Central System

[steve0199us]

I am looking to set up a central Tanganyikan system with 4 90gal, 3 20gal and maybe 2 55gal. Assume it's going to be about 600gal of water.

I have a 9ft long and a 6.9ft high space to work with, width is not much of an issue. I can make more space if needed but this is what I have without moving furniture.

A few questions regarding a central system. I've been doing some researching and now have a few questions:
I have a Versa Gold (G535AG20) Pump in my possession now. Is this a strong enough pump?
What size sump should I use? Would a 75gal be good? or should I go with 100+?
I need to search for tanks and drill them, what size hole should I use for the drain?
Should my stand have only one size tanks on top of each other because of the flow rate?
Please provide some guidance if you have experience, thanks

 

[Pharaoh]

What kind of turnover are you wanting on the setup?
Drain size will depend on flow rate of setup.
That pump is too small for turnover on all those tanks. It is listed at 550gph. Although that is pretty glose to the amount of water you will have, you will be dealing with a lot of head height. I am currently running ~500G on my central setup and I am running a 4500pgh pump.

 

[steve0199us]

What is the general rule of thumb when it comes to turnover, 3-4 times the water?

 

[Dr Joe]

That would be sufficient with a good sump. If not overstocked, 100g's is good for the sump (a little padding wouldn't hurt here). Aerate the sump too.

Pump = 2400gph @ 6ft. (and have a backup available since it's a system).

Check out warehouse supplies for rack mounting to fit your space (you use it as a frame and pretty up the outside.

Cut out some cardboard to scale and and try arranging different set-ups.

Need to figure if you want to drill the bottoms or backs (are you going to have service room from the back?)

Do you have a basement?

Dr Joe

.

 

[steve0199us]

Hi Joe,
This set up will go in my basement. I have a 13ft long and 8.5feet high wall to work with. I've been gathing different info.
But I'm trying to get an idea what would work for me before I start anything.. I was thinking 6 75gal tanks (tall), if I had the water level space 1.5inch from the top in the 75gal..
That would roughly be 37.5gal space I would in my sump just in case my pump fails, correct? Would a 55gal tank work for the sump?
Regarding the stand, I've been poking around seeing different setups... If I stack one tank over the other.
How high should my bottom tank be from the sump? I have 102inches in height to plan this.
If the bottom of my bottom rack is elevated 35inches, and the sump is on the ground. Would that be enough gravity for my drain from the tanks?
The 2 tanks would equal to 42inches and that would leave me with about 25inches to split between the 2 rows so i can work the tanks...
How does this sound?