Diameter of returns?

[FrankB1]

For a 180 with center overflow with dual returns, what diameter returns would be better 0.5 or 0.75 inch considering dual 1" drains with sump flow between 1200-1500 gal/hr. I will have 2 Wave2K center units for in tank flow (approx 4000gal/hr each).

Also would it be better to have an external or internal return pump? What brands would be good?

Thanks for any advice /info

 

[girodave]

Frank,

I am building a 180 as we speak. I have a a center over flow as well, but am using one 1 1/2" overflow with two 1" returns. I am using an amp master 3000 which claims 3000 gallons at zero feet. It was a lucky perfect match. My water level was a half inch from the top when it leveled out.

I would think you would be better with .75" returns. your over flow would be about fifty percent larger matching my set-up. Can you go bigger for your overflow???? how many overflow pipes do you have??

I set my system up in the garage to do a test run. It was worth the extra effort.

If you can afford external pumps they would be best in my opinion. They will not heat up the water as much and I think are more reliable and cheaper to run. The down side is they take up more room in the cabinet. Iwakis are really nice and quiet if you get the Japanese motor. I picked the Dolphin Amp Masters because they were a little cheaper and I could get twice the GPH for the amount of amps. They are low RPM motors, so they don't do well under pressures. My friend got a mak4 and crap was it loud.

hope that helps.

Dave

 

[tampavii]

I am setting up 200 gallon as we speak too . This is going to be fish and live rock tank.
few questions.
I have 2 overflow boxes with 1 3/4 hole and 1 1/2 hole .I need to know what size bulkhead fttings are needed. I am thinking 1 inch for drain with adaptor for 1 1/4 Durso standpipe and 3/4 for return. Is there anyway to figure out flow rate ?
What size pump would you suggest?. I have heard good thinks about an Dolphin AMP master . But think its going to be to big.
I was thinking of 2 little giants. One at 1000 gph and one at 650 gph. Was thinking 2 pumps in case one breaks down when not home.

I am also going to have to run a sen 900 for the skimmer. Can I place return flow from Skimmer return line back over the bio -balls .
Thanks Capt gene

 

[FrankB1]

Dave,

The overflow is 18"x5" trapazoid shaped. This is Tenecor's std size for a dual drain overflow. I'am sure they would drill drains to 1.5" with 0.75 returns. Do you think this size would work? How do I figure flow capacity of the overflow?

I'am trying to stay away from closed loops etc., do you think the Wave2k's are enough flow with the dual returns. In tank flow would be 8000 gal/hour plus 1200-1500 return from sump.

 

[FrankB1]

The sump will also be a refugium so I don't want super high flow. It will be Ecosystem based.