55 gallon sump.

[Hondatek]

The tank was used with these holes but as you see they are right under the frame. I was going to silicone lexan sheets to the inside since i don't think bulkheads will seal because of the frame . What do you think?

 

[mr_X]

is that the big tank? i don't think you can even get bulkheads that small.

 

[Hondatek]

Yea thats the big tank . It has 4 one inch holes across it.

 

[coffeetwitch]

if you drill also look up "herbie's ultra silent overflow" there is a big wright up on reefcentral. bulkreefsupply endorses it, if that means anything to you. im running something similar to it. and when i get the free cash im going to fully do it.

 

[coffeetwitch]

oh and if you go to bulkreefsupply they have a couple vids. one mention of it is on the 6th vid of how to set up a saltwater tank, the other ones, just follow the links.

Ultra quiet reef tank overflow - YouTube
and here is another take on it.
Herbie Overflow - YouTube

 

[coffeetwitch]

also if you cant find plugs i would imagine the silicone with acrylic patch would work too.

 

[mr_X]

i wouldn't drill the bottom of the tank unless you plan on installing a water tight overflow box around it. if the bulkhead ever leaks, you'll drain the whole tank empty.
as long as you use a pump that isn't pushing the drain to capacity, you won't hear much of anything. right now i have the mag 9.5 running on my tank and i do have standpipes, but nothing on top of them for noise reduction, and i can't hear anything. if i increased the flow, that's when i'd hear the suction toilet flushing sound.

 

[coffeetwitch]

and here is the link to the actual article.

NEW plumbing method for an ULTRA QUIET REEF TANK!!!! LONG !!!! - Reef Central Online Community

also if you dont drill,
CPR CS90 SIPHON AQUARIUM OVERFLOW BOX by CPR Aquatic - AquaCave
CPR CS102 SIPHON AQUARIUM OVERFLOW BOX by CPR Aquatic - AquaCave
if you go this route, get the deluxe package. it will include the lift pump and lid.


sorry for the rapid replies

 

[Hondatek]

Rapid replies are fine in my book lol. I think I'll just go with the overflow box and use the lexan to plug the holes. I would like to get bulkheads but since i have the issue with the frame I'd rather go the patch route since I know that would work.

 

[coffeetwitch]

i really dont want to step on mr_X's toes. he knows what he is talking about.

that said im only offering another way of doing the same thing. ive got a mag 9.5 too and its running wide open with no restriction or redirection and my lift pump is louder than my overflow.

 

[coffeetwitch]

if i could do it over again i would drill 2 holes in the back of my tank like they did on this vid. and start to talk about at the 1:47 mark.

How to set up a saltwater aquarium - Episode 6 Adding a Sump - YouTube

 

[mr_X]

i would come over the top with the return, and i would not rely on a check valve. a drill hole just below the water line inside the tank is much more reliable.

 

[Hondatek]

So your saying get a u shaped pipe and hang it over for my return?

 

[mr_X]

yes. i am a firm believer that the less holes you have to drill in your tank, the better. less chance of leaks, easier to sell the tank down the road...
unless you are doing a rimless tank and the aesthetics of the top are important.

 

[Hondatek]

Cool deal you guys are so helpful. Would I drill a small hole in the top of the u shaped return to prevent the water from siphoning out?

 

[mr_X]

not in the top of the tube, because then you would have a water fountain! a small hole just below the water line would allow it to break siphon when the power goes out.

 

[Hondatek]

Ok cool . You guys have been a huge help. Hopefully I'll have all my parts soon so I can start a build thread.

 

[Hondatek]

What's better a CPR 1200 gph overflow or a eshopps 1200 gph overflow?

 

[coffeetwitch]

I'm going to say CPR. For 16$ more you get a lift pump to help ensure syphon.

 

[Hondatek]

I think I'm going order the CPR and the octopus skimmer today and worry about the sump pump in a few weeks. I'm supposedly going to get the sump tank today. So my build is almost started