220g filtration plumbing?

[Conner]

Hey, I got a 220g acrylic tank I'm trying to set up. Right now, its got 2 overflows, each with 1 drain. Each drain is 1" ID pvc pipe. So right now the overflows can only handle about 1,200gph. There is a single 3/4" return back to the tank.

I'm thinking about using an external pump rated for much higher than 1,200gph. Actually about 3x thats. *actual flow rate at 4' head is 3,000gph.

Would I need to use 2x 2" drain pipes to be able to handle the flow from that pump? What about return line sizes? Since I currently only have 1x 3/4", I'd assume I'd need to drill a new hole for a 1.5" line?

The tank is acrylic, so I CAN drill it easily enough. I've got a 4"x5" square area where the each current bulkhead is that I can drill in. Is that enough space for a 2" bulkhead fitting?


Is my thinking correct here?

 

[Conner]

Or should I just buy a pump(s) that fits my current plumbing?

 

[Pharaoh]

I would drill it. A 220 with two 1" bulkheads is ridiculous IMO.

If you go with the Reeflo, you will probably want two 1" return lines, and two 2" drain lines.

2" drain lines require a 2 7/8"-3 1/8" hole.

If you are worried about too much flow, you could run one return line through a spray bar and one through an under gravel jet system. Your tank would be spotless.

 

[Toby_H]

Have you considered using the 3/4" return line as a third overflow... and having the return line come over the top lip of the tank?

I would want more than 1200 gph of flow in a 220 gal tank, but it's up to you if you want this extra flow to be via powerhead, alternative filteration or through your sump...

I've never personally drill an acrylic tank, but from what I hear it's not that tough. Although boring out an existing hole may be a bit more complicated than drilling a brand new hole (depending on the type of bit being used). Naturally a tappering bit will be easier than a hole saw bit.

I do think you should meet whatever challenges necessary to give yourself the result that will make you the happiest.

 

[Pharaoh]

I have drilled tons of acrylic tanks. It is really easy. If you don't have a steady hand, a 1x6 or similar with a hole already drilling in it clamped to the tank will work well as a template to hold the bit in place.

 

[Conner]

I think I could be confident enough to drill it. I did cut the holes in the top larger with a jigsaw by myself, and I think that was probably more difficult than drilling a simple hole will be...

Thanks guys. I'm pretty sure I'll use the higher flow pump and drill new drain/return holes.

 

[Conner]

I would think the answer will be yes, but the next question is, will a 50g sump (36x18x18) be large enough to run a 3,000gph pump on??

 

[Toby_H]

That completely depends on how you set it up...

But break it down for easier evaluation... If you have a chamber that fills up then spills over the top of the wall...

3,000 gph divided by 18"... equals 166.7 gph spills over each inch of wall... That doesn't sound like to much at all...

 

[hybridtheoryd16]

I would think the answer will be yes, but the next question is, will a 50g sump (36x18x18) be large enough to run a 3,000gph pump on??

I would say yes, no problem at all.

The only problem I can think of would be if you were planning on using filter socks for mechanical filtration. Filter socks do not handle much flow and trying to get 1500gph thru 2 socks would end in alot of overflow.

But if you stay with the conventional plan and make a chamber that housed some filter sponge or pad then you should be fine.

Is the pump internal or external?

External would give you alot more room to use as actual sump space. IMO

 

[Conner]

I would say yes, no problem at all.

The only problem I can think of would be if you were planning on using filter socks for mechanical filtration. Filter socks do not handle much flow and trying to get 1500gph thru 2 socks would end in alot of overflow.

But if you stay with the conventional plan and make a chamber that housed some filter sponge or pad then you should be fine.

Is the pump internal or external?

External would give you alot more room to use as actual sump space. IMO

The pump is external, so I'll have to drill my sump (oh fun, drilling glass for the first time ).

As far as filter socks, I was already thinking of splitting the drain into the sump from 2 pipes to 4 pipes, so I would actually be using 4 socks instead of 2. But I don't know yet. I may go with filter floss and poret sponges instead.