Drilling tank and sump questions for someone who has never had a drilled tank

jquigley78 · 05-19-2006, 05:30 PM

I have a 75 gallon AGA tank that is not drilled and I am looking to get it drilled and I am wondering whats the best location to put the hole and what kind of overflow should I put in. As for a sump I am thinking about a 20g long or 20g high (maybe a 30g if it will fit) with a mag or ocean runner 700gph submersible pump. As for plumbing I am thinking of just doing soft plumbing 1" vinyl hose. For a return either a seaswirl or a hang on "U" shaped unit with a V split(way cheaper and maybe I could get a tunze 6060 instead). As for a skimmer I have decided to get an ASM G3 with all of the mods done to it which at about $300.00 seems like a pretty good deal unless someone knows of a better one. Any thoughts, considerations, questions, answers are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Josh

rihanssu · 05-19-2006, 08:11 PM

go to something fishy in richfiled! they have euro-reef skimmers right now CHEAP you can get a Rs135 for like 409, check it out on the internet, thats CHEAP!!! i run the RS 250 and i LOVE it, water is crystal! and i don't run ozone carbon or UV

deathmatch782 · 05-19-2006, 10:32 PM

I would highly suggest you go with a 20H or larger if possible.

mtfatwork · 05-19-2006, 10:54 PM

20 Long is a pita to fit a respectable sized skimmer and pump in... I had to modify the intake on the g4+ to get it to fit into the 20L I was using when you came over that time.

jquigley78 · 05-20-2006, 12:21 PM

I will try to fit in a longer/larger capacity tank if dimensions will allow. What about the "soft" (vinyl hosing) Vs. hard plumbing(pvc). What about the protein skimmer inside the tank Vs. inside the sump? What about overflow placement Center or Side and where should the holes be drilled in the tank? What height on the back? I cant drill the bottom so that is out. I think the euroreef is out of my price range though but you dont think the ASM G3 with all the mods for $300.00 is a good deal and sufficient for a 90-100 gallon system? It is rated for 180-250 gallons without the recirc mods. Thanks for all the advice so far.

Josh

JnS · 05-20-2006, 02:04 PM

20 long would be great for a sump if you have the room.

ASM G3 is a fine skimmer, just do the gate valve mod to it.

pactrop · 05-20-2006, 03:07 PM

The flex pvc is the way to go. try not to use any 45 degree elbows off your pump. try to use as many unions as you can, at the tank at the pump ect. it will save you money in the long run.

jquigley78 · 05-20-2006, 03:46 PM

So, I should use the flex pvc with 90 degree elbows and 2 unions with one at the overflow and one after the return pump?

Irenicus · 05-21-2006, 08:32 AM

You may want to put some sort of standpipe after your overflow. It can minimize the gurgling and flusing noises.

trodder · 05-21-2006, 09:29 AM

I woul do either in in sump skimmer or an external one. I prefer external which basically means it sits next to your sump...

jquigley78 · 05-21-2006, 11:31 AM

Can you guys give me an example of a standpipe?

trodder · 05-21-2006, 07:16 PM

jquigley... I think you should just swing out to my place tonight and I can run through EVERYTHING with you.... trust me it makes it all some much easier for you to visually see everything. I am free all night... plus you can take a look at those sumps.

otolith · 05-21-2006, 07:36 PM

Go with "soft" plumbing--use either 3/4 or 1" tubing and a bunch of hose barbs. Having had to take down someone's tank who had it all hard plumbed, it is much easier to break things down when you use hose barbs and flex tubing. I am probably in the minority thinking this, however. For the return from the tank, you can always use PVC or Flex PVC--but you don't have to glue it.

Just put some duct tape or electric tape to hold things together. This is probably how I'll do it "next time."

jquigley78 · 05-21-2006, 08:29 PM

Trodder, I sent you a PM.