Tank Setup/Filtration for a 280/300g Gallon Freshwater

[Dom84]

I have someone willing to build me a custom 280 or 300 gallon tank to my specifications. I have run many 125g or bigger tanks before but all with canisters. For a tank this big, it just seems ridiculous to run 3 canisters (FX6's) since that's a lot of maintenance I'd rather not be bothered by. So for filtration, I am thinking of running a FX-6 that I will be taking off the 220g that I am selling along with a wet/dry filter. I have never designed or set up a wet/dry filter before so I need some help. Since I have the FX6, I'm thinking of using a 55g tank for the wet/dry filter. One of the LFS I talked to suggested I have dual overflow boxes inside the tank on the sides and run 2 PVC pipes to 2 different spots in the wet/dry filter. The question is what size bulkheads I should use and how much GPH I need for the return pump. How is the GPH determined and the water level set etc, please help this noob out

Here is what I have come up with so far:

 

[dr exum]

i can share what i know and what you should research.

type of siphon

youtube video-
bean animal
herbie
or standard?

pump is usually 5x-10x so for 300gallons looking for pump at least 3000gph or 2 - 1500gph

research - head pressure loss from plumbing restrictions

overflow size i’d say you’re probably looking at 3/4” returns and 1” drains - the experts will chime in...

sump can be standard - fluidized with K1 or custom what you like -

there are some super tidy “show” sumps on here... if i can find the one i’ll link it here....

GL!

member @dn238 - has super tidy / nice sump!

 

[Dom84]

Honestly, I have no idea what I'm doing as far as setting up a sump goes so any advice would be great. I'm pretty clueless on this kind of stuff, I'd even compensate someone for their time if someone in my area could come and help me set up the tank and sump together ?I have been reading about k1 media but how does it compare to bioballs or Seachem Matrix? I have Seachem Matrix in all my canister filters because I heard it provides the most surface area for BB.

 

[Dom84]

So according to the following post that I dug up,

sump help!

Hello all, brand new here and looking for some advice.... I'm currently building a 8 x 2 x 18" tank for my turtles but I'm looking at setting up my first ever sump filter The sump size is 4 x 1 x 18" I'm wanting the holes drilled into the bottom of the tank so the tank can sit flush 2 the...

www.monsterfishkeepers.com

It looks like I should be using 1.5" PVC pipes for my overflow drains. Does that mean I should be using 1.5" bulkheads also? What are the difference between the different kind of bulkheads? Like I see standard threaded, double threaded, slip etc.

 

[dr exum]

So according to the following post that I dug up,

sump help!

Hello all, brand new here and looking for some advice.... I'm currently building a 8 x 2 x 18" tank for my turtles but I'm looking at setting up my first ever sump filter The sump size is 4 x 1 x 18" I'm wanting the holes drilled into the bottom of the tank so the tank can sit flush 2 the...

www.monsterfishkeepers.com

It looks like I should be using 1.5" PVC pipes for my overflow drains. Does that mean I should be using 1.5" bulkheads also? What are the difference between the different kind of bulkheads? Like I see standard threaded, double threaded, slip etc.

yes - up to you on size

i have 4 - 1.5” drains and can run over 6000gph - meaning the drains are not all the way open... my overflow box does hold 40gallons...

you can buy pre made sumps - pro clear has a 400g model

there’s canisters too - 2-4 fx6

overflow pipe and bulk head = same size

yes they are threaded - i’ll try and grab some pics of what i have when i get home...

gl!

 

[Backfromthedead]

I always just use slip-slip bulkheads sealed with silicone unless there's a specific fitting I'm using in the tank that would require threads.

 

[TheWolfman]

I prefer slip x thread, meaning the slip is on the inside of the tank and can be left un glued for ease of maintenance. The threaded side gets a threaded male adapter and teflon tape is used on the threads. From there the rest of the plumbing gets glued with stand pvc glue. There is a thread x slip, and those bulkheads have the the thread on the inside of the tank and the out side gets glued. Just be aware that you need specific glue for pvc to abs if you plan on gluing the slip part of the bulkhead.