Two questions on a prospectful set up

[boontonbob]

Hi everyone - It was good to meet a bunch of you at Brian's place. I see a set up I am considering primarily because I really like the stand. It is a HAUL (NH) and most folks look at me like I am nuts, but I am thinking of taking a little time off for a road trip.


Can we I get your help on thoughts on two questions? Here is the set up: http://home.comcast.net/~76fxe/setup.htm
- First and foremost, what do think about the arrangement for overflow water. Three single bulk heads with elbows seems so simple. The owner explained that it works well for them and quiet, just periodic cleaning like most other overflows.
- Two, what do you think about the lighting (especially the MHs)? It is probably too much wattage so I might only set up a portion? Are these a good solution for a 180? )or are they outdated or etc. I probably will not get into the SPS very heavy, in fact PCs or Tek 5s would probably suffice, but then again if I can work in MH for better growth on Montipora's I would love it.
Thanks for any tips you can offer!

 

[JohnS_323]

Wow Bob, that looks like a great setup. To answer your quesitons, I think the flow through the three 1" bulk heads would be simple to be set up and adequate for your use. I also think the lights are really good for the system. It sounds a lot like what Brian has on his 180 (although he has 10K XM bulbs).

I'm not sure what the price is, but if you thnk it's within your budget and it's doable, I'd go with it.

 

[boontonbob]

Thanks John. I was actually thinking about dropping you a note, so this saves time! Any other thoughts on the overflow or lights?

What's tough is that I have to justify the truck rental and gas going 5-6 hours. Anybody have suggestions for the cheapest place to rent a van? This hobby is chock full of complex decisions!
Thx

 

[RichT]

IMO and as John said, the overflows will probably do a fine job but they aren't what's been found to be the most efficient at keeping the surface free of collected proteins. RC has a applet that calculates both the suggested drain pipe size and linear overflow length based on a flow rate (gph).

I did a quick example based on the size of my return pump (no allowance for head loss)

Using the following input parameters
Gallons per Hour = 1200

Drain and Overflow sizes are calculated as
Recommended minimum drain pipe diameter = 1.43 inches
Recommended minimum linear overflow size = 18 inches

A 1" pipe has a linear overflow size of 3.14" (its circumference) so to achieve the recommended minimum liner overflow length at 1200gph you would need 6 of them.

My personal preference and what has the appearance of being the most effective is an external overflow box for as long as possible/practical along the back of the tank. The ultimate for me would be for the entire tank to overflow along the entire back edge dropping 1/2" to 3/4" or so into the box which is being drained by durso or stockman type apparatus. The main draw back from this type of overflow is the tank needs to stand off the back wall to allow for the box. My second choice would be a standard reef-ready tank with internal overflows which we all know takes up internal real estate. My third choice would be the contraption I made for my tank:

I was limited because I have to take all my return water from the end. It works and is silent and has the recommended 18" of linear overflow length but I hate it. It's ugly as all get out even though I almost have it encrusted over with GSP, Yellow Polyps, and big green Palys. And my final choice would be the type your suggesting.

HTH

 

[boontonbob]

Thanks Rich and yes it does help to clarify things. Love the details. I am seeing the point about surface proteins much better now. There is also the technique that steve68 has on his site as well. Have you seen this? It entails cutting a slot into the side panel and install a three or four inch deep acrylic box. Can I get your thoughts on this? I think JohnS is considering putting in one these.

I think I am all set on this inquiry. I see this tank would require some modifications and cutting/drilling before setting sail on a reef set up.

Thanks everyone. I am glad to be in this position and learning exactly what I need versus starting off on the wrong foot. I will get there soon, even it it means saving the extra dough and buying the 180 new from Aquatic Obs..

 

[RichT]

the technique that steve68 has on his site as well. Have you seen this? It entails cutting a slot into the side panel and install a three or four inch deep acrylic box. Can I get your thoughts on this? I think JohnS is considering putting in one these.

That would be an example of a external overflow Bob. I don't know if you saw thoes two acrylic box's sitting at Brians front door but they were for Mike's (SaltH2O's) 500g tank. He is going to solvent weld them to the back at the top just like Sanjays 500g except his will have a gap in the middle for some plumbing.

This is the design of Mike's box's:

Here's the design for Sanjay's 500g

 

[boontonbob]

Gotcha Rich...I did see these those. (Nice!)I guess I was thinking about installing one along the side versus a longer one along the back. This side will be in the corner of my living room, so no loss there. I would like to check out Mike's tank some day. It reminds me of a tank I saw on RC a while ago where the owner would scrape algae in scuba gear!

In fact, I think that is my plan at this time. To cut into the side of a undrilled 180. I understand JohnS.may be doing this soon. I plan to watch his progress.
Thanks very much Rich.

 

[JohnS_323]

Yeha Bob, that's my plan too. I've got a lot of things going on right now so I'm not sure when I'll get to it though. I'm hoping mid to late April. It's so bad that the tank is still sitting in my truck a scant 5 weeks later!