Help with custom 350 gallon tank design - drilling locations

[oceanview76]

Hey Guys - Here's a custom build tank design that I'm trying to finalize for ordering. I'm going to run an external bean animal overflow and I've got two return holes on the design drawing.

We're planning on running filtration from a downstairs garage and will be using a combination of mp40's and mp60's for internal flow.

My question is, do you think the design looks good with regard to the holes to be drilled (quantity) and size and the length of the overflow?

Thanks.

[mcgyvr]

Have you mocked up your plumbing and verified bulkhead required hole sizes?
Thats how YOU know if its good or not..

[oceanview76]

Thanks Mcgyvr. Looks like I have some homework tonight...

[acesq]

Originally Posted by oceanview76

Hey Guys - Here's a custom build tank design that I'm trying to finalize for ordering. I'm going to run an external bean animal overflow and I've got two return holes on the design drawing.

We're planning on running filtration from a downstairs garage and will be using a combination of mp40's and mp60's for internal flow.

My question is, do you think the design looks good with regard to the holes to be drilled (quantity) and size and the length of the overflow?

Thanks.

I think the notch for the overflow at 1.5" may be too shallow. Of course, it all depends on how high you are comfortable with your final tank water level. You should calculate the thickness of the water flowing over the weir based on the linear length of the weir and the maximum flow you anticipate pumping back into the tank and decide whether the 1" or so you have left from the top of the tank and the water level is enough for (a) the waves you may be creating with your wavemakers and (b) the amount of water that will be pumped into your tank if somehow the bean animal malfunctions. I went with 2" for my 340 I just designed. If I later decide I want to raise the water level in the tank, I can glue a piece of glass to backside the weir.

As for the size of the holes in the overflow, check the calculator in Bean Animal's site to see how much water flows through a siphon pipe of a particular size. Pick the size that will provide a decent amount of headroom above your intended flow back to the tank (if its less than 3000 gph 1.5" will do it easily but 2" adds an additional margin of error -- Bean uses a 1" bulkhead to flow 2000 gph). Then check in the BRS website to see the size of the hole you need for a 1.5" or 2" bulkhead. A schedule 80 1.5" bulkhead fits into a hole 2.51" in diameter. Drill your holes to the appropriate size.

[acesq]

double post

[on the spot]

I'd want a wider weir. I'd also want the return off the back, and it'd be singular. I'd want roughly 6-700 gph @ the tank so I'd size the drains appropriately, most likely 1" bulkheads.

Only because I care I'll mention that that'll be a tough sell one day. Not that you will, but you might. Something to consider if only for a moment.

[oceanview76]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'll take all of this into consideration and re-run the numbers.

[oceanview76]

Originally Posted by on the spot

I'd want a wider weir. I'd also want the return off the back, and it'd be singular. I'd want roughly 6-700 gph @ the tank so I'd size the drains appropriately, most likely 1" bulkheads.

Only because I care I'll mention that that'll be a tough sell one day. Not that you will, but you might. Something to consider if only for a moment.

I agree with you, I think I want the weir wider as well. Do you guys see any downside to removing the return holes and plumbing the returns over the top of the tank?

Thanks again.

[acesq]

Originally Posted by oceanview76

I agree with you, I think I want the weir wider as well. Do you guys see any downside to removing the return holes and plumbing the returns over the top of the tank?

Thanks again.

nope. safer too

[oceanview76]

Originally Posted by acesq

nope. safer too

Thanks a lot, the new design will incorporate your feedback.