Built a 600 gallon plywood tank and I have a 3 55 gallon barrel set up for my filtration. First barrel receives the water from the tank and the third has the pump. My old 300 gallon tank I had a drain on each end and a return on each end tuned by a ball valve. Always thought this made sense and would work the best. My new tank will require more flow and was thinking if I ran both returns on the same end I would eliminate alot of head loss. What are your guys thoughts on this, I have not cut any holes yet so I can run the drains or returns anywhere
Better to run dual drains and returns on 1 side or both 600 gallon
- Thread starter Niners4952
- Start date
I always drill one side for drains, and put returns on the opposite end of all my tanks.
That said, I keep riverine fish, some which are rheophillic, so what I'm trying to achieve is a natural riverine flow pattern. For me needs (preferences) of the fish dictate how I set things up.
Many lakes also flow in a similar way, but in the case of a lacustrine environment, some may argue drains on either end might be more natural.
That said, I keep riverine fish, some which are rheophillic, so what I'm trying to achieve is a natural riverine flow pattern. For me needs (preferences) of the fish dictate how I set things up.
Many lakes also flow in a similar way, but in the case of a lacustrine environment, some may argue drains on either end might be more natural.
I have a rtc, tsn, arowana and a ray so just drill both drains on one side and set up my returns on the other side?
In general I always did what Duane said, drains on one end and return on the other pointing towards the drain
I would do 3 barrels on one side with the return on the same side to help cut head height.......just add a nice sized powerhead on the other side to keep flow going throughout the tank
The whole point of why im wanting to do this is, is so that my third barrel with my pumps will be right next to one end of the tank and giving me minimal head loss
I don't get how returns and drain placement on which side(s) of the tank has much to do with head. Especially when you're specifically saying head height.
I have always had drains on both sides but I can see for ease of setup how drains on one side and returns on the other would be helpful.
I have always had drains on both sides but I can see for ease of setup how drains on one side and returns on the other would be helpful.
My barrel with the pumps will be on the right side of the tank so having both returns on the right will be my shortest distance. I could easily run a drain on each side if that would help, I was more worried about the returns and never really thought about placing the drains on opposite sides, any one think it would be better to have drains on each end or both on the same end. I am running both returns on the right side pointing to the left and have a power head on the right wall