How would you plumb this tank?

Jeff · 12/04/2009, 01:52 PM

I am buying a shallow tank that is 72"X24"X12". It has 2 corner overflows and (4) 3/4" bulkheads along the back. I am planning on using a 48" long sump and need to figure out what my options are for return flow. It's a strange shaped tank and I dont want to go overboard on the flow but I really dont want to start adding powerheads.

Some of the options I thaught of:

1. One return pump into the 4 bulheads using an external pump like a Dart. Energy efficient and quiet.
2. Two submersible pumps (around 1600 gph per pump) into the 4 bulkheads. Cheap, redundant pumps are safer.
3. Smaller external pump (around 800 gph) and Oceans Motions device. Expensive but nice wave action.
4. Two submersible pumps and (2) 1" SCWD's. Cheap and nice wave action.
5. Submersible pump (around 800 gph) and Super Squirt. Not too expensive.
6. Your ideas...

Jeff · 12/04/2009, 01:55 PM

I want to add that this isnt a closed loop so I dont want to go crazy with flow thru the sump.

justinm0424 · 12/04/2009, 02:52 PM

I would use a dart and make a CL. Use 2 holes for the CL intake and the other 2 for exhaust. I'd also use both overflows to go into the sump and have a submersable pump return to the top of the tank. You would then have low flow in sump and high flow from the CL. I wouldn't worry about having redundant pumps when you're using a dart or other external as they last forever and rarely have any problems.

Townes · 12/04/2009, 03:03 PM

Quote:

I wouldn't worry about having redundant pumps when you're using a dart or other external as they last forever and rarely have any problems.

agreed.

Jeff · 12/04/2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinm0424

I would use a dart and make a CL. Use 2 holes for the CL intake and the other 2 for exhaust. I'd also use both overflows to go into the sump and have a submersable pump return to the top of the tank. You would then have low flow in sump and high flow from the CL. I wouldn't worry about having redundant pumps when you're using a dart or other external as they last forever and rarely have any problems.

I dont want that kind of flow. If I use the Dart on a closed loop, I would be getting around 1800 gph thru each return bulkhead. Way too much in my opinion. I run a Hammerhead now on my big tank and really am not looking for super high flow in this tank. I also dont want some kind of over the top pipe on top of the back brace.

arthurlo · 12/04/2009, 05:39 PM

I agree with justinm0424.

You don't need to use a Dart for the closed loop - you can always use another pump that has the appropriate flow to match your needs. The big advantage of this suggestion is that the plumbing may be easier that the other options and you wouldn't have to worry about microbubbles from the closed loop. You could also get away with lower electrical usage because the CL pump won't experience as much head loss.

Jeff · 12/04/2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arthurlo

I agree with justinm0424.

You don't need to use a Dart for the closed loop - you can always use another pump that has the appropriate flow to match your needs. The big advantage of this suggestion is that the plumbing may be easier that the other options and you wouldn't have to worry about microbubbles from the closed loop. You could also get away with lower electrical usage because the CL pump won't experience as much head loss.

I dont understand. He suggested that I use a Dart and you are saying not to but you agree with him. Also, I am not setting up a closed loop on this tank.

arthurlo · 12/05/2009, 01:06 AM

Sorry for the confusion - I meant that I agree with using the closed loop idea, but using a pump with lower flow.

But if you don't want to use a closed loop in this tank and want to minimize flow in the sump, then I think you've already thought of the best options.

Jeff · 12/10/2009, 08:04 AM

No problem, this is a confusing subject. There are so many ways to plumb this tank but since it is so shallow, too much flow would whip the sand around. The tnak is drilled for a return really not a closed loop.
I hace an external pump (1900 gph) that I think I will get an Ocean Motions Super Squirt for and call it a day. If it is too much flow, I can throttle it back some with a gatevalve. If it isnt enough flow, I can add a powerhead or two.

12/04/2009, 01:52 PM	#1
Jeff Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 11,907	How would you plumb this tank? I am buying a shallow tank that is 72"X24"X12". It has 2 corner overflows and (4) 3/4" bulkheads along the back. I am planning on using a 48" long sump and need to figure out what my options are for return flow. It's a strange shaped tank and I dont want to go overboard on the flow but I really dont want to start adding powerheads. Some of the options I thaught of: 1. One return pump into the 4 bulheads using an external pump like a Dart. Energy efficient and quiet. 2. Two submersible pumps (around 1600 gph per pump) into the 4 bulkheads. Cheap, redundant pumps are safer. 3. Smaller external pump (around 800 gph) and Oceans Motions device. Expensive but nice wave action. 4. Two submersible pumps and (2) 1" SCWD's. Cheap and nice wave action. 5. Submersible pump (around 800 gph) and Super Squirt. Not too expensive. 6. Your ideas... __________________ Always remember.... any time you reef, you also reef with every reefer that reefer has reefed with. Mitch 2/18/10 IWNFT343F Current Tank Info: Innovative Marine 20

12/04/2009, 01:55 PM	#2
Jeff Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 11,907	I want to add that this isnt a closed loop so I dont want to go crazy with flow thru the sump. __________________ Always remember.... any time you reef, you also reef with every reefer that reefer has reefed with. Mitch 2/18/10 IWNFT343F Current Tank Info: Innovative Marine 20

12/10/2009, 08:04 AM	#9
Jeff Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 11,907	No problem, this is a confusing subject. There are so many ways to plumb this tank but since it is so shallow, too much flow would whip the sand around. The tnak is drilled for a return really not a closed loop. I hace an external pump (1900 gph) that I think I will get an Ocean Motions Super Squirt for and call it a day. If it is too much flow, I can throttle it back some with a gatevalve. If it isnt enough flow, I can add a powerhead or two. __________________ Always remember.... any time you reef, you also reef with every reefer that reefer has reefed with. Mitch 2/18/10 IWNFT343F Current Tank Info: Innovative Marine 20

12/04/2009, 02:52 PM	#3
justinm0424 Moved On Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dublin, OH Posts: 358	I would use a dart and make a CL. Use 2 holes for the CL intake and the other 2 for exhaust. I'd also use both overflows to go into the sump and have a submersable pump return to the top of the tank. You would then have low flow in sump and high flow from the CL. I wouldn't worry about having redundant pumps when you're using a dart or other external as they last forever and rarely have any problems.

12/04/2009, 05:39 PM	#6
arthurlo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 83	I agree with justinm0424. You don't need to use a Dart for the closed loop - you can always use another pump that has the appropriate flow to match your needs. The big advantage of this suggestion is that the plumbing may be easier that the other options and you wouldn't have to worry about microbubbles from the closed loop. You could also get away with lower electrical usage because the CL pump won't experience as much head loss.

12/05/2009, 01:06 AM	#8
arthurlo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 83	Sorry for the confusion - I meant that I agree with using the closed loop idea, but using a pump with lower flow. But if you don't want to use a closed loop in this tank and want to minimize flow in the sump, then I think you've already thought of the best options.