Getting ready to build overflow and wet/dry filter

[nero6370]

Greetings everyone! I spent a large chunk of my day at home depot gathering the parts I need. I am going to make an overflow similar to the one posted by EH1421. I can't seem to find the airline check valve that sticks out of the top; anyone know where I can find it or something similiar? My tank is 75 gal and 20" deep. How long should I make the 1st piece of pvc; the one in the tank? All of the pvc is 1" and I bought a 1" flex hose to run from the overflow to the wet/dry. I plan to make the sump out of a 20 gallon tank. I am looking for some material to make the partitions; any thoughts on that? I am going to use some Scotchbrite very fine scratch pads for the 1st or 2nd compartment. They may be too fine for the first compartment, especially with oscars. I may go with something a little coarser. I do not know what to use to create the bio matter yet; any suggestions on this? I did buy a small pond pump for the return. Its a Beckett pump and will move 210 gph at a 1 ft lift. Is this type of pump sufficient. The pump outlet connects to 1/2" i.d. tubing, of which I bought 10 ft. I was thinking of splitting the return line and feed both ends of the tank; is this a good idea or completely unnecessary? If I did split the line I imagine a smaller diameter tubing would be required to keep adequate pressure. What would be a good size? I am sorry for all the ?'s but I want to get it right the 1st time, if possible!!
Thanks for any help, Tom

 

[Dr Joe]

Welcome to the Challenge.

Airline check valve s are at better(?) lfs.

Length of PVC in tank. which one?

Partition material - plexy, HD carries it. Stick it in with silicone since it's not holding pressure, just acting as a divider.

Scotchbrites work fine. Don't use ones sealed in packages that are soft, they have a anti-microbial BLAH BLAH bad for your fish stuff in the that doesn't washout completely. Always rinse everything...twice! How about a commercial floor scrubber pad from a janitorial supply and cut to fit.

I think this pump is going to be way less than what you need especially with oscars. Did it say what the flow was at the head you will be using it at? 4ft maybe? You need to have a pump that can deliver a minimum 450g at tank level for a 6x turn-over, which in turn may change your siphon tube size and return lines.

Splitting the return line isn't necessary if your oscars are of any size. They'll move the water around for you.

Good Luck and keep us posted on your progress...oh ya and pics too.

Dr Joe

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