plumbing suggestions needed

UnderWaterParadise · 01-01-2004, 08:48 PM

Ok when it comes to plumbing a tank I am a newbie. All of my tanks have been the basic set ups with no sumps etc. Well I am setting up a frag/prop system with multiple tanks. I have attached a pic of how the tanks will sit.

Each tank is a 20g long 30x12". I want them all on one system connected to eachother. The set up is going in my garage and I want the full shabang auto top off, calc react, chiller,sump/fuge etc.

I plan on lighting each pair of 20g with a 400w mh and the middle tank will be lit with PC or VHO for softies. Please give me suggestions. My buddy is a Journey Man plumber so that will be no prob.

Thanks Rob

Reef Geek · 01-02-2004, 02:23 PM

No ideas here Rob, but here's a bump for ya.

wildcat · 01-02-2004, 02:48 PM

Lots of ways, are they on the same height level?

Assuming they are, you could drill the tanks for an overflow using a bulkhead with screen adapter, plumb each tank to a sump area where you have your live rock DSB, or whatever housed.

In the sump area, use that area for makeup water with float, calcium reacter etc.

Then run a return line to each tank controlled via a manifold made of PVC and ball valves. You can get fancy but this will work.

UnderWaterParadise · 01-02-2004, 03:03 PM

All the tanks will be at the same height. The sump will be below and Auto top off above ( if possible). The single tank will contain 2 bulkheads at the back for return to the sump. I will try and post a new pic that shows the plumbing. Let me know what ya think

Pro_builder · 01-02-2004, 03:13 PM

I would make each tank 1 1/2" lower than the next, with the Softie tank at hte lowest point, then return from there to the sump. Then put the top off system in the Sump.
That way you can have only one return and then they will flow from one tank to the next, this will also remove a problem of Chemical Warfare from Softies to SPS/LPS.
If you want a drawing of what I am trying to explain, let me know.

UnderWaterParadise · 01-02-2004, 03:19 PM

Troy, I would love a sketch if you would be so kind. I am very new to this type of setup so the more info and suggestions the better. I am really not sure how the Auto top off can be in the sump ( doesn't have to be a separte place for the RO/DI fresh water? Thanks for your help

Pro_builder · 01-02-2004, 03:27 PM

if the uto top off setup is in the sump that water level will stay the same al the time. If you put it in a tank, then if the water drains out of that tank a lil faster for some reason, it will fill the sump and over flow it.
I will try t draw you something up real quick over lunch.

UnderWaterParadise · 01-02-2004, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pro_builder
if the uto top off setup is in the sump that water level will stay the same al the time. If you put it in a tank, then if the water drains out of that tank a lil faster for some reason, it will fill the sump and over flow it.
I will try t draw you something up real quick over lunch.

Ok so you mean the Float will be in the sump. So I will have a 30-50g tub above all the tanks with plumbing to the sump rather then into one of the tanks. Thanks again for your help. I see you do alot of DIY.

Pro_builder · 01-02-2004, 03:45 PM

135 here is a pic, if you have more questions let me know, and I will email you the plans.

Pro_builder · 01-02-2004, 03:46 PM

the valves in the return pipes, to the tank from sump are to regulate your flow to teh main tanks.

Pro_builder · 01-02-2004, 04:03 PM

just a lil bit of DIY

I try to keep costs down.

They say that I am the cheapest person they have met. (I squek when I walk, I am such a tight wad)

UnderWaterParadise · 01-02-2004, 04:47 PM

Thanks Troy, Your idea is what I was going to do but I'm not sure if I have the space to seperate each pair of tanks in order to pipe them together. If I am looking at it correct there will only be 2 water inlets on the 2 outside tanks. Then two overflows on the single tank back to the sump? With only two inlets will I have too much flow in those 2 tanks and none in the others? Also would you use one return pump or two seperate.

I am going to get some final measurements this weekend and decide for sure what size tanks I am going to use. I will really need your help when I start this project. Thanks again..I'll send you a nice frag when I get it up and going.

Rob

Pro_builder · 01-02-2004, 04:54 PM

Your flow should be alright. Whatever flow you have in one tank you will have in all tanks. The flow to teh final tank (Softies) will be double of the SPS/LPS tanks. you should be able to get by with about 2" inbetween the tanks.
Let me know what your space confinements are and what you want to do, and I will draw you up a better picture.
I would only run 1 pump.

I would also put a Union fitting inbetween each tank, that way if you crack one you can always take it out and replace it.

UnderWaterParadise · 01-02-2004, 04:58 PM

Thanks again I may change the single tank to house SPS since it will have more flow. I apprieciate all of your help

UnderWaterParadise · 01-02-2004, 04:59 PM

One more quick thing. What size pump would you use for this system?

01-01-2004, 08:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
UnderWaterParadise my name is Rob and I'm a Zooaholic Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Olivehurst, Cali. Posts: 425 View Gallery Karma Komment	plumbing suggestions needed Ok when it comes to plumbing a tank I am a newbie. All of my tanks have been the basic set ups with no sumps etc. Well I am setting up a frag/prop system with multiple tanks. I have attached a pic of how the tanks will sit. Each tank is a 20g long 30x12". I want them all on one system connected to eachother. The set up is going in my garage and I want the full shabang auto top off, calc react, chiller,sump/fuge etc. I plan on lighting each pair of 20g with a 400w mh and the middle tank will be lit with PC or VHO for softies. Please give me suggestions. My buddy is a Journey Man plumber so that will be no prob. Thanks Rob __________________ AQUARIST FORMERLY KNOWN AS 135 REEF and jusreefin

01-02-2004, 02:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
Reef Geek Reefus Geekus Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Fountain, CO Posts: 325 View Gallery Karma Komment	No ideas here Rob, but here's a bump for ya. __________________ Justin Stealth Reefer

01-02-2004, 03:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
UnderWaterParadise my name is Rob and I'm a Zooaholic Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Olivehurst, Cali. Posts: 425 View Gallery Karma Komment	All the tanks will be at the same height. The sump will be below and Auto top off above ( if possible). The single tank will contain 2 bulkheads at the back for return to the sump. I will try and post a new pic that shows the plumbing. Let me know what ya think __________________ AQUARIST FORMERLY KNOWN AS 135 REEF and jusreefin

01-02-2004, 03:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	I would make each tank 1 1/2" lower than the next, with the Softie tank at hte lowest point, then return from there to the sump. Then put the top off system in the Sump. That way you can have only one return and then they will flow from one tank to the next, this will also remove a problem of Chemical Warfare from Softies to SPS/LPS. If you want a drawing of what I am trying to explain, let me know. __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

01-02-2004, 03:19 PM	#6 (permalink)
UnderWaterParadise my name is Rob and I'm a Zooaholic Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Olivehurst, Cali. Posts: 425 View Gallery Karma Komment	Troy, I would love a sketch if you would be so kind. I am very new to this type of setup so the more info and suggestions the better. I am really not sure how the Auto top off can be in the sump ( doesn't have to be a separte place for the RO/DI fresh water? Thanks for your help __________________ AQUARIST FORMERLY KNOWN AS 135 REEF and jusreefin

01-02-2004, 02:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
wildcat Bryozoan Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 49 View Gallery Karma Komment	Lots of ways, are they on the same height level? Assuming they are, you could drill the tanks for an overflow using a bulkhead with screen adapter, plumb each tank to a sump area where you have your live rock DSB, or whatever housed. In the sump area, use that area for makeup water with float, calcium reacter etc. Then run a return line to each tank controlled via a manifold made of PVC and ball valves. You can get fancy but this will work.

01-02-2004, 03:27 PM	#7 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	if the uto top off setup is in the sump that water level will stay the same al the time. If you put it in a tank, then if the water drains out of that tank a lil faster for some reason, it will fill the sump and over flow it. I will try t draw you something up real quick over lunch. __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

01-02-2004, 03:45 PM	#9 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	135 here is a pic, if you have more questions let me know, and I will email you the plans. __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

01-02-2004, 03:46 PM	#10 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	the valves in the return pipes, to the tank from sump are to regulate your flow to teh main tanks. __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

01-02-2004, 04:03 PM	#11 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	just a lil bit of DIY I try to keep costs down. They say that I am the cheapest person they have met. (I squek when I walk, I am such a tight wad) __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

01-02-2004, 04:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
UnderWaterParadise my name is Rob and I'm a Zooaholic Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Olivehurst, Cali. Posts: 425 View Gallery Karma Komment	Thanks Troy, Your idea is what I was going to do but I'm not sure if I have the space to seperate each pair of tanks in order to pipe them together. If I am looking at it correct there will only be 2 water inlets on the 2 outside tanks. Then two overflows on the single tank back to the sump? With only two inlets will I have too much flow in those 2 tanks and none in the others? Also would you use one return pump or two seperate. I am going to get some final measurements this weekend and decide for sure what size tanks I am going to use. I will really need your help when I start this project. Thanks again..I'll send you a nice frag when I get it up and going. Rob __________________ AQUARIST FORMERLY KNOWN AS 135 REEF and jusreefin

01-02-2004, 04:54 PM	#13 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	Your flow should be alright. Whatever flow you have in one tank you will have in all tanks. The flow to teh final tank (Softies) will be double of the SPS/LPS tanks. you should be able to get by with about 2" inbetween the tanks. Let me know what your space confinements are and what you want to do, and I will draw you up a better picture. I would only run 1 pump. I would also put a Union fitting inbetween each tank, that way if you crack one you can always take it out and replace it. __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

01-02-2004, 04:58 PM	#14 (permalink)
UnderWaterParadise my name is Rob and I'm a Zooaholic Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Olivehurst, Cali. Posts: 425 View Gallery Karma Komment	Thanks again I may change the single tank to house SPS since it will have more flow. I apprieciate all of your help __________________ AQUARIST FORMERLY KNOWN AS 135 REEF and jusreefin

01-02-2004, 04:59 PM	#15 (permalink)
UnderWaterParadise my name is Rob and I'm a Zooaholic Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Olivehurst, Cali. Posts: 425 View Gallery Karma Komment	One more quick thing. What size pump would you use for this system? __________________ AQUARIST FORMERLY KNOWN AS 135 REEF and jusreefin

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