Another Newbie Plumbing Question

Markbb · 01/30/2010, 06:43 AM

Hello All,

I am upgrading to my first reef ready tank (90 gal Aqueon). I have two holes drilled in the bottom using a megaflow system. I know that one hole is the drain and one is the return, but would it be more efficient to use both holes as drains to increase overall flow through the sump. I could then return up and over the back or should I just use it as designed with a 600 GPH flow.

My second question is; is there a chart to map hole size to bulkhead size? I want to make sure I order the correct type, are standard schedule 40 bulkheads advisable or schedule 80... I know the schedule 80 would reduce flow but with two drains that might neutral out...

so many questions...any assistance would be appreciated.

Mark

Denbf58 · 01/30/2010, 06:50 AM

i would use it as designed you do not need to have that much flow though your sump. increase flow in the DT with power heads

Markbb · 01/30/2010, 07:04 AM

Thanks Den, I have a Vortech MP40 that I will be using for flow in the DT. Any idea on the sizing of bulkheads.

Mark

woodwrangler · 01/30/2010, 07:13 AM

I would also use as designed, and remember, you are only shooting for 3-5x tank turnover running through the sump area. So, with your 90 gallons, try for 300-450 gph through the sump, and dial back or choose your return pump accordingly.

As for bulkhead holes, whether you use schedule 40 or 80 is going to be determined by your hole size. For example, a 1" Sch 80 bulkhead needs a 1 7/8"-2" hole, while a 1" Sch 40 bulkhead uses a 1 3/4" hole.

http://www.marinedepot.com/plumbing_...ainers-ap.html
http://www.savko.com

Markbb · 01/30/2010, 08:19 AM

Thanks Wood

Would you suggest the sched 80's for the drain or is that overkill.

Mark

BigMike75 · 01/30/2010, 08:48 AM

I believe that sched 80 use different size holes then sched 40. I just setup the same type tank. Drain was 1 inch and return was 3/4 inch sched 40 bulkhead.

woodwrangler · 01/30/2010, 09:09 AM

It's really going to be determined by the size of your existing holes. Have you measured those, are what are they?

FWIW, I am using schedule 40 bulkheads.

Markbb · 01/31/2010, 11:15 AM

Hello All,

Thanks for all the info. Looks like I need a 1" bulkhead for the drain and 3/4" for the return. My next question is what type of bulkhead?

Threaded X Slip, Double Threaded, Double Slip. I am hoping to hard plumb from the bulkhead into the sump as this seems more secure then flexible hose.

As always thanks,

Mark

hazmat319 · 01/31/2010, 01:08 PM

Having had the exact same 90 as you I would go with using the overflow for 2 drains and having your return go up and over. I think the problem with most of the pre-drilled tanks is the drain is too small which causes the waterfall effect in your sump.

I have downgraded a bit to a 75 and I'm doing exactly what I said. Using the corner overflow as drains. You can do a "search" on the Herbie Overflow method which uses 2 drains. My tank is behind my couch and after having the noise of the 90 my goal with this tank is to make it SILENT!!

Just my opinion tho....

Korrine · 01/31/2010, 01:15 PM

I have a friend that used BOTH holes as drain holes. He had one drain to his fug, I think and the other was to his sump, maybe? You can do it this way and control the water flow through the fuge. I believe he ran sea swirls from over the top of the back of the tank. Worked great for him and it is doable.

He sold me his tank and I might do the same that he did

fleming3 · 01/31/2010, 05:07 PM

URL for the "Herbie Method" mentioned above: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ferrerid=82462

01/30/2010, 06:43 AM	#1
Markbb Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 55	Another Newbie Plumbing Question Hello All, I am upgrading to my first reef ready tank (90 gal Aqueon). I have two holes drilled in the bottom using a megaflow system. I know that one hole is the drain and one is the return, but would it be more efficient to use both holes as drains to increase overall flow through the sump. I could then return up and over the back or should I just use it as designed with a 600 GPH flow. My second question is; is there a chart to map hole size to bulkhead size? I want to make sure I order the correct type, are standard schedule 40 bulkheads advisable or schedule 80... I know the schedule 80 would reduce flow but with two drains that might neutral out... so many questions...any assistance would be appreciated. Mark

01/30/2010, 06:50 AM	#2
Denbf58 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: selden N.Y. Posts: 885	i would use it as designed you do not need to have that much flow though your sump. increase flow in the DT with power heads __________________ Life is good Current Tank Info: 75gal reef ready koralia 3, 30g sump, 4b 48" t5s lighting, 29g reef with breeding pair clowns 55g reef 55g freshwater

01/30/2010, 07:13 AM	#4
woodwrangler Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 804	I would also use as designed, and remember, you are only shooting for 3-5x tank turnover running through the sump area. So, with your 90 gallons, try for 300-450 gph through the sump, and dial back or choose your return pump accordingly. As for bulkhead holes, whether you use schedule 40 or 80 is going to be determined by your hole size. For example, a 1" Sch 80 bulkhead needs a 1 7/8"-2" hole, while a 1" Sch 40 bulkhead uses a 1 3/4" hole. http://www.marinedepot.com/plumbing_...ainers-ap.html http://www.savko.com __________________ "Dream * Design * Build" Current Tank Info: 125 Rimless LeeMar - 48"x30"x20"

01/30/2010, 09:09 AM	#7
woodwrangler Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 804	It's really going to be determined by the size of your existing holes. Have you measured those, are what are they? FWIW, I am using schedule 40 bulkheads. __________________ "Dream * Design * Build" Current Tank Info: 125 Rimless LeeMar - 48"x30"x20"

01/31/2010, 01:08 PM	#9
hazmat319 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Central CT Posts: 745	Having had the exact same 90 as you I would go with using the overflow for 2 drains and having your return go up and over. I think the problem with most of the pre-drilled tanks is the drain is too small which causes the waterfall effect in your sump. I have downgraded a bit to a 75 and I'm doing exactly what I said. Using the corner overflow as drains. You can do a "search" on the Herbie Overflow method which uses 2 drains. My tank is behind my couch and after having the noise of the 90 my goal with this tank is to make it SILENT!! Just my opinion tho.... __________________ Why yes....I really AM a reefer chick! Tank info: 75 gallon RR Deep Blue, Custom stand, 34 gal Trigger systems sump, 2 Sol Blue LED modules. Sweet! Born On date: 2/1/10

01/30/2010, 07:04 AM	#3
Markbb Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 55	Thanks Den, I have a Vortech MP40 that I will be using for flow in the DT. Any idea on the sizing of bulkheads. Mark

01/30/2010, 08:19 AM	#5
Markbb Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 55	Thanks Wood Would you suggest the sched 80's for the drain or is that overkill. Mark

01/30/2010, 08:48 AM	#6
BigMike75 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mount Washington, KY Posts: 360	I believe that sched 80 use different size holes then sched 40. I just setup the same type tank. Drain was 1 inch and return was 3/4 inch sched 40 bulkhead.

01/31/2010, 11:15 AM	#8
Markbb Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 55	Hello All, Thanks for all the info. Looks like I need a 1" bulkhead for the drain and 3/4" for the return. My next question is what type of bulkhead? Threaded X Slip, Double Threaded, Double Slip. I am hoping to hard plumb from the bulkhead into the sump as this seems more secure then flexible hose. As always thanks, Mark

01/31/2010, 01:15 PM	#10
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	I have a friend that used BOTH holes as drain holes. He had one drain to his fug, I think and the other was to his sump, maybe? You can do it this way and control the water flow through the fuge. I believe he ran sea swirls from over the top of the back of the tank. Worked great for him and it is doable. He sold me his tank and I might do the same that he did __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

01/31/2010, 05:07 PM	#11
fleming3 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashville Posts: 94	URL for the "Herbie Method" mentioned above: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ferrerid=82462