380 gal needs plumbed

[lisa1965]

Lisa, you got this. It's not difficult at all. Like DN328 mentioned, watch a few youtube videos on how to cut PVC pipe and glue fittings and you're set. It's not rocket surgery. =) If you're still uncomfortable working with PVC, you can use nylon tubing, barbed fittings and hose clamps. If your boyfriend is building a stand, he will have the skills to take on plumbing.

Justin (JK47) gave really good advice. He knows what's up. His suggestions are a little more advanced, but his ideas are definitely worth considering and still something you can take on yourself. Just be careful/thoughtful about your hole placements (make sure you leave enough room for the flange of the bulkhead...don't drill too close to the walls of the overflow tower). Beananimal or Herbie will be quiet and give you a lot of flexibility in regards to how much flow you run through the sump (aka turnover). If you are unsure, I would post a photo and ask on here.

In regards to pumps, it's typically better to run two smaller sized pumps than one large pump. This way, if one fails, the other will keep your system up and running until you are able to replace the pump that crapped out. Also, running two smaller pumps can often be more efficient (more flow per watt of electricity consumed) than running one monster pump. Smaller pumps are also typically less noisy.

If you like the idea of a lot of flow, I would run two Laguna Max-Flo 2400 pumps. According to Laguna's flow chart, that would give you a total of 3,328GPH @ 6' head on only 168 watts. That's getting you nearly 20GPH per watt, which is really good. You'd be hard pressed to find a more efficient pump setup that gives you nearly 9x turnover per hour. My only concern would be whether or not you can push that much flow through your overflow teeth. If it turns out to be too much flow for the teeth, you have a few options:
1.) run only one pump and keep the other as a back-up. You'll still get decent flow (4.3X/hour) and it'll cost you less on your electric bill.
2.) leave one of the holes in the side overflow tower open (I would use the lowest hole so that you are skimming from the surface and pulling water from the bottom). You can buy a bulkhead overflow strainer to prevent any fish from getting sucked into the hole- Bulkreefsupply.com has a low profile one that would be perfect: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/low-profile-bulkhead-overflow-strainers.html Since you'd be running a Beananimal or Herbie system, your standpipe height will determine how much water drains into your sump when your pump is off.
3.) knock out some of the overflow teeth (least favorite option for aesthetic reasons).

Another option in terms of pumps is going with the newer variable speed DC pumps. I have read mixed review on them, so caveat emptor. I can vouch for Lagunas...I've been running mine for 6 years with no issues.

A rookie mistake I see a lot of people making on here is buying the cheapest big pump they can find. The upfront cost is low, but some of these pumps are really inefficient and can end up adding $25/month or more to your power bill. That might not seem like a lot of money, but if you have the tank setup for 10 years, that's $3,000+ spent on electricity that you would have saved by going with a more efficient pump. So yeah, spending an extra hundred or two now isn't so bad when you factor in you'll be saving thousands of dollars on your electric bill in the long run. The more efficient pump will typically pay for itself in the first year. Stay away from Danner Mag Drive pumps, anything labeled as a sump or utility pump or spa pumps. They are all energy hogs that are going to shoot your electric bill through the roof.

Good luck and please keep us posted on your progress. Looking forward to seeing your tank setup!

Max-Flo 2400GPH Waterfall & Filter Pump, PT8248

Larger Photo

Price: $289.99

Sale Price: $269.99


is this the pump your referring to?

 

[DN328]

It boils down to how comfortable you are making the changes and / or drilling. I think there's some good suggestions. If you weren't up to drilling more holes, I would use the 3" holes for drains. Use the top holes in each weir as returns. With drains that size, I think they will be capable for want the teethe will allow.

If you decide to use one return pump, you can also tee the return and run to each weir top hole.

 

[lisa1965]

It boils down to how comfortable you are making the changes and / or drilling. I think there's some good suggestions. If you weren't up to drilling more holes, I would use the 3" holes for drains. Use the top holes in each weir as returns. With drains that size, I think they will be capable for want the teethe will allow.

If you decide to use one return pump, you can also tee the return and run to each weir top hole.

this way does sound the easiest with out drilling I just hope I get the flow right 2, 3'' drains and 4, 1 1/2'' returns = ? ill have to look at the flow chart.. lol and make sure pump is the right size

 

[DN328]

I would be careful using the lower holes for returns. The top ones are good to go, as you can point near the surface to reduce the volume of back siphon. Either way I'd also use the check valve.

 

[aldiaz33]

Yup, that's the pump I was talking about. Amazon.com has it for $220 (w/ free shipping).

 

[lisa1965]

I've been delayed a bit on getting the tank set up I bought a new bed and when moving old bed out found some bugs on the mattress bed bugs!!!!! cost me 2,500 to cook my house at 145 degrees and lay down spray they said they weren't too bad seen much worse but my fish budget is gone for a few months but I'm bug free!!! have no idea where they came from we were in Seattle a few months back its the only idea I can come up with YUK!!!!! Lisa

 

[DB junkie]

IF it were mine I'd be tempted to cut the overflows out entirely..... lol.

Look at all the real estate they take up!

The 3 holes in them is proof that cutting them out should be their destiny! Add some lil overflow boxes up on the wall after drilling the back wall, plug the holes on the bottom and get something like some rays to enjoy all the new floor space......

 

[lisa1965]

IF it were mine I'd be tempted to cut the overflows out entirely..... lol.

Look at all the real estate they take up!

The 3 holes in them is proof that cutting them out should be their destiny! Add some lil overflow boxes up on the wall after drilling the back wall, plug the holes on the bottom and get something like some rays to enjoy all the new floor space..... There's an idea have to think on it thanks