Pumps and Drain size for 375g

[RichardReef]

Going to be doing a 375g sps tank and was wondering what size drains and pumps should be used. Was thinking 2 1.5 Drains with 2 Hammerheads for sending back to 8 1inch returns on 2 oceonmotion 4 way valves. The ones where 2 1inch are on at the same time. Hopeing with the right placement these would give me a nice current in the tank 4 in back and 2 on in side through the glass, its a in the wall set up

I am I bit concerend that thes would require a very large set of corner overflows and may just be to much water flow.


Any input would be great.

Richard

 

[Fiziksgeek]

Its sounds like you are trying to rely on the flow coming from the sump returns as the flow for your tank. I dont know of anyone who would recommend that. Most people will recommend 3-5x turn over through the sump, but there are many people who use higher numbers, but 2 hammerheads might be a record. At most, I would use 1 hammerhead for the sump return, and I would even suggest something smaller, like a Dart. The rest of your flow should come from a closed loops or power heads.

If you still decide to use 2 hammer heads for returns. 2-1.5" drains will definitely not be enough, and I doubt you will be able to have enough overflow length to handle it either.

There is a drain and overflow calculator on the RC home page.

 

[RichardReef]

Thanks for the info.. After reading some other posts about 300 plus size tanks. I am leaning towards 2 1.5 Drains and 1 hammerhead for return with 2 closed loop systems. Also going to run the main return through the chiller that will slow it down a little.

I have a lot more research to do thats for sure.

Richard

 

[mflamb]

Richard,

I'm building a 390. I have a Dart for sump return, and 2 Darts with 2 OM 4-ways for closed loops.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

Well, You in the right place! There are many build thread of tank similar in size to what your doing. So get comfy and start reading!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10344652#post10344652 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RichardReef


I have a lot more research to do thats for sure.

Richard

 

[Gixxer2202]

The sequence Hammerhead is a very powerful pump. It was too powerful for my overflows w/ 2" drains so I dropped down. I will sell it for $250 shipped. It has only been used for a month and was bought brand new. Just make sure you plan your overflows using the RC calculator.

Scott

 

[marinelife]

I run my return with a 1200gph Iwaki and it connects to a chiller before it goes back to the tank. All my intank flow is from dual Tunze waveboxes and Tunze streams. The overflow is only 1.5" pipe.

 

[xinumaster]

Hammerhead would be a too much for just a return. I been using a barracuda which is less stronger than a hammerhead for my 375g but still too strong. My barrcuda also feed my chiller, CA reactor and refugium; and yet I still have it it trottle by 1/2.

For just returning water from sump to tank I would just use a dart unless, your tank is located a few feet way from you sump.

 

[RichardReef]

I lowered it down to a dart with 2 1.5 Drains and 2 CL's and 3 Ocean motion 4 ways. Want to make all the plumbing stealth like, and plan on having 2 1 inch returns on each side and 2 under the rocks. Its going in the wall so I can drill the sides.

Now on to lighting. this tank is 36 wide 85 inches long. was think of these lights http://www.aquaillumination.com/ claim there better then the Soloris's 2 72"s and 1 60". Yes I know they cost a lot a whole lot. But I really hate to deal with 6 or so MH's.

Any input is welcome.

Richard

 

[anthworks]

I have had a 150 for several years. When I first set it up 6 years ago I used a sequence pump that is similar in flow to the dart. It was loud and the flow through the sump was loud. I am setting up my new tank a 350gallon. It will have a closed loop on a 4 way and 4 streams. I am using an Eheim 1262 for the return. Very slow flow through the sump. Less noise and electricity is a good thing in my book.

 

[xinumaster]

You can go with 3x 400w MH on a luminarc reflector. The LA3 luminarc reflector can cover a 3x3 footprint.

What skimmer do you plan to use?

 

[xinumaster]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10357339#post10357339 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by anthworks
I have had a 150 for several years. When I first set it up 6 years ago I used a sequence pump that is similar in flow to the dart. It was loud and the flow through the sump was loud. I am setting up my new tank a 350gallon. It will have a closed loop on a 4 way and 4 streams. I am using an Eheim 1262 for the return. Very slow flow through the sump. Less noise and electricity is a good thing in my book.

The new dart reflo is a lot quieter now compare to the old pump. The new pump uses baldor motor which is also more reliable. The old pump uses the AO smith motor. Reflo also have great customer service. Electricity is not really that much -- my barracuda draws 140watt only. Im sure the dart will even be less.

 

[RichardReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10357387#post10357387 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xinumaster
You can go with 3x 400w MH on a luminarc reflector. The LA3 luminarc reflector can cover a 3x3 footprint.

What skimmer do you plan to use?

Deltec 1003

http://www.deltecusa.us/proteinskimmers/ap1003.php

I was leaning toward it.

 

[anthworks]

I saw a thread on the Reef flow skimmer. Very nice. I am setting up a 350 gallon tank i purchased used. The skimmer that came with it is the ASM G5+ that has been modded. The previous owner said it worked like a charm on his 400 + gallon system. I saw pictures and if SPS growth and color are a sign of a good skimmer then that skimmer is great.