Flow rate & OverFlow Advise

[ferrarione]

Hi,

I am planning a 150G mix Fish & Corals tank.

How much should I set the flow rate of the tank? In fact, I need advise on how to calculate the flow rate for when I use two durso standpipes each of 1". (or should I use 1 and half inch pipes?). The height of the stand should be around 36".

In addition, wouldyou advise using two separate overflow chambers or a single one with two durso standpipes?

For the protein skimmer, would you advise AquaC EV-200, ETS, or Aerofoamer?

Thanks in advance.

[Aragorn]

Ferrarione,

Most people here will recommend using 2 standpipes. I have both types in my tanks. Now, on my 135g I have a single Durso(2" reduced to 1.5" at the bulkhead). I'm running a Mag1800 for a return and I'm getting an estimated 1200-1300gph through the tank. I believe, if memory serves me correctly, a 1" pipe will "max out" at 600gph. Therefore, with 2 1" pipes you'd get a maximum of 1200gph. What you'd like to see as "throughput" will determine what diameter pipe(s) you need. Of course you'll want to match a return pump as well. FWIW, my single standpipe is working just fine. Most dual stanpipes usually have chambers in each corner of the tank. As for your skimmer, I've used AquaC exclusively and have been very satisfied. Of course, I've recently converted all my systems over to natural filtration. HTH

[scubadude]

Two 1" durso overflows can capacitate 2500gph. Richard is doing this on his 180gal tank. Check out his website he designed the overflow which for DIYers

http://www.rl180reef.com/pages/standpipe/standpipe.htm

Also you might want to ask Golfish about his setup...cuz he has similar size tank....here are his specs (hope you dont mind Mark )

150 gal glass, 2x250 watt HQI's 1x400 watt 6.5K with 4x55 watt blue PC's, ETSS skimmer, Sipedon float switch, 2x1" Sea Swirls, Amp Master 3000 used with SS on a closed loop, Mag 12 sump return, Geo calcium reactor, the list goes on ......

I would definately go with two 1" standpipes...and definately 2 seperate overflow chambers....this would disperse the flow much more evenly as far as the skimmer goes...AquaC all the way!!

[Reefland]

Two 1" drains can definitely handle 2500gph. As long as there aren't too many restrictions throughout the plumbing, like 90 degree angles, these drains can flow a lot of water.

Instead of flowing 2500gph through your sump, consider having 1 - 1" drain and a bulkhead placed in the back of the tank for a closed loop. This is the same application that golfish has.

Scott

[Aragorn]

Thanks for pointing that out guys. I wasn't too sure of the maximum capacity. Don't know where I got the 600gph. I do know that my 2" Durso is easily handling my throughput. Sorry about the mistake.

[Reefland]

How much are you running through the 2" Aragorn? This could handle 2.5x the amount of a 1"......I believe.

Scott

[Aragorn]

I'm only running about 1300gph thru it. Easy 'nuff for it. Isn't even close to maxed out.

[ferrarione]

Thanks All for the info.

Some more questions:

Anywhere on the the web describe Sea Swirls? Heard this device alot but can't find the actual look and the operation.

Reefland,

Can't find what you mean by closed loop!? You have more info?
BTW, Golfish, are you around?...

[ferrarione]

Thanks All for the info.

Some more questions:

Anywhere on the the web describe Sea Swirls? Heard this device alot but can't find the actual look and the operation.

Reefland,

Can't find what you mean by closed loop!? You have more info?
BTW, Golfish, are you around?...

[scubadude]

Ferrari

Check out the bottom of this page it shows you what a Closed loop is....its basically what it says.....Instead of the pump circulating the water through the tank & Sump it just circulates it through the tank...heres the link

http://personal.atl.bellsouth.net/at...s/diy/diy.html

and here is the website for seaswirl

http://www.sea-swirl.com