Lots of questions

[Flounder]

Hey. Happy Turkey Day to All!! (it is close)

So here are my tank specs maybe this can help you answer my many questions: I have a 200 Reef/reef wanna-be. It is being filtered by a 350 mag canister, ehiem canister, and a turboflo 1000 skimmer. I wish to erase some if not all of the canisters with a sump. I dont know how to plumb it. Should I pump it in or just have it overflow in.
Also how many times should my tank cycle both in the tank and through the sump? I know this is a personal question and everyone has their own answer, but with enough answers I should be able to find an average. Right now since the mag is 350 and the ehiem is 275, and skimmer....200 I am only cycling 4-5x.
In my sump do people have an order or operation they prefer? I think skimmer first...but who knows. I have had this tank running for almost 2 years, and when I first started I was mislead like most of us are, and I am trying to make things right.
Oh yeah, as for just getting flow around..people suggest mag 12's or something along those lines in the tank, usually on the top corners. Does anyone else find that ugly? I want to hide those things and have people look at my dying coral instead.

So yeah, have a happy thanksgiving! Eat some potatoes and watch some football! Thanks again everyone!
Flounder

[jenajet]

How about tank stats how you currently have it? The canister would be fine for just adding flow or running carbon when you need it you just dont need any of the sponges and stuff(nitrate factory). Is the tank drilled or are you just gonna do overflows? I have a mag 12 running the skimmer and mag 9.5 for the return. Best start from the beginning tho let us know your lighting, test, Corals and what is wrong with them.

[tims]

Originally Posted by Flounder

I have a 200 Reef/reef wanna-be. It is being filtered by a 350 mag canister, ehiem canister, and a turboflo 1000 skimmer. I wish to erase some if not all of the canisters with a sump. I dont know how to plumb it. Should I pump it in or just have it overflow in.
Yup getting rid of the canisters will be one of the best things you can do. keep ine for cleaning the tank and polishing the water from time to time. the flowing, if youhave a dry tank right now you can have it drilled for a few things. Also look at CLS closed loop system. this will also give you a great way to move water.
If your tank is up already , use a good 1 or 2 overhangs for it

Also how many times should my tank cycle both in the tank and through the sump? I know this is a personal question and everyone has their own answer, but with enough answers I should be able to find an average. Right now since the mag is 350 and the ehiem is 275, and skimmer....200 I am only cycling 4-5x.
another great question! try looking at 20-100x if you go with a sump you can have a nice mag 12 or sequence pump running this will give you great return.but this is also a what type of over flow am i using question too! if your return pump is too big for the over flow then you will flood and maybe burn out the pump
In my sump do people have an order or operation they prefer? I think skimmer first...but who knows. I have had this tank running for almost 2 years, and when I first started I was mislead like most of us are, and I am trying to make things right.
each person is a little different.. i like the skimmer frist well before the return pump

Oh yeah, as for just getting flow around..people suggest mag 12's or something along those lines in the tank, usually on the top corners. Does anyone else find that ugly? I want to hide those things and have people look at my dying coral instead.
jump up a bit and see the CLS part.. also take a look at the FAQ section here, there are articles you will like to read including one on sumps..
before you decide on the pump and stuff, what type of corals do you want. that too plays with the amount of flow you will have.
How are /is yor lighting system?

So yeah, have a happy thanksgiving! Eat some potatoes and watch some football! Thanks again everyone!
Flounder

[Flounder]

More Stats:
The tank has VHO's and Metal Halides. The tank is acrylic and has a strange top. Hang on things dont work. There is a 3 inch lip around the top of the tank. There are three window/covers to get inside the tank. Luckily I am tearing it down in a week or so and moving it. Would this be a good time to get it drilled? Where would I want that done? Or can I just buy the bit myself and try it.
Flounder

[Geoff]

Acrylic, bring out the hole saw!!!

since it is acrylic it is really easy to drill and modify the tank. you can easily add an overflow or two to the tank. the best thing i can think of for you to do is look at Fly guys double tank build thread. he has a great, on the back coast to coast overflow system on his 220 (i think). this is a better option than my in the tank coast to coast overflow system. this type of system allows you to do some insane flow and plumbing without the risks of critter suckage.

could you post a pic of your tank. this will allow us to see the options for drilling.

i like to keep the flow through the sump equal to the amount of water the skimmer can process. this may only be about 500gph or less. most skimmers do not move as much water as people think. getting more than 1200gph through a sump is noisey and requires large holes for drainage.

FYI- one 1" drain is only able to handle about 600gph.

G~