!


I have the barbed over hanging "thingys" for my return....I will measure the OD on one of them... I know I bought the bigger one, but not sure of the dimensions...they appear to be 1" OD...

What do you use to hold them still, the space where they hang over the top is so wide that I think they will slop around when I put water through them....

 

[MBuck]

OK! Off to get the tank drilled...will make a couple calls to PSP, and Meijers, get some prices on a 40L..Thanks for the tips!

Everyone say a prayer for me that I get my tank back in one piece!!

Have ordered a trim piece for the top, at Salty, picking it up Thursday...$40.00, price hasn't gone up any, huh Bill?


Will talk to you all later!!

 

[Spuds725]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6995967#post6995967 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MBuck

Have ordered a trim piece for the top, at Salty, picking it up Thursday...$40.00, price hasn't gone up any, huh Bill?

Where were you 4 months ago when I ordered my rim?? Could have saved $20

To keep the return piping from flopping around at the tank rim-- you could drill a small hole in your rim piece (there should be small lip when looking down on it from the top-- drill vertically through there and then thread a plastic wire tie through there and loop around the pipe.

I've read about people useing Spa flex hose-- I've never used it but I believe it is sized to fit in PVC fittings...

This stuff... http://www.hottubessentials.com/spa_parts_flex_hose.asp

SHould be sold at HD or Lowes and you should be able to get it cut to length-- I've never used it so you might want to find out how to work with it (DIY section)-- might be just the same as with PVC.

THe only issue with the clear vinyl hose is you can get algae growth in them.

No biggie with the size/flow you are running-- I would use what ever you feel comfortable with.

Coincidentally
--- I'm finally installing my new rim tonight on my 135...I drained my 72 (finally)-- cleaned it this morning.. will be pumping at least 1/2 my water from my 135 to my 72 while I swap out the rims.. my only concern is that I don't drip caulk into the water from the rim (I'm leaving the fish/coral in the tank)--- I plan on just a single bead of silicone around the rim---wish me luck-- hoping to knock it out pretty quick--

Anybody think I should worry about the tank coming apart with it less then 1/2 full when I take the rim off. :eek2:

 

[MBuck]

Well, I'm back with an undrilled tank!:mad2:

First they said $10 per hole, then they call me, after I drop it off to say they think it's tempered, and they won't touch it....I then tell them the back is NOT tempered according to AGA...

Then they tell me I have to sign a waiver, and it will be $25 per hole...

I'm like, whatever, just do it...when I arrive to sign the waiver, they do not have a 2 1/4" hole saw!!!!:mad2: :mad2:

So, I bring it home, undrilled, it's still in my turck, have no one to help me bring it in the house!

Called a couple places in Sandusky, about an hour drive for me, but hey, if I can get it done.....

May be going to Sandusky Glass in the morning, have to call them back... They do not have the size I need but would be willing to order it, and they have drilled hundreds of tanks!! Sounding a lttle more promising!!

I will let you know!

BTW, Bill, if we hadn't been seperated at birth, perhaps thing's would've worked out a little better to save your $20.00!! I'll keep you posted on anything new I discover to save $$$..

The pvc I needed was 1 1/2" picked up a 10' piece while I was waiting for the tank to be drilled, or not!

Called PSP $89.00 for a 40g Long

:eek2:

Will have to do some checking around on that!!

Got to go to work! Talk to everyone tonight!!

 

[selgado]

That sounds like my luck most of the time.

 

[Spuds725]

If Meijers has them, its likely cheaper then $89-- good luck--- maybe Walmart or K-mart

 

[zaireguy]

are you installing any ball valves on the drain lines or return? Did you get a 40 yet? If not i might have a standard 55 for you.A asm g4 is a big skimmer I have a asmg4x and it is huge!

are your returns just going to be pvc and elbows returning the water?om 2 ways would kick butt on your set up.Just don`t get a scud you will hate how it cuts down your flow

for your return if you want a in sump pump go with a mag or a quiet one pump.you can find either on ebay for a good price and they both are very good pumps for in sump use.Make sure you use a ground fault on your set up for the elect!

 

[MBuck]

Hi Ron,
Where you been???

I am going to use ball valves on both the overflows, and quick disconnects after the return pump, so I can remove it if I have to....

I will probaly go with the 1 1/2" return to my "T" then a reducer to 1" over the side of the tank...


No 40g yet, I am thinking the 55g might be too tall.... I have about 24" from floor of stand to bottom of tank...will that leave me room to put a light on the fuge, etc?? I am thinking they were 18" T??

Give me the dimsensions, if you don't mind, and I will do some figuring, I know it's 12 X 48, just not sure on the height...


What would you want for it??

Was also considering the rubbermaid container option, will have to check into that also, but would prefer a glass tank, or acrylic under there....


Still need to make/get skimmer boxes....debating on size, and depth..... What would you recommend?