Originally Posted by
cam78
http:///forum/post/3207718
also randy my question is this. With the of line running from the display has more of a direct line to the lr tank (which is definitely going to be smaller than a 55) than the refuge. Isn't the water gonna follow the way of least resistance (the lr tank)? What is gonna make the water wanna make that angle to the 55 and not straight down? Should i maybe switch the tanks around, 55 and lr? I'll prob want more water in the 55 than in the 15 or 20.
yes, you want more water volume in the 55, but no you don't want the volume of flow through in the 55 that you are getting in the LR tank. In otherwords, you want the water to follow the path of least resistence and flow through the LR rather than the fuge. Think of it this way; you're getting a set volume of water out of your overflows at any given time, the majority of that water flows quickly through the LR (bacteria doesn't need long exposure to absorb nutrients), then to the sump (a portion is skimmed - but obviously not all), and then back via the return pump to the tank. Only a small portion is being diverted into the fuge so that the water spends more time in the fuge, allowing the algae more time to absorb the nutrients and remove them completely from the water column. You will control the volume of flow through the fuge by adjusting the ball value on the main return line (constricting the line size) and thus divert the water into the fuge. If you want a faster flow through rate on the fuge, you close the valve more, if you want a slower rate, open it up more.
also what size lines should i be using? Pvc that is.
pvc line size is determined by your overflows, you don't what to constrict the normal flow - typically they are 1 1/4" or 1 1/2". Match the pvc to your overflow tubing.
third: The overflow on the 55, can that just be drilled with a pvc fitting? If so how high do i drill the hole? Because i see that is the only one that really does not have a ball valve to reduce or increase flow.
yes. On a fuge that choice is somewhat up to you, personaly i would drill it so that when the angled PVC L with a short extension was allowing water to flow out of my tank, the water level was above the plastic ring around the upper portion of the tank. In otherwords, height will be determined by the size and extension length of your pvc. I would drill it about and inch or 2 below the plastic rim (less chance of it breaking out to the edge), and then run a short pvc extension (which you can make shorter or longer as you need to). You don't want much water flowing out of the fuge after the power shuts off, because you don't want to flood your sump.
last question: On the over flow line coming from the display, those two lines on an angle, is that a ball valve too? I assume i need one the there for tank maintenance, or emergency shut off correct?
i didn't include one there, although you can, because by shutting down the other three ball valves, you've effectively shut off all flow as well, so it is somewhat redundant. However, it would obviously be quicker and easier to turn off only one valve instead of three.
hth.
