I have an idea wondering how well everyone thinks it could work

[dr_sudz]

Hey I am just wondering how this would work. In my diagram it shows the front view, the return area is slotted to show allowance for water to seap out, then the return is in the middle.
The returns would be plumbed from the bottom so water would flow up into the tank from the bottom. Of course I would be using check valves in order to prevent a complete drainage of the tank in the event of a power failure, the drain would be in the center to max out the full flow of the tank. anyone have any suggestions on how this would work?

Any questions in regards the design let me know. And let me know if you think this would work.

 

[CHOMPERS]

yep, it will work.

 

[dr_sudz]

anybody have any ideas on if this is a good idea bad idea or how i could improve? Just really want to hear if anyone likes the idea or how to make it better.

 

[fishmaven]

Let me see if I've got this right. The return doesn't go all the way to the top of the water level but comes out at multiple levels??

 

[Oddball]

You can reduce the number of weir walls by 2/3s if you plumb the return lines through the drain weir box. That'll also increase inhabitable volume to the aquarium. Plus, you'll only need one jigsaw cut to the stand and your plumbing will be more consolidated (read: less expensive since you're not spreading it out the full length of the tank).

 

[Dr Joe]

You may need to do something to get enough circulation (directed jets on the return line near the bottom?) to clean the bottom and/or give the fish a current to swim in.

Otherwise your good to go.

Dr Joe

.

 

[dr_sudz]

Well dr joe, with the water flowing in from the bottom I believe that the current will be most likely strongest at the bottom and lessens as it reaches up to the top of the wiers.

I like the idea oddball. bringing the water out around the sides giving good current in a duel circular motion. I like.

Question tho, my concern is water movement on the top to allow for gas exchange. I would like to set up a model and try it out just to see how it would work.

 

[Dr Joe]

Sorry, I mis-read... thought return came in the bottom and went to the top before entering the tank.

 

[fishmaven]

Sorry, after reading the thread, I'm not a fan. I think that the water should be returned to the top. I don't think water returned to the bottom will have the oxygen level the tank will need. I think if you want bottom current there are better ways to do it. Good luck though.

 

[CHOMPERS]

If you must ______(anything) from the bottom then you must account for what happens in the event of a power failure.

If 100 gallons syphons into a twenty gallon sump, there is going to be a teensy bit of spillage. But just a little.