How many overflows for a 100g reef?

T

T8T

Hello All... I am amaxed by the amount of information on this forum.
It's quite overwhelming :shock:

I am new to SW but have many FW tanks. My 100g Cichlid tank is not RR.
I am thinking about purchasing a new 100g for SW and having it drilled by the MFG.

I guess my question is How many overflows do you really need for a 100g SW tank? My 100g FW has one Weir style dual output overflow.
Would two be too many?

If two is OK what size holes to be drilled? What size stand pipe?
If only one...Same questions.
And then I will probably be bugging marc for some acrylic work.
Overflows and Sump.

Thanks T8
 
There are many folks that can answer your question, and I am hoping that one will chime in, but they might want to know the dimensions of your tank?

Flow is also determined on what is going in the tank - corals need A LOT of flow, so two overflows would be better.

Therefore, needed: Dimensions and stock plan, please.
 
Two on oppsite sides of the tank pulling works great for surface skimming, and dual returns from the pump.
With approximately 5X - 8X turnover one overflow would work.

I like the dual personally.
 
Thanks for the replies... It is a typical run of the mill 100g 60x18x20 ocean view. 240.00 drilled w/no plumbing or over flows.
I was thinking dual as well not only for flow but Asthetics as well.

So What size holes to be drilled? I am sure they will ask when I go put my deposit down.
I am sure based on that is where I'll get the size for the standpipes and such. Looking to employ a DIY Durso type.

I almost wondering if when all is said and done if I shouldn't just buy a tank already RR. :?
 
@T8T wrote:
I almost wondering if when all is said and done if I shouldn't just buy a tank already RR. :? said:
I have been wondering the same thing, why not just buy a reefready tank and not worry about drilling one that's not.
Click to expand...
 
You will want 1.5" drains and 1" returns. That is the size of the bulkhead, NOT THE HOLE. For a 1.5" bulkhead, the hole needs to be 2 3/8", and a 1" bulkhead needs a 1 3/4" hole.
 
@Marc wrote:
You will want 1.5" drains and 1" returns. That is the size of the bulkhead said:
Marc , is it possible for the above specifications to recommend the GPH of a pump to keep up with the flow?

Same size tank, two overflow boxes, ect..

Thanks,

Ezfish
Click to expand...
 
The drains will be able to handle roughly 1500gph each. The returns will move about the same, because they are pressurized from water being pumped.

They don't have to be that large, btw. That is just a preference on my part. Oceanic makes tanks your size with 1" drains and 3/4" returns.

Basically you want the drains to keep up with all water pumping into the tank, and that pump can not exceed the draining flow rate. And if one gets blocked up by a snail, the other should be able to keep running fine.

The more I think about it, the more I believe my recommendations are overkill for a 100g tank. How about only one overflow with a drain and a return, or a drain and two returns centered in the back wall of your tank? The reason I say this is because you only need 3x to 5x the volume of the display (100g) tank. That means a pump that move 300 to 500gph through the sump. As you can see, one 1.5" drain can move triple that, so two drains would be almost insane. :idea: Unless you plan to fill it up with SPS corals only.

The rest of the flow in the tank can and should be provided by powerheads or a closed loop (so you don't have to see powerheads). I'm sure others will chime in with their thoughts and ideas.
 
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