Question about filtering a 400 Gallon Tank

[JK47]

Only thing I have currently is bulkhead in the tank. I have some hard line and was gona use some of that flexible pound line maybe, so a combo of both. Not sure yet. Any help from you is welcome! =)

Let's start with some pics of what you are working with. Anything with a bulkhead or usable hole (including towers) although if I recall you said you didn't have overflow towers, correct?

The main objective is to make sure you place the inlets to your pump (suction from inside the tank low enough that you will have enough water volume to properly backwash.

 

[JK47]

Only thing I have currently is bulkhead in the tank. I have some hard line and was gona use some of that flexible pound line maybe, so a combo of both. Not sure yet. Any help from you is welcome! =)

Let's start with some pics of what you are working with. Anything with a bulkhead or usable hole (including towers) although if I recall you said you didn't have overflow towers, correct?

The main objective is to make sure you place the inlets to your pump (suction from inside the tank low enough that you will have enough water volume to properly backwash.

 

[Arkangel77]

Let's start with some pics of what you are working with. Anything with a bulkhead or usable hole (including towers) although if I recall you said you didn't have overflow towers, correct?

The main objective is to make sure you place the inlets to your pump (suction from inside the tank low enough that you will have enough water volume to properly backwash.

I don't have any Pics with me at the moment. I have two bulkheads in one corner of the tank. They will be hidden behind a 3D background and some plastic mesh (Gutter screen) . In that corner the Background will be installed on a 45 degree to create a pocket/safe area for the bulkheads and heaters. I have done this b4 in my 210 and it works great!

AS for location of the bulkheads, they are sorta stacked one on top of the other. The upper one is only 5 or so inches from the top - the 2nd one is about 10-12 inches from the top. My current plan is to use the lower bulkhead to feed the reeflo for the Ultima and Use the Upper fitting to feed my two FX5's. I have No worries about the lower fitting being deep enough for a backflush. I would have drain over 150G before it became in issue, so I think I am good there.

The Upper fitting has me slightly concerned - my plan for now will be to just unplug the FX5's when I do a backflush on the ultima. I was also considering swapping the two FX5's for a 2nd Ultima setup at a later date but bulkhead placement will make this Impossible I think. Only Idea I have come up with is to add a 90 fitting and a 10" piece of pipe on the inside to allow the upper fitting to pull water from a lower point in the tank. Seems like that would fix my issues - HOWEVER, I don't think I can fit that in my little hiding space. SO I am still scratching my head.

This issue is a result of changing my Plan for filtration after I have installed the bulkheads. I need to go check the space but I really don't think I can fit the elbow in there. Only other Option I can come up with is to install a 3rd bulkhead below the lower one and plugging the top one. I don;t really love this Idea either, Just feels like I am moving backwards a Bit and then plugging the top one dose not excite me.

Hope u can picture what I am describing

 

[JK47]

I can to some degree. I think I need pics though. I'll wait for pics. If you were to use street fitting an elbow would hug the interior wall of the tank and you can run a line down to assist you FX5's.

It's a long thread but if you look up my 600 build there is lots of pics and descriptions of what I did. Might give you some ideas of what you like or dislike about mine. I found very little plumbing info about Ultima's in general when I first set put to design my setup.

 

[Arkangel77]

I have thought about a street fitting - I will read your Thread, I will work on pics

Thanks Man

PS got a Link to that Build thread?

 

[Arkangel77]

I have taken 2 quick pics last night to show you the intake section of my Tank. Its still a build in Progress but this should help you understand what I am trying to do. Its not finished to don't judge =) , It will look better when done

 

[JK47]

I have taken 2 quick pics last night to show you the intake section of my Tank. Its still a build in Progress but this should help you understand what I am trying to do. Its not finished to don't judge =) , It will look better when doneView attachment 1283163 View attachment 1283164

Love the background! Mind sharing what size that is?

Hopefully those are 1.5” bulkheads. At that size you can use formufit (colored furniture grade pvc) that wouldn’t matter since you are covering it but something to consider if you ever tear it out.

This is my setup, if it gives you any ideas.

 

[Arkangel77]

Yes - those are 1.5" Bulkheads (with screw in strainers). Tank is 8' x3' x 30" tall. I like the background also - Its a universal rock foam background and it looks nice but its NOT thick so it don't take up much space. I had planned to do something similar with my pluming - Yours seems very well thought out! I noticed you have Valves EVERYWHERE lol. I guess that allows you to isolate each line if needed?

Thanks for the Pics =)
Arkangel77

 

[JK47]

Yes - those are 1.5" Bulkheads (with screw in strainers). Tank is 8' x3' x 30" tall. I like the background also - Its a universal rock foam background and it looks nice but its NOT thick so it don't take up much space. I had planned to do something similar with my pluming - Yours seems very well thought out! I noticed you have Valves EVERYWHERE lol. I guess that allows you to isolate each line if needed?

Thanks for the Pics =)
Arkangel77

You bet. I have valves everywhere because I like modular systems that can be changed around easily. I built this tank knowing it will be upgraded in the next year. So now the equipment can be swapped within an afternoon without much trouble or any cutting. Using unions and valves is expensive but worth it IMO.

Yes the lines can be isolated. The tanks, sump and nursery (tethered frag tank) can all be operated together or individually from my phone. My system is designed for rays and pups so may not be the best option for others but is really well planned for me.

 

[Arkangel77]

For now, this is the best I could do with the background. A few months of having water in it and the silicone will not be so obvious . Algie will help blend it in =) as u can see the elbow fit perfectly.