First sump questions

[Sticky90]

I bought a 150g to upgrade my fahaka’s tank and it came with a single 2” bulkhead drilled near the top. Does anyone know what the flow rate would be through it? I don’t want to get too strong of a pump for what the pipe can handle. I’ve found the number 1800gph but they all mention multiple bulkhead setups. Overflow box I realize just get a higher rating than the pump.

Sump size will come down to whatever I find for cheap that fits underneath nicely. Possibly her current 70.

Thanks

 

[Krismo962]

duanes is the man for diy sumps

 

[dr exum]

I bought a 150g to upgrade my fahaka’s tank and it came with a single 2” bulkhead drilled near the top. Does anyone know what the flow rate would be through it? I don’t want to get too strong of a pump for what the pipe can handle. I’ve found the number 1800gph but they all mention multiple bulkhead setups. Overflow box I realize just get a higher rating than the pump.

Sump size will come down to whatever I find for cheap that fits underneath nicely. Possibly her current 70.

Thanks

someone said a 1.5” drain could do 3000gph

id think at least that obviously you can control the flow with a gate valve -

maybe grab a 2000gph pump and you should be good - running pump at 75% or so with head loss you should be able to achieve a 10x turnover

 

[BIG-G]

This chart will give you approximate flows to expect.
This is not exact different pipe configuration will effect actual flow rate.

 

[Sticky90]

Thank you all for the answers, way more confident now that I won’t be able to really overdo it and even to be able to go higher that I thought without flooding out the main tank. I saw that chart cropped and didn’t realize it was gallons per minute and not hour and that’s what got me more worried in the first place.

 

[Backfromthedead]

It's a good idea to have an emergency drain drilled into your tank as well. If you haven't set the tank up yet it's definitely worth doing. It should be the same size as your main drain and set up to start draining before water reaches the rim of your tank in the event that your main drain clogs.

2" is a huge drain for that size tank. I ran a 150 with a single 1.5" main drain ~40-50% open which amounted to ~900-1000 gph through the tank.

you could easily install a reducer bushing in the bulkhead if you wished. Using a smaller size drain will give you finer control over flow with the addition of a ball valve on the drain line. Plus, pvc components start to get pricy at 2" or bigger.

If none of this is an issue for you than the 2" will be more than adequate imo. Good luck with the tank!

 

[Sticky90]

It's a good idea to have an emergency drain drilled into your tank as well. If you haven't set the tank up yet it's definitely worth doing. It should be the same size as your main drain and set up to start draining before water reaches the rim of your tank in the event that your main drain clogs.

2" is a huge drain for that size tank. I ran a 150 with a single 1.5" main drain ~40-50% open which amounted to ~900-1000 gph through the tank.

you could easily install a reducer bushing in the bulkhead if you wished. Using a smaller size drain will give you finer control over flow with the addition of a ball valve on the drain line. Plus, pvc components start to get pricy at 2" or bigger.

If none of this is an issue for you than the 2" will be more than adequate imo. Good luck with the tank!

I would like a relief drain but I really just don’t feel like drilling a hole out of laziness/even spending the drill bit money even though piping/valves are a non-cost for me.
The puffer likes playing in a high flow return already so higher output is more than good for me. Just really glad to see the encouraging words that it is more than big enough ever since I read that graph wrong. Just gotta dummy-proof the sump setup to prevent any floods which I think I’ve figured out now and am getting excited even though it’s probably still a couple months away from being done.

 

[Backfromthedead]

I would like a relief drain but I really just don’t feel like drilling a hole out of laziness/even spending the drill bit money even though piping/valves are a non-cost for me.
The puffer likes playing in a high flow return already so higher output is more than good for me. Just really glad to see the encouraging words that it is more than big enough ever since I read that graph wrong. Just gotta dummy-proof the sump setup to prevent any floods which I think I’ve figured out now and am getting excited even though it’s probably still a couple months away from being done.

Is the tank somewhere that a flood would not do much damage? Like a garage or basement? What is your "dummy proof" method? It sounds like the drain design on your tank was some kind of improvisation, and these jerry-rigged type of tanks are usually the ones that flood and cause a lot of damage unless proper precautions are made.

I can understand the laziness thing, but would still urge you to take the effort. If you've never drilled glass before, it is surprisingly easier than most people think.

Otherwise, like I said, best of luck! Didn't mean to put a damper on the fun of a new tank. Keep us posted.

 

[Sticky90]

I’m realizing drill bits are only $35 so I might just do it. Would definitely prefer to avoid an insurance claim and do it right the first time. My plan was just to keep the return pump raised near the sump water level so it would run dry before overfilling a clogged bulkhead. After doing some rough math I realized this would probably still result in a flooded main tank depending on what size sump I go with.

 

[Backfromthedead]

I’m realizing drill bits are only $35 so I might just do it. Would definitely prefer to avoid an insurance claim and do it right the first time. My plan was just to keep the return pump raised near the sump water level so it would run dry before overfilling a clogged bulkhead. After doing some rough math I realized this would probably still result in a flooded main tank depending on what size sump I go with.

That's way too much I think I paid $10-15 for a 75mm diamond bit