what should i use the holes in my AGA for??

[phrawd]

So I've got two holes in the bottom of my 180 gallon AGA with bulkheads attached and 5/8" flexible tubing attached. Right now I've got two 22.5" pieces of 3/4" PVC in each of them with a plastic prefilter on top. They run into the dual input wet dry and then the water gets pumped back up through two tubes and out of two cheap PVC fittings. Is this what I'm supposed to be doing? The holes are small for a 180 so I doubt I can use one as a return... here is a picture empty and picture full. Give me your thoughts. The original owner used one as a return and one as a sink.

 

[Len]

I take it this was a preowned tank. The orignial owner probably had a special purpose for the holes, as they aren't what you normally see for a tank (especially tanks with tempered glass bottoms).

I am guessing they were designed for the pump return. An 1/2" hole is more suitable for this purpose then it is for drain. However, if it's working well for you as a drain to the wet/dry, doesn't hurt to keep using this configuration. I don't like hang-on overflows (with siphons), so this might actually do well. Just make sure all the connections are VERY well sealed. You don't want 180 gallons of water emptying now

Some possibilities: Design a Durso-style standpipe instead of a straight PVC pipe. This will reduce any gurgling sounds if you have that problem. Also, try gray Schedule 80 PVC for aesthetic purposes. There are black PVC, but they are exceedingly hard to find. Sch 80 is everywhere.

 

[phrawd]

Would a durso-style standpipe work? There is no overflow box so the water level is the same everywhere and I wonder if any water would flow up into the durso or not seeing as there is no difference in water level? Also, what is there in the way of power outtage precautions? Currently if there is a power outtage I am screwed... the sump has a large chamber so it could hold most of the water but that's because I don't keep my tank all the way filled. The water would go straight down those two pipes, fill the sump and overflow everywhere which would render me homeless and single. Thanks for your help.

 

[K]

Could you use a pipe leading into the hole in the tank. If this pipe was tall enough it could prevent the tank draining dramatically in the case of a power outage, say if the pipe came to just an inch or so under the water surface it would mean that your sump would only have to deal with the amount of water between the top of the pipe and the surface. Just an idea and I suppose the pipe might look pretty bad

 

[phrawd]

Could you use a pipe leading into the hole in the tank. If this pipe was tall enough it could prevent the tank draining dramatically in the case of a power outage, say if the pipe came to just an inch or so under the water surface it would mean that your sump would only have to deal with the amount of water between the top of the pipe and the surface. Just an idea and I suppose the pipe might look pretty bad

Well that's what I have on there now... The seal at the bottom is pretty good so very little water leaks through the hole (although there is some on one of them). So only the difference between the height of the pipe and the water level is what would drain out which could probably be handled. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Len]

Come to think of it, since you have two holes, it'll be very hard to get two Dursos to work together (dual Durso are hard(er) to set up and keep working).

I know the tank is filled already, but the only way to insure your sump won't overflow is if the holes are totally sealed. Short power outtages might not be a problem, but leaking in an extended power outtage will overflow the sump.