Help with new nano build

9Tailfox · 02/06/2013, 03:14 PM

I've been creeping around here for a few years and finally have got to the point where I can start either a 20gal tall tank or a 30gal Long nano (my first salt water tank yay!). I wanted a sump/refugium set up using a Life reef overflow system so that I don't need to mess with drilling the tanks.

I'm looking at using 1 main tank for the display, one tank for the sump, and would like to if possible have 1 tank utilzing a gravity flowing refugium into the display. I would use powerheads in the main display for additional water movement. For the refugium either a DSB or I'm considering miracle mud.

My questions revolve around the return pump and stand as well as my plumbing. I was thinking of using flexible tubing for the plumbing and not sure if I should have some of the water from the return pump going to both the display and the refugium or all of it through the refugium.

Finally, for the stand would my attached concept drawing be very plausible or efficient? What kind of stand would I need to construct to have the whole thing be stable to prevent toppling and structurally sound? Should I design something else perhaps with the refugium right next to the display but slightly elevated so it can gravity feed into it?

*see attached pic*

thegrun · 02/06/2013, 03:43 PM

If you want to bypass the refugium with some of the return water I would tee off after the chiller and dump the water back into the DT for added flow. Dumping it back into the sump is okay but you might as well get some additional flow it the DT. As far as stability goes some plywood nailed to the back of the stand and one side would help a lot.

9Tailfox · 02/07/2013, 07:01 AM

good point about the split after the chiller. I was just concerned about flow because the chiller I have has a flow rating of 300 to 600 gph and the life reefs say they are about 600 gph but recommend a 900 gph pump to get it through the plumbing and account for head loss. If I place a refugium above the tank I'm looking at maybe 5 feet or so and so I'm assuming that will impact the flow of the return significantly do you think something in the 900 gph will work well enough for decent flow through the system? Would it be damaging to the chiller to exceed the max input by very much?

I see a lot of people using two by fours for the stands, that seemed a little excessive to me and a pain to move if I move in a few years. That being said I thought maybe one by fours and skin with plywood for looks and added stability? My land lord's main concern is a toppling tank, I don't think he realizes with the weight how difficult it would be to budge, but I do want to give him less cause for concern and for my own peace of mind as well.

02/06/2013, 03:14 PM	#1
9Tailfox Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: SD Posts: 47	Help with new nano build I've been creeping around here for a few years and finally have got to the point where I can start either a 20gal tall tank or a 30gal Long nano (my first salt water tank yay!). I wanted a sump/refugium set up using a Life reef overflow system so that I don't need to mess with drilling the tanks. I'm looking at using 1 main tank for the display, one tank for the sump, and would like to if possible have 1 tank utilzing a gravity flowing refugium into the display. I would use powerheads in the main display for additional water movement. For the refugium either a DSB or I'm considering miracle mud. My questions revolve around the return pump and stand as well as my plumbing. I was thinking of using flexible tubing for the plumbing and not sure if I should have some of the water from the return pump going to both the display and the refugium or all of it through the refugium. Finally, for the stand would my attached concept drawing be very plausible or efficient? What kind of stand would I need to construct to have the whole thing be stable to prevent toppling and structurally sound? Should I design something else perhaps with the refugium right next to the display but slightly elevated so it can gravity feed into it? see attached pic

02/06/2013, 03:43 PM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	If you want to bypass the refugium with some of the return water I would tee off after the chiller and dump the water back into the DT for added flow. Dumping it back into the sump is okay but you might as well get some additional flow it the DT. As far as stability goes some plywood nailed to the back of the stand and one side would help a lot.

02/07/2013, 07:01 AM	#3
9Tailfox Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: SD Posts: 47	good point about the split after the chiller. I was just concerned about flow because the chiller I have has a flow rating of 300 to 600 gph and the life reefs say they are about 600 gph but recommend a 900 gph pump to get it through the plumbing and account for head loss. If I place a refugium above the tank I'm looking at maybe 5 feet or so and so I'm assuming that will impact the flow of the return significantly do you think something in the 900 gph will work well enough for decent flow through the system? Would it be damaging to the chiller to exceed the max input by very much? I see a lot of people using two by fours for the stands, that seemed a little excessive to me and a pain to move if I move in a few years. That being said I thought maybe one by fours and skin with plywood for looks and added stability? My land lord's main concern is a toppling tank, I don't think he realizes with the weight how difficult it would be to budge, but I do want to give him less cause for concern and for my own peace of mind as well.