450 setup - some filtration questions

[Orthopod]

I'm setting up my 450 glass 72"60"24"

I filled in the chips in he bulkhead holes with Bondic at one of your suggestions and then siliconed the bulkheads into place.

Filtration questions:
1. Originally I was going to setup an in line system with a refugium 55 gallon and 75 sump but the plumbing proved easier to set up the refugium coming off the sump.

Do you think a fluidized 75 gallon sump will be enough for the tank?

2. Any suggestions for overflow boxes? I currently just have pipe at the returns. I'll post pictures. My return pump is adjustable but rated for up to 3900 Gph.

3. Less concerning, any suggestions on making the piping less obtrusive? The way it was initially drilled makes it difficult.

4. Finally, any other suggestions that you have that I'm overlooking? Thanks

 

[celebrist]

That is a serious footprint!
Many people use krylon paint to help hide the PVC pipe

 

[Bandit87]

That tank is one BAD MAMMA JAMMA

 

[aquaremo]

This tank would be excellent for stingrays, loved it

 

[Orthopod]

Appreciate the comments - any thoughts on my questions? Thx

 

[millerkid519]

Personally I would do 2 returns out the front 2 bulkheads with these check valves in the link and quarter round overflows in the rear with a durso style overflow with 2x 2 inch emergency drains and full syphon into the k1 with divider to keep k1 away from the socks and overflow. It's not a lot of work to change it now
http://www.usplastic.com/mobile/item.aspx?itemid=85515&categoryid=489

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

I second the above suggestion. Remember with two separate durso overflows you will want to connect them with a single pipe (just a bulkhead in each overflow) that way the water level in each overflow is balanced. trying to fine tune each durso independently would drive you mad!!

in terms of filter bed.. if you are using kaldness, I have read on multiple sites that you need one liter of kaldness for every pound of fish that you have in your tank. The basis for this is that you feed your fish roughly 1% of their body weight in food per day.

so 75 gallons is way more than enough. that's 30 gallons of k1 = 112 liters .. your not going to raise tilapia are you?

 

[Orthopod]

I second the above suggestion. Remember with two separate durso overflows you will want to connect them with a single pipe (just a bulkhead in each overflow) that way the water level in each overflow is balanced. trying to fine tune each durso independently would drive you mad!!

in terms of filter bed.. if you are using kaldness, I have read on multiple sites that you need one liter of kaldness for every pound of fish that you have in your tank. The basis for this is that you feed your fish roughly 1% of their body weight in food per day.

so 75 gallons is way more than enough. that's 30 gallons of k1 = 112 liters .. your not going to raise tilapia are you?

Because the previous owner of this tank drilled the returns on opposite ends, I did not plan on connecting them. If I use 2 durso overflows, is that possible if they operate independently?

Thx for the help.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

well, I recently read it and it made sense to me. I have been daydreaming and researching for a 10' African cichlid tank and I want dual overflows on each end.

there is a good article about it here..

http://gmacreef.com/herbie-dual-overflows/

I currently use the beanimal type drain, it works great but honestly, I think the 3rd standpipe isn't necessary. Sooooo much flow under a full siphon, I don't know how it would ever be overwhelmed.

 

[Orthopod]

After a large hiccup, the 450 leaked, and I had to reseal it - I'm back on track.


Here's the leak at 2 inches or less of water.