new 150G filtration question

[hookem0981]

I bought a 150 Gallon Acrylic aquarim 60X24X24.. There are 5 holes drilled in the bottom. I really
prefer going with sumps, but now I realize this isn't realistic without risking backflow problems..
I also like the idea of the return lines blending in with the rocks..
I know that the sump setup is best for reef aquariums, but is there any options to this? I was
thinking about installing a internal overflow, but the holes are kinda far apart, and would
require plugging and redrilling 2 more holes.. i'm not too keen on that.
So basically, what would be a good close lined system?

 

[jstdv8]

If you don't want to use the holes you could have a local plexi shop just put little plexi caps over the holes. My 60" tank has them on it wehn I got it, that's how I know
Truvu tank by chance?

 

[hookem0981]

I was thinking maybe I can get a HOB skimmer...but would it fit my tank.. being acrylic

 

[jstdv8]

does the tank have two rectangular holes cut in the lid (one on each side) Or does it look just like a glass tank with just 4 walls and a bottom?

Does it look like this?

 

[jstdv8]

Here you can kinda see the little flat washer plugs that were used to cap the holes in the bottom of the tank.

 

[2quills]

There's no reason why you still couldn't do a sump system if that's what you wanted to do. There are different ways of dealing with backflow issues. How are the holes layed out...are they near the sides, back, spread across the whole bottom of the tank?

 

[hookem0981]

It has 3 drains.. one in center towards the back
Not wet/dry friendly. I think i loke the idea of
going w/a HOB Skimmer w/closed like system.
If i plug the holes, i have to drill 2 more in the
back. Do you think i could do a HOB skimmer?
_____________________________________________________
| |
| o BACK DRAIN |
| |
| o uNDERGRAVEAL DRAINS o |
| |
| |
| O RETURN NOZZLEs O RETURN |
| |
|___________________________________________________

 

[hookem0981]

All the holes are drilled at the bottom of the tank. It has 2 returns, and
3 drains spread out. The return nozzles sit at the bottem. I don't know if
i can explain it any better.

 

[2quills]

Interesting...it almost seems as if they were running a closed loop system for flow. I'd have to see a picture of the tank to see if a HOB is possible. I'd never run an HOB, myself but some people do. I just hear to many negatives about them.

 

[hookem0981]

 

[hookem0981]

I think I will have to do without the protein skimmer, and stick with water changes.

 

[2quills]

It doesnt look like it would work with most of the HOB skimmers that I've seen. Although that's not to say that you couldn't modify a skimmer to make it work if you really wanted to. I do find it a bit odd that they drilled the tank in the fasion that they did. Since I don't see any built in overflows. I would have liked to have seen how they had the tank set up before you bought it. I do see a fairly easy way to modify the tank for a sump with only drilling one whole next to the large one and capping the rest. I would install an internal overflow around them as well to conceal them and to provide extra surface skimming area.

 

[hookem0981]

can I drill new holes and plug he old ones? the only problem I see with putting in an internal overflow is that there would be no hole in the top above the overflow box.

 

[2quills]

You wouldn't need an overflow box (which is external). With a drilled tank the idea is for draining water to your sump by gravity. An overflow box requires a syphon to be created and maintained in order for the water to travel up and over the top of the tank. With a drilled tank you simply have a pvc pipe that would stand strait up and then water would flow down through that simply by gravity. It's safer and more reliable than using an overflow box. An "Internal" overflow is nothing more than a baffle or dividing panel that has slots (teeth cut into it for the water to flow through them and then on down your drain pipe.
An Internal overflow....

And an External Overflow (box).

 

[kender]

Out of curiosity, what is the diameter of the holes? Specifically, what is the center hole's diameter. I think I could lay you out an internal overflow system that would be rather simple to put together. Hell, if you took the measurements for me, I might be able to manufacture it for you. I would simple make another hole in the back of the tank towards the top for the return. As far as the other four other holes, if you want to really make some waves, pun fully intended, you could then run an Oceans Motions SQUIRT. You could even go the cheaper route with a SCWD. As far as a backflow issue goes, you simply install a check valve at each return used. With this you won't run the risk of an overflow on your floor like you do with the HOB option since your would be running the overflow internal. Much more efficient and gives you way more control over your tank. Plus having the sump and the skimmer really will make your life so much easier in the long run. Just my .02

 

[jstdv8]

I'd either figure out a way to make those holes work and get a sump for your skimmer ot you could have the overflow cut right into the back like mine.
If you look just to the left of the flash on the glass tank you can see the teeth cut into the back of the tank. Mine also has the holes in the bottom but somebody capped them.

 

[spanko]

I bet it was a frag tank either at someones home or maybe a fish store. Probably had PVC coming up from the overflow holes to a level where they wanted the tank water to be and just water overflowing into the top of the PVC pipe. Returns maybe just a couple different levels in height with elbows on them. Know what I mean?
You could get these guys to help!!!

 

[jstdv8]

My tank really would make a great grag tank, its beautiful and only 20" tall, so alot of light to get to the bottom.
Good point

 

[hookem0981]

All they really did on it.. they had closed loop system.. 3 drains, 2 returns.. they had the drains and returns hidding in the live rock.
In the return lines they had 1-25 Watt UV sterilizer on one side, and a ocean clear canister through the other return line. This was driven
by a little giant pump. I just don't know if this would be enough filtration for a reef tank.

 

[hookem0981]

Quote:
Originally Posted by kender http:///forum/thread/381822/new-150g-filtration-question#post_3328512
Out of curiosity, what is the diameter of the holes? Specifically, what is the center hole's diameter. I think I could lay you out an internal overflow system that would be rather simple to put together. Hell, if you took the measurements for me, I might be able to manufacture it for you. I would simple make another hole in the back of the tank towards the top for the return. As far as the other four other holes, if you want to really make some waves, pun fully intended, you could then run an Oceans Motions SQUIRT. You could even go the cheaper route with a SCWD. As far as a backflow issue goes, you simply install a check valve at each return used. With this you won't run the risk of an overflow on your floor like you do with the HOB option since your would be running the overflow internal. Much more efficient and gives you way more control over your tank. Plus having the sump and the skimmer really will make your life so much easier in the long run. Just my .02
All the holes are measured at 2" side to side. I'm thinking that I will drill a new hole in a corner and install a overflow, but it could be an issue from the lip of the tank.