Filtration/plumbing ?

[reefer75]

Hello all,
I just picked up my new/used 150 gallon tank. My problem is that I am not sure how it shold be plumbed for the sump. The tank is drilled, but it is drilled with both holes at the top right of the tank about 2 or 3 inches below the top.. (along the back) Any suggestions on plumbing and pump sizes would be great.
Thanks
Reefer75

 

[fatcats]

idk the dimensions of a 150 how tall is it and how far will the sump be from the return?

 

[reefer75]

The dimensions are 72x18x26, and the distance will be about 50" frome the return pump to top return of the tank

 

[chris17]

What kind of tank will it be, an agressive, FOWLR, softies, LPS, SPS, or mixed reef? How big will your sump be? This will make a dif in how big of a pump to get along with alternative flow ( powerheads ect...)

 

[snakeblitz33]

That's easy... put in a couple of bulkheads in the holes. Make sure the bulkheads have female threads. Then you can

[hr]
in a 90* elbow into both of those bulkheads. You then

[hr]
in a couple of male adaptors, and then elbow the drains down to the drainage section of your sump. You may have to add a couple of bioballs to keep the draining noise down to a minimum.

 

[reefer75]

It will be a FOWLR, I do have the bulkheads and elbows in place, I am not sure how high the drainage flow will be, and how much of a return to have.

 

[ilovemytank]

Originally Posted by reefer75
http:///forum/post/2841339
It will be a FOWLR, I do have the bulkheads and elbows in place, I am not sure how high the drainage flow will be, and how much of a return to have.
How much flow through the bulk head into the sump will depend on the size (ex. 1" or 1.5" ) of the bulk head and PVC tubing down ( ex. if you used any reducers ). What size are they ?

 

[snakeblitz33]

Well, I'll give you an example...
With two 3/4" bulkheads, you have enough drainage power to drain a mag drive 7 at 3 1/2 foot of head.

 

[reefer75]

The bulkheads and elbows were already attatched when I bought the tank, I believe they are both 3/4" bulks that have elbows that reduce to 1/2". Will this work, or should I replace the bulkheads as the elbows are glued in, and start over to get a better flow.

 

[ilovemytank]

So the flow tube is actually 1/2" because of the reducers. I would think a mag 7 would be your best bet.

 

[reefer75]

Thanks for the info, I will try a mag 7. Sould I put a valve on both lines, just in case for flow control?

 

[reefer75]

This is to give a better idea of what I have. The bulkheads are open and flush inside the tank. Then the elbows are on the backside facing down.

 

[ilovemytank]

You'll be fine with that. Just make sure that you have pumps in strategic spots to have good circulation. The return pump at the end will not be enough by itself.

 

[reefer75]

I have other pumps for circulation, but know my last question is, Will the water level stay at the bulkheads, or can I keep my level above the bulkheads?

 

[ilovemytank]

Originally Posted by reefer75
http:///forum/post/2842976
I have other pumps for circulation, but know my last question is, Will the water level stay at the bulkheads, or can I keep my level above the bulkheads?
Good question, I don't know.

What you can do is have an elbow and pipe up to increase the water hight if no one else can give you a better answer than;" I don't know"

 

[reefer75]

Thanks a lot! LOL I was thinking I would have to use an elbow and pipe up the heighth.

 

[robertmathern]

use a couple of bio balls on the overflows. It will stop fish and stuff from getting in there. If you dont have any give me your address I will mail you a few. I have 2 shopping bags full that I dont use.