AIO Frag tank plumbing

[nlutfi]

I came across a I think advanced acrylics AIO frag tank that is 24"x40". I am hoping I can plumb it into my basement sump, but not sure the best way to drill it. See the attached pics for the layout. I was thinking I could just add some bulkheads in the "return" section of the tank and install a return like on the other side. I attached a pic of what I was thinking. Let me know your thoughts.

 

[Asm481]

Are you planning on 2 bulkheads in the same section of that aio? I don't see how that would work. Maybe exit from that section and return to the display either through a bulkhead or over the top.

 

[nlutfi]

Are you planning on 2 bulkheads in the same section of that aio? I don't see how that would work. Maybe exit from that section and return to the display either through a bulkhead or over the top.

Yes, I was thinking 2 bulkheads in the same section for redundancy and then return to the main display.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Is it going to be elevated? Then you could drill thru the bottom and run a Herbie in the same section that you have marked. The return just drill a bulkhead in the right corner.
But how you have it marked will work also. you can have the option of a Bell siphon or just an upturned elbow.

 

[nlutfi]

Is it going to be elevated? Then you could drill thru the bottom and run a Herbie in the same section that you have marked. The return just drill a bulkhead in the right corner.
But how you have it marked will work also. you can have the option of a Bell siphon or just an upturned elbow.

It will be just elevated above the sump so it can drain but not high enough for it to drain out of the bottom. What is the difference between Bell siphon or upturned elbow?

 

[nlutfi]

Also any recommendation on bulk head size for both drains?

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

It will be just elevated above the sump so it can drain but not high enough for it to drain out of the bottom. What is the difference between Bell siphon or upturned elbow?

With a bell siphon you can pull more water through a smaller diameter pipe. A upturned elbow will be just flow and can make a bit of noise.
As far as the bulkhead size, it will depend on the flow rate of the return and if what style you choose to use for the overflow. The easiest is the upturned elbow. Also if I remember correctly one 2" pipe has more flow than two 1" pipes.

 

[nlutfi]

With a bell siphon you can pull more water through a smaller diameter pipe. A upturned elbow will be just flow and can make a bit of noise.
As far as the bulkhead size, it will depend on the flow rate of the return and if what style you choose to use for the overflow. The easiest is the upturned elbow. Also if I remember correctly one 2" pipe has more flow than two 1" pipes.

Thanks! I will probably go upturned elbow just for the ease of things. I will be using a cor15 for the return pump, my thought using 2 drains was just in case one plugged there would be a back up vs using one 2" drain.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

I just did one on a small fry tank. Just remember to drill low enough for the elbow height, you can always add a piece of PVC tubing to adjust the level. I also used a water level sensor (apex) for a safety. You can use an an AutoAqua. on sale at coralvue.

AutoAqua Smart Level Security

Smart Level Security by AutoAqua prevents aquariums from overflowing or equipment from running dry. Magnetically coupled optical sensor mounts to most smooth services up to 1/2 inch thick.

store.coralvue.com

 

[nlutfi]

I just did one on a small fry tank. Just remember to drill low enough for the elbow height, you can always add a piece of PVC tubing to adjust the level. I also used a water level sensor (apex) for a safety. You can use an an AutoAqua. on sale at coralvue.

AutoAqua Smart Level Security

Smart Level Security by AutoAqua prevents aquariums from overflowing or equipment from running dry. Magnetically coupled optical sensor mounts to most smooth services up to 1/2 inch thick.

store.coralvue.com

Thank you! What size bulk head did you use? Do you have any pictures of the back side of the plumbing?

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Thank you! What size bulk head did you use? Do you have any pictures of the back side of the plumbing?

Lol the one in the picture is for a 2.5g tank so that was a half inch... The back side is just an elbow that goes back to the sump. I would think an 1.5 should work for you. I would just get a 5g bucket from HD and drill a couple holes in it for your return and overflow and see how it works. Then you would know for sure.

 

[nlutfi]

Lol the one in the picture is for a 2.5g tank so that was a half inch... The back side is just an elbow that goes back to the sump. I would think an 1.5 should work for you. I would just get a 5g bucket from HD and drill a couple holes in it for your return and overflow and see how it works. Then you would know for sure.

Good call! I'll give that a try