upgrading to 225gallons

[samster]

2 x 2" dursopipe how many GPH would 2 x 2" outtake? and 1" return? how many gph return pump do you guys work with or should i work with? and i have some big under tank cartiage filters do you guys think i should hook it up so i can run it once in awhile mabe an hour a week or so? just to polish and buff out the water? i don't really want to keep a 2.5 amp pump runnin 24.7 lols but i wouldn't mind an hour or a couple a week,i would have to clean it after every run though prolly because it will build up nitrates. do u think a 1400 gph return pump is efficent for the 225? and mabe a power head or 2? I want some opinions and options before i hit stupid mistakes like with my 1st 75 gallon mixed reef :irked: thanks

 

[SlamaJama]

i think the formula is that for a 1" pipe its 600 g/hr...i would gather with a 2" pipe 2x that 1200g/h...asumption on he return would be again 600g/h

i run my iwaki 70 (2amps) 24/7 as return pump

 

[jhale]

"Flow rates of different sized pipes can be calculated by using the formula for the area of a circle: A= π*r2. Using this formula, it can be determined that the opening of a two-inch pipe is about 3.14 square inches (3.14 x 1.0 (1x1) = 3.14). So, in theory, a single 2” pipe has exactly the same area as four 1" pipes (3.14 x 0.25 (0.5 x 0.5) = 0.78), and therefore could easily handle 3400 gallons of water per hour."

http://www.reefland.com/rho/2006/05/overflows_sumps.php

 

[nycmat]

go with the bigger pipes. i have a 215 and wish that i drilled it and made the flow different in the tank

 

[regal]

Link

 

[samster]

dam this is gonna be annoyin =X who thinks if i should go BB on the 225g???i kind of like the SSB look i have in the 75g but i get sand tornado in the middle front of the tank lol but i don't really like to place powerheads in the display.I just like a strong return pump so the tank looks clear of equipment. Im think im goin to make it easier for myself and build the 225g stand and tank up next to the 75g and then transfer everything over, but im goin to be addin some really dried LR 100+ lbs and then move my exsitin 80lbs or so to the tank is it safe for me to place the coral over? since its going to be like 2/3 new water? it should hit a mini cycle. Some input guys TANKS ALOT IN ADVANCE - Sam

 

[jackson6745]

Sam, I would do 2x 1.5" drains and 2x1" returns. You could use a sequence pump to power your return and also run a nice big beckett skimmer with the same pump.
I'm not a fan of high flow sumps because mico bubbles become an issue and it's a PITA to keep quiet. A 1400gph return would be fine along with 2 Tunze streams. A few regular powerheads wouldn't be nearly enough flow.
If you decide to go BB you should consider a pressure rated return pump and penductors to keep detritus off the bottom.

 

[samster]

i currently have 1400 i my 75 doesn't look that strong dunno is it because my return tubin is extra long lol so it travels harder then it should

 

[jackson6745]

Sam, what i'm trying to say is that you really can't get enough flow from your return pump alone in. You're better going with a medium flow (1400gph) so you don't get micro bubbles and have a quiet system, and get your main flow elsewhere i.e. closed loop, streams, vortech, penductors etc...

 

[regal]

....I'm not a fan of high flow sumps because mico bubbles become an issue.

Agree 100%. That's one thing I would like to change with my system. Close loops to increase flow in the tank and use a smaller return pump to avoid microbubbles.

Which skimmer are you going to use? May want to check this out.