Drilling a 180 for bulkheads sump set up

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L98Z28

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Jul 15, 2013
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Ok I'm going to find someone to drill my 180. No I don't have the balls to drill it myself. Anyway, I assume I should order the bulk heads first so I know how big of a hole to drill.

This is what I was thinking. Two one inch bulkheads about half an inch below the frame. I keep my water level a little above the frame. Now should I add a skimmer box in front of them? How far apart should the drilled holes be? Also how do I figure out the water flow for them, I will not be using hard line just flexible hose. I don't know what return pump I will be using, I'm thinking around 1500 gph. Tank will be heavily stocked (oscars) any suggestions would be awesome. Oh sump is a 40 gallon breeder that will be using filter socks, pond matrix, and a big refugium. Any suggestions on return pump would be great. Not to expensive, but good quality as well. If anymore info is needed just ask. Thanks.


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The two one inch bulkeads, is one return and one overflow? if so, the should be spaced as far apart as possible. if not, they're spacing is entirely up to you and whoever is doing the drilling.
the flow rates are found here http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...-Pipe-Sizing-Charts-and-Flow-Rates-(1-Viewing)
I like that flow rate, talk to someone at your plumbing/pool/pond specialist shop for a pump. that's your best bet. don't mess around at a hardware store or online for this.
you really dont need a refugium in a frshwater setup, all the plants can just sit in the tank which is great because it adds a good look!
 
martinbinn said:
I like that flow rate, talk to someone at your plumbing/pool/pond specialist shop for a pump. that's your best bet. don't mess around at a hardware store or online for this.
you really dont need a refugium in a frshwater setup, all the plants can just sit in the tank which is great because it adds a good look!
Click to expand...
you can typically save over 50% buying pumps online. And the people on this forum probably know 10x what people at a local pool/pond know about aquarium pumps. Especially specific aquaria related questions. Other than that terrific advise.
 
aldiaz33 said:
I would recommend a Laguna Max Flo 2000. It'll do 1,360GPH @ 6' head on only 80 watts.
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I looked at those pumps and ill have to go with bigger bulkheads for the flow of that pump according to the chart. That no problem. But the shape of those pumps I don't think it will fit in my pump section of my sump. And it's 100 watts not 80. As far as the refugium yes i have to have it down there. My oscars don't just move the plants they tear them up. I even got floating water hyacinth that was a huge mistake lol.

As far as the drilled holes, only two and they are only for the drains. The return will go up over the top of the tank. My head height will be 4.5 feet


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So it it single 1" drain and single 1" return then? If you modify the setup slightly and add another hole for an emergency drain and run the main drain at full siphon with a gate valve (basicly a modified herbie setup) you could run a lot more flow
 
ElectricBlueSeanBurch said:
So it it single 1" drain and single 1" return then? If you modify the setup slightly and add another hole for an emergency drain and run the main drain at full siphon with a gate valve (basicly a modified herbie setup) you could run a lot more flow
Click to expand...

No the two holes will drain down to the sump. No holes for the return. The return will go over the top of the tank. Now about the skim box I assume I will need one in case I lose power so I don't overflow my sump? Sorry for all the questions I never ran a sump before.


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ElectricBlueSeanBurch said:
So it it single 1" drain and single 1" return then? If you modify the setup slightly and add another hole for an emergency drain and run the main drain at full siphon with a gate valve (basicly a modified herbie setup) you could run a lot more flow
Click to expand...

he's saying he will drill two holes for an over flow/drain and will be using a spray bar for his return.
 
2x1" drains can easily handle a Laguna 2k pump. My 225 has 3x1" drains and I have 2x Laguna 2k pumps on it. The drains can easily handle the flow and even my python on full blast while I'm topping off water with the pumps going. And instead of an overflow box you can just put an elbow fitting pointing upward after the bulkhead inside the tank and put a strainer in the elbow. Same effect, takes up less space.
 
Ok I'm a little confused. If I use the Laguna 2000 at 6 foot head height, it's flowing around 1360 gph. I have a head height of 4.5 feet so it should flow a little more. According to the chart two one inch bulkheads flow 1200 gph together so I'm flowing more water in the display tank than is flowing out right?

I like the idea of the 90 degree elbow inside the tank. Also I see the Laguna pumps are very wide, the pump return section is not going to be that wide, can I put the pump on its side?


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