Help with my first wet/dry.

[Plumber]

I just got my new 8'x3'x3' tank today! and I'm going for my first wet/dry system for it. Could someone explain the pros and cons of hang on overflows and returns vs. bulkheads in the back? I want the least amount of equipment in the tank so I'm thinking bulkheads, but I also want the best functioning system. So which is better? TIA

(I'll check back later... have to go drool all over my new tank some more.)

 

[eh1421]

i would go bulkheads
hang on overflows are just to bulky

 

[rallysman]

go with bulkheads

 

[Plumber]

Thanks for the input fellas. I was hoping to be steered toward the bulkhead idea. So tell me what you think about this : 460g. tank, 2-11/2" overflows, 2 (or 4) 3/4" returns, a mag drive pump at 2000gph, 10g. of media, 80g. sump.
Does this sound like a good system? Changes or comments? TIA.

 

[Plumber]

Thanks for the input fellas. I was hoping to be steered toward the bulkhead idea. So tell me what you think about this : 460g. tank, 2-11/2" overflows, 2 (or 4) 3/4" returns, a mag drive pump at 2000gph, 10g. of media, 80g. sump.
Does this sound like a good system? Changes or comments? TIA.

Anyone?

 

[rallysman]

In an 80 gallon sump I would go with more than 10 gal of biomedia for such a large tank.

 

[eh1421]

heres a overflow calculater for ya

http://reefcentral.com/calc/drain.php

hope it helps
just match your overflows to your pump
mike

 

[jspatriots]

What do you plan on using for bio media. i use pot scrubbers which ssem to work really well

 

[Plumber]

rallysman......How do you calculate the required amount?

eh1421......Thanx for the link, I'll check it out.

jspatriots......Not sure yet. I've read about the scrubbers on here quite a bit. Like
I said, not sure. Maybe a bio-ball/scrubber combo. I'll also have
sections in the sump for other types of media for fine tuning the
water quality.

 

[rallysman]

I forget the rule of thumb but you can certainly use more that 8% of the space for biomedia.....never enough ya know