Figuring the flow in a 1st DIY tank????

BIG_B · 07/03/2013, 10:44 AM

OK I was going to set up a 75 that I had FW fish in but after talking to my Fiancee, It was decided we (being her) didn't want to use up that much space in new house. And I could use the money to finance this build.

So I have a 29 sitting in the garage. I picked up a 20L today for my sump. I am thinking 3/4 hole for overflow and a 1/2" return.

So my probem is i'm not really good at figuring out if that is a good flow or not. Are the holes to big or to small? Not enough??? ETC..... Also What size return should get???? If this was y'alls tank how would you plan the flow? from holes to return all the way. I really want this planed well before I start cutting holes in my tank.

I plan on have 4-5 fish and growing Soft Coral and LPS. So am gunning for right amount flow to do this.

Thanks Folks

thegrun · 07/03/2013, 10:47 AM

A 3/4" drain will only give you about 330 GPH flow, not enough for a 75 in my opinion. I would go with two 1" drain lines (one as a primary, the second an emergency) and a 3/4" return line.

BIG_B · 07/03/2013, 11:06 AM

Thegrun sorry my post wasn't that clear. My DT is the 29g and my sump is the 20L.

thegrun · 07/03/2013, 11:09 AM

My bad, I misread the post. I would go with two 3/4" drains and one 1/2" return.

BIG_B · 07/03/2013, 11:46 AM

Ok thanks, what size return pump

thegrun · 07/03/2013, 12:48 PM

A pump that would deliver between 200 and 300 GPH after head pressure loss. An Eheim 1250 would be my first choice although they are expensive. A Mag 3 would be fine.

BIG_B · 07/03/2013, 02:21 PM

Ok thanks think I got it

07/03/2013, 10:44 AM	#1
BIG_B Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Ausin Texas Posts: 39	Figuring the flow in a 1st DIY tank???? OK I was going to set up a 75 that I had FW fish in but after talking to my Fiancee, It was decided we (being her) didn't want to use up that much space in new house. And I could use the money to finance this build. So I have a 29 sitting in the garage. I picked up a 20L today for my sump. I am thinking 3/4 hole for overflow and a 1/2" return. So my probem is i'm not really good at figuring out if that is a good flow or not. Are the holes to big or to small? Not enough??? ETC..... Also What size return should get???? If this was y'alls tank how would you plan the flow? from holes to return all the way. I really want this planed well before I start cutting holes in my tank. I plan on have 4-5 fish and growing Soft Coral and LPS. So am gunning for right amount flow to do this. Thanks Folks

07/03/2013, 10:47 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	A 3/4" drain will only give you about 330 GPH flow, not enough for a 75 in my opinion. I would go with two 1" drain lines (one as a primary, the second an emergency) and a 3/4" return line.

07/03/2013, 11:06 AM	#3
BIG_B Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Ausin Texas Posts: 39	Thegrun sorry my post wasn't that clear. My DT is the 29g and my sump is the 20L.

07/03/2013, 11:09 AM	#4
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	My bad, I misread the post. I would go with two 3/4" drains and one 1/2" return.

07/03/2013, 11:46 AM	#5
BIG_B Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Ausin Texas Posts: 39	Ok thanks, what size return pump

07/03/2013, 12:48 PM	#6
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	A pump that would deliver between 200 and 300 GPH after head pressure loss. An Eheim 1250 would be my first choice although they are expensive. A Mag 3 would be fine.

07/03/2013, 02:21 PM	#7
BIG_B Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Ausin Texas Posts: 39	Ok thanks think I got it