fuge plumbing questions

[martin71a]

Ok I have read quite a few threads here and I think I am ready to build my fuge.
I just bought a used tank that had a proclear wet/dry w/skimmer. Well actually I pick it up tomorrow. I have a 30 gallon tank just asking to become a fuge.
Based on other posts I think I want to go with a solution of putting a bulkhead in the fuge tank for a gravity flow back to the wet/dry sump. Use a pump to return water from the sump to the fuge. Here are my questions......
1. How far below the top of the tank should I put the bulkhead?
2. If I use a 1 1/2 bulkhead with a 90 degree elbow down to the sump what size pump will I need for the return? Will this provide enough water flow for a 30 gallon fuge?
3. Should I place ball valves on both the input and output to the fuge to fine tune the flow?
4. In fine tuning the flow should the water in the fuge consistently be just above the bulkhead.
5. Should I use a strainer on the bulkhead or does that defeat the purpose.
Thanks for any help.

 

[squidd]

Originally posted by Martin71a
Ok I have read quite a few threads here and I think I am ready to build my fuge.
I just bought a used tank that had a proclear wet/dry w/skimmer. Well actually I pick it up tomorrow. I have a 30 gallon tank just asking to become a fuge.
Based on other posts I think I want to go with a solution of putting a bulkhead in the fuge tank for a gravity flow back to the wet/dry sump. Use a pump to return water from the sump to the fuge. Here are my questions......
1. How far below the top of the tank should I put the bulkhead?
>>> As high as you can to maximize fuge area<<<
2. If I use a 1 1/2 bulkhead with a 90 degree elbow down to the sump what size pump will I need for the return? Will this provide enough water flow for a 30 gallon fuge?
>> Shoot for 8X to 10X actual fuge volume for flow "through" the fuge...If you pull 300 gph from return pump..you'll need to "upsize" it to make up the difference so you still get a reasonable flow to the MT...
That's why I suggest diverting flow from the drain line...<<<
3. Should I place ball valves on both the input and output to the fuge to fine tune the flow?
>>> Only on the "input" to the fuge...it'll drain out what ever you put in..Same as on MT overflow<<
4. In fine tuning the flow should the water in the fuge consistently be just above the bulkhead.
>>>It will be "self regulating" depending on flow introduced<<<
5. Should I use a strainer on the bulkhead or does that defeat the purpose.
>>>Macros should be "secure" and not flow out..if the strainer is "open" enough..Pods will get through..."IF" you use one be sure it's not too "fine" a strainer...<<<
Thanks for any help.