Little help setting up my new tank

[dan_k]

Looking for some help here
I have a 90gallon fish and reef SPS LPS softys . I think it's a great looking tank up and running over a year almost two but from what I hear I broke all types of rules. No QT tank did not dip for the first 9 months of stocking. I use a rubber made tote for a sump but two years later it looks great and not one lose or one problem.
So I would like to do it a lot different this time the right way. I'm setting up a 125 it's just tank and stand I cut out both bulk head because of leaks had to remove over flow box this was a glass box that broke so here's where I need help

first I can't tell if I have 1in-1/2 bulk heads or 2in can't tell or don't know where to measure from inside if I do it's closer to 1-3/4 I I don't see them so I'm not really sure. little help there

Second now after I find out about the bulk heads, I need over flow boxes now the holes are 24ins apart and I can't find a box that long so, I need two what volume do I use 700 gph or ? Not really sure and I will have valves controlling all the plumbing so maybe not a big deal should I just slap something on the back wall over the bulk heads and control it from the valves?

Third return pump now I'm sure this plays a big part in water turn over does anyone know how to determine what size I will need I will post tank size in a little bit. What are the pro's and con's of internal and external pumps

Forth sump I am leaning more forwards a 40gallon breeder tank for a sump not a target rubber made tote I think this big enough for a sump but if someone has a better idea I would like to hear it

5th water movement don't now if I can do $900 on two mp40s so maybe another option
Tank info
125 long 18w+72inL+23D
Equipment
Bubble Magnus skimmer
3 LEDS light coming from mfisher can't wait this is all I can use from the 90gallon tank that I have now
Thanks to anyone that can help here

 

[falconut]

1st - From what I understand the bulkhead sizes refer to the pipe size, which is a nominal size. Measure the OD of a piece of 1-1/2" and 2" pipe, then see which you have.

2nd - Not sure about the overflow boxes. I just use the Eshoppes hang on with (2) U tubes, which doesn't soud like what you're looking for.

3rd - I've only ever used Mag-Drive internal pumps. They've worked well for me and required no additional holes in the sump. Sizing is important and depends on the overflows. You could get a larger pump and T off the return line to decrease flow if needed. I'd figure the overflows first, then work on pump size.

4th - I use a 20 gallon standard tank for my sump. I just got glass baffles cut and siliconed them in. I have 2 sections in mine, return section (smaller) and skimmer/overflow section (larger). I also have a 20 gallon tall for a refuge. Not sure if you're looking to have one of those in the sump. A 40 could work, but depends on the equipment and whether or not you're including a refuge.

5th - I didn't havfe the money for MPs, so I just got (4) Korolias (2-750s, 1-1050 & 1-1400) and a JBJ Wavemaker and they're doing a good job. My tank is over 7 years old and I just recently added the Korolias, so this can be something to add over time.

I'm sure I didn't answer everything, but hopfully it helps a little.

 

[mnat]

You can look at the glassholes.com overflow boxes which are smaller so you can use two instead of one really long one.

Some people use external returns, some internal I think it is more of a prefrence thing. Externals put less heat in your tank if heat is an issue. Once you drill the tank for the external you are kind of stuck with it.

A 40b would be a great sump, as falconut said just get some glass cut for your baffles and you are good to go.

There are a ton of powerheads out there besides vortechs (even though that is what I prefer). With a 72 inch tank you are going to need something that packs a punch or a bunch of smaller pumps. Look for used mp40s or even used mp20s that can be upgraded to mp40s, you can save a ton of money with both.

 

[dan_k]

Does it matter what size overflow box I get?
So if I find mp 20 how can I change them to mp40, switch out the wet side?

 

[mnat]

You change the chips in the controller, so easy even I did it.

http://www.saltycritter.com/pumps/vortech-pump-upgrade-kit.htm

 

[Fish Brain]

Overflows

Does it matter what size overflow box I get?
So if I find mp 20 how can I change them to mp40, switch out the wet side?

If you get a kit (or kits in your case) from glass-holes, the size of the bulkhead will determine what kit you need. The 300 GPH kits use 1" bulkheads and the 700 GPH kit uses a 1.5" bulkhead, and that is measured from the inside I.D. of the PVC tube that you connect to the bulkhead. The O.D. of 1.5" PVC is about 1.9" and the bulkhead will be the same 1.9" to fit the PVC.

BRS overflows just get siliconed right to the back of the tank so the size of the bulkhead is not important.

Internal/external pump usually comes down to space in the stand. If you use a 40 or 50 gallon tank for a sump, you will have plenty of room to do an external pump and keep the heat out of the tank. If you do external, don't forget to use true union ball valves for pump service.

 

[trivan]

+1 on the Glassholes. There seems to always be someone around willing to cut the glass for you if you are scared to do it.

I would also say not to do too much to fast, seems as lots of changes at one time tend to cause more headaches.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Glassholes!


It would be your lucky day if you could use the existing holes for a Glassholes overflow. They would have to be the right distance down from the top of the tank. The second issue is that I would recommend the 1500 gph overflow for that tank, and that requires two holes (2 3/8 inches) for two 1 ½ bulkheads, at a precise distance apart. So my guess is that if you’re really lucky, you might be able to use one existing hole, but otherwise you’ll have to plug them up with a capped bulkhead and drill two new ones.

 

[Fish Brain]

Paul, I think he would be better off with two G-H 700's. assuming the hole are the correct distance from the top of the tank.

 

[dan_k]

Thank you everyone so far
The mp20 to 40 seems very easy thanks for that
Ok so I went to home depot and it seems that I have 1in1/2 bulk heads. The holes are cut across 17-1/2in center to center and from bottom of lip to center is 3-1/2in down

So can I put two 700gph over flow boxes on And if I do does that mean 1400gph total

And I want to get the bulkheads that don't have threads on the inside I want to glue so do they call that a slip bulkhead
Thanks

 

[sjfishguy]

I would go with this return pump
http://www.amazon.com/EHEIM-Compact-Pump-Gallons-5000L/dp/B0018CDWL8

I just bought the 2000 version to replace a mag5 and its great. Very compact, very efficient, very quiet, 3 year warranty, and eheim quality. And the flow is adjustable. And the price is amazing with no tax and free shipping.

I did a lot of research when my mag5 started acting up and I was down between this and the bubble blaster. Went with this pump because of the price and have been very happy. Its been running for a month and I can't even hear the thing, night and day between this and a mag.

 

[dan_k]

So I was talking to the guy at my lfs and he said I really don't even need over flow boxes if I'm going to have valves controlling my water flow does this sound right to anyone

 

[Fish Brain]

So I was talking to the guy at my lfs and he said I really don't even need over flow boxes if I'm going to have valves controlling my water flow does this sound right to anyone

You don't need an overflow box, but you want an overflow box. Overflows will give you 1000% better surface skimming than just a typical strainer stuck into a bulkhead. I'm guessing that LFS (as most LFS do) just have strainers on their tanks and I'm willing to bet they have a nice film on the surface of their tanks.

 

[Olivier]

Who is your lfs? Stop shop there. Surface skimming and gas exchange are all happen at the very top of ur tank water.

 

[sjfishguy]

I wouldn't stop shopping there, but as others have said, you want overflows.

 

[dan_k]

Thanks sjfishguy I'm going to be using that return pump that you sent me the info on from what I read it's a good pump

Also from what I see on a lot of tanks here (njreefclub) from tale of the tank and fish stores a lot of people us elbows and strainers I think I will be ok with that. Thanks everyone for your help

 

[mori30]

i dont use overflow, but i do have my return line muzzles really high so it can agitate the top lager of water, is it necessarily to have over flows? i dont think so, will it help ? sure it would, so if i were you maybe in the future u can add one or if u have the cash doit now, but otherwise it can wait. in my opinion.

 

[dan_k]

i dont use overflow, but i do have my return line muzzles really high so it can agitate the top lager of water, is it necessarily to have over flows? i dont think so, will it help ? sure it would, so if i were you maybe in the future u can add one or if u have the cash doit now, but otherwise it can wait. in my opinion.

Well I didn't no if I should but I saw your tank build pics and I'm not going to us them I think my holes are close to the top so I don't think I will need them
Thanks