New 100 gallon Closed loop overflow Q's

Ichthus · 09-26-2003, 11:25 AM

Ok...so this may be what I am looking at:

100g reef ready tank.

1. Trying to decide if I want/need 2 overflows or not.
2. I would like a closed loop.

If I do the 2 overflows, I am thinking about obviously having 2 holes under each overflow, then 2 holes for closed loop maybe 12" from top and 2" to the side of the overflow boxes, and the 2 other closed loop about 10" from bottom and 2" from the the overflow boxes.

Is it better to have 2 over flows or just one?

Phantom Phish · 09-26-2003, 12:11 PM

I have a 105 gallon Oceanic tank with a single overflow. My personal opinion is that two overflows would be better. Two overflows would allow you to use a larger return pump to increase turnover and circulation if you wanted to. If not, I would still prefer two overflows as a safety measure, so that if one gets blocked by something, you have another one functioning to hopefully prevent a large spill from your tank. However, the downside to two overflows would be that you would lose more space in your tank. HTH

(B)reef Encounter · 09-26-2003, 01:11 PM

I wouldn't use the overflows as a part of your CL.Use one hole in each overflow as the return from the sump and the other one for the drain. I would drill two holes in the back or bottom and use those for your closed loop, that way you would keep out the bubbles, and your overflows wouldn't struggle to keep water in them. An effective CL would suck the water out faster than your return pump could replace it in you tank. JMO

Ichthus · 09-26-2003, 02:15 PM

I misinformed then. I was planning on 2 holes for each overflow totalling 4, and then to add 4 more on the back wall of tank...2 for in and 2 for out. Does that sound right?

kram138 · 09-26-2003, 03:23 PM

On the closed loop, couldn't you do 1 out, say 1" and split the return and reduce to .75" or .5""? You could split the return with a SCWD. Less plumbing to worry about.

(B)reef Encounter · 09-26-2003, 06:31 PM

I would use one in and one out for the CL.You can put in a manifold with loc line to point the current were you want it. You would have less plumbing, and get the same results.This is what I've done on my 210 and it moves a ton of water.Two cl returns I feel would be overkill on 100g tank.IMO

Ichthus · 09-27-2003, 10:03 AM

Excellent. Then I will order the tank today. Thanks guys.

Doug1 · 09-27-2003, 03:17 PM

I would consider using 2 1" -1.5" bulkheads for the closed loop depending on how big a pump you plan on using.
I like the idea of using a couple SCWDs(squids) as the return, with 2 you can have 4 outlets staggered as you see fit or run one with a return at each end and have the other alternate between a hi and low spray bar. Lots of possibilities, just need to figure out what pump and calculate the actual flow rates thru the squids, the higher the velocity, the faster they alternate as I recall , Enjoy

Ichthus · 09-27-2003, 04:09 PM

I was looking at the T4 pump unless I am told otherwise. I was trying to decide betwen the SQWD and the Wavemaker but just don't know yet. Help??? The LFS said they would put the extra 2 holes in for free just in case I need it later. So, I will probably have 4 done for the CL, and just seal them with a bulkhead for use later if necessary.

Doug1 · 09-27-2003, 04:51 PM

David, if they will do them for free, why not, you can always install stub piping with a ball valve on it till you need it. Then on a closed loop you prolly want a shutoff valve at the bulkhead anyway, as well as setting up the outflow side for true unions to make maint/repair MUCH EASIER