Shallow reef build flow design question.

[Joeb1983]

I'm in the process of building a ~26 gallon, 30x20x10 shallow reef out of 1/2" acrylic. My buddy has a CNC so the possibilities are sort of endless in regards to this simple build.

It will have an integrated sump incorporated into the rear out of 1/4 black acrylic, but I want to keep it as simple and clean as possible.

Seeing how it is 1/2" acrylic, my mp10 is a no go according to EcoTech. (I know people say they got it to work on 1/2", but I don't want to be constantly adjusting the wet/dry side for alignment or worry/mess about with it.) My mp40 is overkill.

I thought about using the CNC, removing material in a circle the diameter of the mp10, taking it down 1/8" on one of the sides. Just a thought, but it would have to be ideal placement and the indention would obviously be permanent.

But anyways, on to the purpose of this thread. I would like to get your thoughts for the back design. (overflow, sump and return)

Right now I am leaning towards a single return in the corner with a higher GPH pump for flow given its only 30" wide. It will most likely just be LPS and softies. Let me know.

*** Keep in mind it is only 30" wide and ~16"deep w/ integrated sump *** I really don't want to clutter it with cords and power heads.

 

[Joeb1983]

Scientific Microsoft Paint hydrodynamic representations. Lol!

 

[Joeb1983]

Anyone?

 

[Joeb1983]

Well anyways, the more I research the more I see similar tanks in both size and shape are the "#1" style, so I am leaning towards that.

Plus it will keep things simple and clean. Which is what I'm going for.

Going with a 420gph return pump. It will be on a valve so I can dial back if need be.

Now the question is 1/2" or 3/4" loc-line?.. Any inputs on that?..

 

[Joeb1983]

1/2" looks like. Keep it minimal and might use a uni- seal

 

[dorkymk3]

How about tunez 6040? I run one on my 22g that has 3/4" thick acrylic.



It makes pretty nice waves

 

[Joeb1983]

Decided to go with option #3. Instead of taking up 4"of the depth for an integrated sump, I decided to drill the back and do a 8" wide by 5" tall and 1.5" thick center ghost overflow with 2 half inch bullkheads. One on either side with 2.5" flared nozzles.

Give me more room in the display. I have an old small eshopps sump and skimmer I'll use and just build a simple stand.

 

[Joeb1983]

Overflow came in. Just setup the inside portion with some 1/2" pipe and elbows. One low one medium and one emergency.