start of 55 build

[jberd]

How are you all? Things are good here. I just got a new used tank from a friend. This will be number two. It is a 55 I think. It is 48l x 15w x 16t. I just have few questions.

1. How big should my overflow be.

2. What should the pump size be for my return.

3. I would like to add a closed loop system but do I need to add a second overflow or can I y my main.

My sump is a 20 tall My plans are to use a mrc1 skimmer
4 48" 54w tek t5 retros, velocity pump which size still ? but I was thinking t3 for the return and the closed loop.

I would like the overflow in one corner and the return in the other with the closed loop returning in the middle of the tank on a tree.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks Jberd

[tims]

HI,
sounds like you have some fum work to do!

1. How big should my overflow be.

you can get a standard over flow for most of the sponors.

2. What should the pump size be for my return.

the pump and the over flow work hand in hand. see twhat the over flow is rated for. go a little under that. ( you can usally use a mag 5 or7 )

3. I would like to add a closed loop system but do I need to add a second overflow or can I y my main.

yes and no.. you want it's own overflow this can either be a drilled hole/ bulkhead or an over the top tubing. You DO NOT want to "y" off the main...

My sump is a 20 tall My plans are to use a mrc1 skimmer
4 48" 54w tek t5 retros, velocity pump which size still ? but I was thinking t3 for the return and the closed loop.

you want to sepearate out the skimmer pump and the return pump and the CLS pump. the CLS can be any size pump. the return must be able to handle the overflow

[jberd]

Thanks Tim that is alot of help. Can I take the tank somewhere and have the bottom drilled for the bulkheads? I do not want anything over the top.

[tims]

talk to either a glass shop, the LFS or you can do it your self..
But i dont like the bottom idea. better off with the back instead.

[ChrisPrusha]

Like Tim said, consider the back of the tank.

Congrats on the tank!!