120gallon ready to go up BB question.

[xxnonamexx]

Well this week I should finally be getting my 120gallon up and running. I am going BB and it will be a Fish with Live rock setup. I was planning on using a MAG 7 for a return (it's pre-drilled) but now I am going to go with a MAG9 for a return and also a MAG9 for my in sump skimmer. I was planning on using lock line to disperse the flow and get it to the bottom to help push the detritus that sits on the bottom. I am in the process of getting the PVC plumbing together I plan on using a ball valve on the drain and also on the return for emergency purposes I can cut off the water from continuously flowing. Any other ideas and suggestions?

 

[Deanos]

Any particular reason you're using a barebottom on a FOWLR? Sounds like you'll need ALOT more flow to keep detritus from settling. What skimmer do you plan on using?

 

[nyumpa]

i use mag 7 return on my 25aga, if you have dual overflows(600gph each) you really should look into something looking into that pushes
1000 gph+. you also must consider the head loss
reefcentral.com has a good calcalator for this

 

[xxnonamexx]

I have single overflow Durso the skimmer is a Lifereef. I am going BB because my friend did and it came out beautiful. Sand discolors after a while and I had sand in my 55 DSB and had a great cleaner crew I hated when the sand got dicolored against the glass it looked ugly a pain to clean it. I read about BB detritus builds up but you can siphon it out. Nitrates I know with DSB should keep them low and a shallow sand bed won't so that is why I chose BB.

 

[xxnonamexx]

Ok so I decided to go with a shallow layer of sand since I am having a FOWLR. I am not 100% sure how much sand will be enough for an inch I figured the livesand comes in 30lbs so 60 should do justice.

 

[Deanos]

Sandbed Calculator

 

[duke62]

hey xx i have a 110 with 2 drains and 2 returns working off a mag 12 it is not enough flow for my dual drains i can only use one.you should get something with more flow bro.when i get the funds im going with a mag 18.my plumming is 1" for returns and 1 1/4 for drain

 

[danfish]

i have the same setup that you have and IMO a mag9 for return is way too small, i use a mag18 for my return and is perfect.

 

[xxnonamexx]

I have 1 drain and its a FOWLR so I don't see a huge need for more flow my friend has same set up with corals and a MAG 9 return is perfect using locline to direct the flow. MAG 12 was too powerful for him.

 

[Will]

Some people seem to get away with a shallow sand bed but IMO I think a shallow sand bed is a bad idea .. Not deep enuf to process any detrius but will "trap crap" and may lead to problems. I have had both and the tank with the shallow sand bed (1 inch) turned into a nightmare algae factory.As soon as I got rid of the sand bed the problem dissappeared...I have a BB now and like the easy cleanup on the bottom altho I still do like the look of a sand bed

 

[xxnonamexx]

I had a DSB but I wasn't a huge fan, so I am trying a shallow SB. FOWLR I don't think will look good as BB. Do you have any photos? I also feel that a MAG9 is plenty for the return. SO you think a SSB doesn't do any justice as far as keeping Nitrates low? Algae will form but a good cleanup crew should keep it under control.

 

[xxnonamexx]

120 is up

Well after much debate I went with a MAG 9.5 and it is still powerful I had to set the ball valve to almost 3/4 shut. I do not understand why members suggested getting a bigger pump for the return if the MAG 9 is so powerful.