180 gallon tank - glass hole sizes and plumbing

MICHAEL128 · 08/22/2010, 12:05 AM

I'm in the process of setting-up my first aquarium - a 180 gallon reef tank. 6’x2’x2’.

I plan to have 2 overflows – 1 in each of the rear corners. 1 drain and 1 return in each overflow.

In accordance with an article in RC, I plan to have 75% of the water draining into the skimmer section of the sump, and 25% draining into the refugium. Also, I plan to have 5x the volume of the tank (5x = 900 gph) pumping through the tank. Will use 2 Vortech MP40 for circulation.
I’m now ready to order the tank (Oceanic) and stand.

Would you please recommend sizes for the drain and return holes in the glass tank, and diameter of PVC pipes?

My contact at Central Aquatics said I could get up to a diameter of 2 3/8” drain holes, and reduce the holes to whatever size I need. What do you think?

shifty51008 · 08/22/2010, 02:06 AM

1" drain holes and 3/4" return lines is the most common

billdogg · 08/22/2010, 07:00 AM

FWIW - a (or pair of) 1" drains in a 180 are WAY too small. I would go with at least 1.5 bulkheads, really, 2 x 2" is more appropriate, with the returns from the sump being matched to the output side of the return pump. You can also use a manifold to reduce the size of the returns. I use a Dart for my circulation on my 150DT. Although the output is 1.5", a simple DIY manifold allows me to feed 3 returns to the tank, as well as feed my refuguim and 2 x single BRS reactors. Take a look at www.glass-holes.com for suggestions for hole/bulkhead sizes. They have some of the best customer servie around, and will gladly help you get it set up right.

HTH

muttley000 · 08/22/2010, 07:04 AM

1" drains equal flood waiting to happen on this size tank with that kind of flow through the sump. You will be told they can flow 600 GPH each, but 300 is more likely, and when one gets partially plugged you are a gonner. Contact Mike over at glass holes, he'll be very helpful. If it were my system I would have one of their Dart boxes in each corner and plumb my returns over the top.

stevek480 · 08/22/2010, 07:05 AM

Definitely go for 2" drain holes if you can. The maximum flow rate you can safely get through a 1" pipe before noise and bubbles start to become a problem is around 150-300gph. I have a 125g with 2 1" drains and I wish it was at least 1.5" or 2".

08/22/2010, 12:05 AM	#1
MICHAEL128 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 23	180 gallon tank - glass hole sizes and plumbing I'm in the process of setting-up my first aquarium - a 180 gallon reef tank. 6’x2’x2’. I plan to have 2 overflows – 1 in each of the rear corners. 1 drain and 1 return in each overflow. In accordance with an article in RC, I plan to have 75% of the water draining into the skimmer section of the sump, and 25% draining into the refugium. Also, I plan to have 5x the volume of the tank (5x = 900 gph) pumping through the tank. Will use 2 Vortech MP40 for circulation. I’m now ready to order the tank (Oceanic) and stand. Would you please recommend sizes for the drain and return holes in the glass tank, and diameter of PVC pipes? My contact at Central Aquatics said I could get up to a diameter of 2 3/8” drain holes, and reduce the holes to whatever size I need. What do you think?

08/22/2010, 07:00 AM	#3
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	FWIW - a (or pair of) 1" drains in a 180 are WAY too small. I would go with at least 1.5 bulkheads, really, 2 x 2" is more appropriate, with the returns from the sump being matched to the output side of the return pump. You can also use a manifold to reduce the size of the returns. I use a Dart for my circulation on my 150DT. Although the output is 1.5", a simple DIY manifold allows me to feed 3 returns to the tank, as well as feed my refuguim and 2 x single BRS reactors. Take a look at www.glass-holes.com for suggestions for hole/bulkhead sizes. They have some of the best customer servie around, and will gladly help you get it set up right. HTH __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

08/22/2010, 07:04 AM	#4
muttley000 MTS Sufferer! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 1,926	1" drains equal flood waiting to happen on this size tank with that kind of flow through the sump. You will be told they can flow 600 GPH each, but 300 is more likely, and when one gets partially plugged you are a gonner. Contact Mike over at glass holes, he'll be very helpful. If it were my system I would have one of their Dart boxes in each corner and plumb my returns over the top. __________________ Next step on the system is adding A 90 gallon! Current Tank Info: 475 multitank system is now running! Several hundred gallons of additions planned!

08/22/2010, 07:05 AM	#5
stevek480 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Flemington, NJ Posts: 605	Definitely go for 2" drain holes if you can. The maximum flow rate you can safely get through a 1" pipe before noise and bubbles start to become a problem is around 150-300gph. I have a 125g with 2 1" drains and I wish it was at least 1.5" or 2". __________________ 125g Mixed Reef w/ 40g Sump. 2x Reef Breeders Photon 32. MSX200 skimmer.

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08/22/2010, 02:06 AM	#2
shifty51008 12-5 Chiefs record Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 10,134	1" drain holes and 3/4" return lines is the most common