need advise on cl bulkhead size

[1newfish]

I am setting up my first reef tank. I have a 90g aga with 1 corner overflow. I would like to create as much circulation as possible.

I plan on drilling the back with as many holes as needed. But i dont know what size pvc i should run. and with that comes what size holes i need to make for the bulkheads.

I don't want to have to spend an arm and a leg on pumps. also don't want to fill the tank with power heads. I would like to keep it as clean as possible inside.

If anyone as suggestions that would be great.

[carlos_fb]

Check this link out:

http://dslinux.dyndns.org/~denise/aq....html#overflow

[frank2926]

The plumbing and bulkhead size will depend on what pump you chose. If you look at an online store you will see that pumps vary on plumbing size required. Dolphins and sequence pumps use 1.5 to 2 inch plumbing . These pumps use less electricity than magnetic drive pumps and are usually a lot quieter as well. the magnetic drive pumps use fans to keep them cool are louder but use smaller plumbing. When you choose a pump and plumbing size then buy your bulkheads. You can not drill your tank until you have the bulkheads in hand and see what size whole they require. It is printed on the package. The sizes vary by bulkhead manufacturer.

[1newfish]

Thank you both for input so far. frank2926, That does make good sense. I will start looking at wich pumps i would like to run.

[ken6217]

Usually 1" into the tank and 1 1/2" back to the sump is a good idea.
Ken

[1newfish]

thanks ken. Maybe someone could suggest a good pump for the return from the fuge. and also a good pump for the CL. and as allways inexpensive but still a good pump.

[1newfish]

please, if any one has pump advise help!

[frank2926]

I would use a large ehiem, or a mag 12 for the return pump . Not to much flow thru the sump but enough to feed your skimmer. For the closed loop pump depends on what you plan on keeping. But something in the 3,000 gph I would think would be good. This or something like it for a closed loop .
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=MM1136

[1newfish]

thank you again Frank. Would the closed loop pump be ran constant to 4 outlets? or should it have some type of wavemaker?

Here is my plan please edit anything you think may cause a problem.

For the pump supply i will put a hole in the middle of the tank about 4 inches from the bottom, for the return i will put 1 hole on the left bottom and one on the right bottom. I plan on running pvc under my gravel and having the outlet facing the back of the tank from the two front corners. I also will put 1 hole on the top left and top right, both nozzles facing the front midway down from top.

With that said for the top inlets does it make just as much since to plumb over the top of the tank to limit the amount of holes. The tank has a canopy so the nozzels won't really be visible.

Once again any and all advise is welcomed.

[frank2926]

Do not drill holes in the bottom of your tank for returns. The tank will drain down to the lowest point....Check valves are not a good bet against draining your hole tank. Just put returns up top. Use the close loop for circulation near the bottom. Yes going over the top is fine. No real need to drill for returns.

[1newfish]

I have to admit, i am kinda confused on the water draining all out thing.

So i will try to say what i invison and you can comment on it.

The sump supply and return are already drilled with overflow in the right bottom of tank.

My last post only applys to closed loop system. I thougt that with the middle bottom outlet only supply the closed loop there is not anywhere for the water to go but back in the tank via the 2 top inlets and the 2 bottom inlets.

I suppose part of my confusion may come from my using improper terms for wich way the water is flowing. In or out of tank.

[SDguy]

You are correct. On a closed loop, there will be no draining of water when the pump is turned off (hence the term "closed" loop). However, I am still not a fan of drilling holes too far down the back of the tank. What if you need to service/change the bulkhead for some reason? Sure, you might say "why would I ever have to do that?" Well, you may never, but IF you do, wouldn't you rather drain just 1/4 or 1/3 of your tank to do so, not the whole thing?

For my closed loop I only drilled one hole, the intake, about 5-6 inches below the water surface. Water is pumped back into the tank via a perimeter manifold around the top with ten 3/4" outlets. It's a sequence hammerhead.




So all you see is the intake strainer (top back left) and outlet nozzles:



HTH

[frank2926]

Sorry did realize you meant you were going thru an overflow.
Your right about the closed loop. I would put the holes in the for the closed loop in the middle and bottom. Not near the top. Your return should give you all the movement you need up there. You want all the flow you can get near the bottom. Remember the reason for flow is to suspend dirt so it can make it up to the overflow. Not to sit on the bottom and rot.

[frank2926]

you do want the feed for the close loop to go near the top, high enough to reach if you need to clean the screen. I like to put it right at the top of my rock so it will not be seen, but low enough so that I dont worry about turning off my pump when I do a water change. I dont want the cl pump to run dry.

[1newfish]

Frank, i sent you a pm.