new arcrylic tank-how many holes to drill for filter?

[terrors r us]

Hi there everyone...... I am getting a tank 10ft x 4ft x 30inches high,
from tenecor aquariums. I am going to run it with an aquabead koi pond
filter. The pump is Artesian pro-1/3 hp, 1750rpm and 7220gph @3ft head.
The pump is set up for 2inch piping system.
Since the tank is so large I was wondering how many holes to drill for the input
from the tank to the pump?????
Using the formula Area=Pie r squared, I figured out my options,(and keeping
the same volume and flow rate)
Two 1.5inch holes or Four 1inch holes or Eight 3/4inch holes????????
Of course they will have to be tee'd off and increased to a 2inch before
reaching the pump. So, whats better? A few large holes or many smaller holes???
Thanks

 

[CHOMPERS]

None of the above (almost). You need to prepare for a dead fish or other blockage to the pump inlet. In other words, you need two separate two inch pipes spaced far enough apart so that any single blockage won't inhibit flow to both intakes. But for what it is worth, the pump you are using is capable of different motor sizes and impellers. Two inch pipe is actually an over kill for your 1/3 hp and you can get away with two 1.5" pipes. For the difference in cost of 1.5" and 2", there is no reason not to plumb with 2" all the way. If you choose to use 1.5" pipe, join them with a 2" tee reduced to 1.5".

You will also want a hole for your return, making a total of 3 holes.

There really isn't an advantage or dissadvantage in using multiple small pipes as long as you plan ahead for occasional blockage. Make it a point to add ball valves to each pipe just after it exits/enters the tank. For maintenance, you will need to open the system which will require you to shut off the water from the tank.

 

[CHOMPERS]

By the way, contact an Aquabead at info@gctek.com for their recommendation for the size tank for your make up water. Backwashing those filters will use up a lot of water.

 

[terrors r us]

None of the above (almost). You need to prepare for a dead fish or other blockage to the pump inlet. In other words, you need two separate two inch pipes spaced far enough apart so that any single blockage won't inhibit flow to both intakes. But for what it is worth, the pump you are using is capable of different motor sizes and impellers. Two inch pipe is actually an over kill for your 1/3 hp and you can get away with two 1.5" pipes. For the difference in cost of 1.5" and 2", there is no reason not to plumb with 2" all the way. If you choose to use 1.5" pipe, join them with a 2" tee reduced to 1.5".

You will also want a hole for your return, making a total of 3 holes.

There really isn't an advantage or dissadvantage in using multiple small pipes as long as you plan ahead for occasional blockage. Make it a point to add ball valves to each pipe just after it exits/enters the tank. For maintenance, you will need to open the system which will require you to shut off the water from the tank.

Thanks for the input!!!!
I understand what you are saying about blockage and I totally agree.
It's just that I tend to think that if you had eight holes instead of two
then you would equally cover the tank area more fully and clean it more
efficiently..... Also, ball valves will be in every line>>> Thanks