Haven't plumbed a tank in a while...need recs...

[Anonymous]

I have a 60"x18"x27" 130-gallon that I'm setting up and need some recommendations on plumbing it. It's going to be a fish-only tank. Cost is an issue, so wherever I can save I'd like to.

I think this is what I need :

a sump
overflow kits
return pump
hose
bulkheads

Not sure what else...

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Peace,

Chip

 

[Len]

Is the tank empty. If so, I HIGHLY recommend you install an internal overflow box first (which means drilling the tank). The external types simply aren't as reliable.

A cheap glass aquarium is probably the most affordable sump solution. Just install some baffles and it's good to go.

The easiest way to set this all up is to use an submersible pump and plumb with mostly vinyl. I know reefkeepers have a PVC fetish, but flexible vinyl has benefits (tolerant to imperfect measurement, larger radius bends for reduced head pressure, easy to cut and install)

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry Len...forgot to mention it's already drilled with two overflows on either side of the back wall (in other words, not in the corners). It's an Oceanic 130 with the glass center brace.

Like this one, but without the dorks making faces...

Peace,

Chip

 

[Anonymous]

how big are the holes? 1" or 1.5" simply use what they give you put some bulkheads on it and lead it to a sump that's big enough to hold the skimmer you plan to have, definitely baffle off the sump to keep the water level constant in the skimmer's compartment.

Use flexible PVC with whatever return pump you choose, you don't need that much flow going through your sump, and bammo you're done.

 

[Anonymous]

Also be sure to build in some sort of Durso or other device to quiet the overflow. I will never drill my tank the way you did (and I did) again, because those bottom to top boxes just take up SO much space. I really like the ones I've seen where it is either along the entire back and very narrow (as wide as the hole), or the ones that are short but drilled in the back of the tank and not the bottom. As for your sump, just make sure it fits underneath your stand the way you want it to, or you will end up like me due to bad measurements (had to turn the sump front to back).

I agree with the submersible pump for the return. You can get your in tank flow through a closed loop or in tank prop style powerheads.

 

[Anonymous]

What's the best site with simple instructions on the best way to do this? I'm confident I can do it, I just don't want any leaks...that's my only concern.

Also, have any tips on how I get my arm down the overflow to screw in the bulkhead? It's 27" tall and I'm not sure my arm is that long.

Peace,

Chip

 

[Anonymous]

What's the best site with simple instructions on the best way to do this? I'm confident I can do it, I just don't want any leaks...that's my only concern.

Also, have any tips on how I get my arm down the overflow to screw in the bulkhead? It's 27" tall and I'm not sure my arm is that long.

Peace,

Chip

Here is mydurso variant. The Y make is easier to build and takes up less space. Make yours straight. Mine is dog legged to clear my perimeter bracing.

And the air control is just a cap cross drilled and sanded in the inside to make it turn able.

As far as getting the bulkhead down the over flow, just put it on the end of a piece of pipe and that will give you enough length to reach the bottom and if you need to have someone hold it more than enough friction for back up. Do not put it on tight or you will have a hard time pulling the pipe back out.[/img]