How should I plumb my tank?

[mcox3]

I recently purchased a 400g acrylic tank, predrilled and I'm wondering how I should plumb it.

Its got two holes drilled in the overflow box, these are the drains- correct?

Its also got two holes outside of the overflow box, in the display tank- these are the returns- correct?

How should I plumb this so that incase of a power outage, my house does not flood?

Do I just use check valves?

I need ideas... please help thanks

 

[West1]

I recently purchased a 400g acrylic tank, predrilled and I'm wondering how I should plumb it.

Its got two holes drilled in the overflow box, these are the drains- correct?

Its also got two holes outside of the overflow box, in the display tank- these are the returns- correct?

How should I plumb this so that incase of a power outage, my house does not flood?

Do I just use check valves?

I need ideas... please help thanks

With my 300gl, I filled up my sump and then filled up the tank. Once a drop hit the overflow, I turned off the water and started the Pump. this way i know if I get a power outtage, I know the limits cause I started with them first. JMO
Not much water drains from the Sump and you still cant see any pc of the pump

Yes, it is drain and yes it is for return water

 

[mcox3]

With my 300gl, I filled up my sump and then filled up the tank. Once a drop hit the overflow, I turned off the water and started the Pump. this way i know if I get a power outtage, I know the limits cause I started with them first. JMO
Not much water drains from the Sump and you still cant see any pc of the pump

Yes, it is drain and yes it is for return water

I understand, but unless I have pipes running all the way to the surface (which I dont want to do) wouldnt all the water in the tank drain out through the holes that are on the outside of the overflow box?

I'll try and post some pics so you know what i'm talking about.

 

[mcox3]

anyone?

 

[DB junkie]

Looks to me like drain holes. Probobly had bulkhead fittings that went straight to a t valve and was used for water changes..... I'de plumb it that way anyways..... If you don't want to do that they will either need to be capped or sealed.

 

[mcox3]

Looks to me like drain holes. Probobly had bulkhead fittings that went straight to a t valve and was used for water changes..... I'de plumb it that way anyways..... If you don't want to do that they will either need to be capped or sealed.

ah, good idea.

I would like to use 2 holes for drains, tho. I dont think one would supply enough water flow.

 

[DB junkie]

How big are the holes? Look like 3/4. Ever seen flow capabilities of 3/4 under siphon? These holes would be used for draining your tank.....NOT filtering. But yeah they are both there....... I'de just put bulk head fittings in there and t them together then do a ball valve..... Keep in mind you are gonna have to rig up something so that your substrate doesn't plug it when you go to use it.

 

[mcox3]

How big are the holes? Look like 3/4. Ever seen flow capabilities of 3/4 under siphon? These holes would be used for draining your tank.....NOT filtering. But yeah they are both there....... I'de just put bulk head fittings in there and t them together then do a ball valve..... Keep in mind you are gonna have to rig up something so that your substrate doesn't plug it when you go to use it.

Yeah, I've decided to use those as water-change-drains. Going to remove all the piping and crap from inside the overflow box and use those as the filter-drains.

Would it be okay to drill two holes on the top piece of acrylic to drop my return pipes through?

 

[Anderman]

I recently purchased a 400g acrylic tank, predrilled and I'm wondering how I should plumb it.

Its got two holes drilled in the overflow box, these are the drains- correct?

Its also got two holes outside of the overflow box, in the display tank- these are the returns- correct?

How should I plumb this so that incase of a power outage, my house does not flood?

Do I just use check valves?

I need ideas... please help thanks

If you have a Canadian tire you can just buy a battery backup and plug your motor in. Try this link:http://reviews.canadiantire.ca/9045/0111818P/reviews.htm

I had a 120 gallon sump built for my 450 gallon and I have no problems even if the battery backup fails. But I also have my return water at the top to break the siphon.

 

[mcox3]

If you have a Canadian tire you can just buy a battery backup and plug your motor in. Try this link:http://reviews.canadiantire.ca/9045/0111818P/reviews.htm

I had a 120 gallon sump built for my 450 gallon and I have no problems even if the battery backup fails. But I also have my return water at the top to break the siphon.

Can we see a full tank shot?