newbie build - plumbing/flow re 2 tanks at the same level, then to sump?

[xiaohuang7]

i used to have a tank when undergravel filters were used... nuff said! back to the hobby and would love tank build advice:

is this layout possible (tank evevations), and any recommendations on pipe size and quantity? i'd prefer everything transfer via overflow weirs.

in short, 400 gal DT (tank 1), to 200 gal refugium/critter compartment tank (tank 2), to sump

yea, quite scary

[xiaohuang7]

oh, i'm gonna try triton, hence the 4000 gal/hr return

[mcgyvr]

Totally doable..
bean animal overflow on tank 1 and 2 pump water from sump into tank 1
http://www.beananimal.com/projects/s...ow-system.aspx

Probably ~2.5" PVC plumbing..

[xiaohuang7]

thanks mcgyvr. was thinking 9 to 12 inches of head differential wouldn't be enough.

thought of another option - do you guys think is option 2 any safer?

[mcgyvr]

Option 1 is better... your head differential concerns are not an issue at all..

[xiaohuang7]

mcgyvr's the best (and only lol), building stands now

[flsalty]

12" is more than enough. Option 1 is definitely your best bet to avoid disaster.

[xiaohuang7]

thx guys

but i cheapo'd out on the 2.5" lines for 4000 gal/hr flow - used 2" everything and it worked, whew.

[JUNBUG361]

Nicely done

[McPuff]

Wow! That is cool. What are your plans for the system? You should create a thread in the Large Tanks forum.

[oldhead]

Originally Posted by xiaohuang7

thx guys

but i cheapo'd out on the 2.5" lines for 4000 gal/hr flow - used 2" everything and it worked, whew.

I'm kinda digging the aquascape in the big tank.