EMS overflow vs Synergy Reef Shadow

lpsouth1978 · Apr 9, 2020

iGotJokess said:
Did you push it to one side or did you center it and just choose a side for the return

I centered it and drilled a return on each side of it. These are the best pics I can find to show it. The first was while I was plumbing it. the other was just after transfering eveything from my 40b. You can sort of see the overflow and barely the returns.

20200207_154642 by Lyle Southard, on Flickr

20200211_194245 by Lyle Southard, on Flickr

iGotJokess · Apr 9, 2020

lpsouth1978 said:
I centered it and drilled a return on each side of it. These are the best pics I can find to show it. The first was while I was plumbing it. the other was just after transfering eveything from my 40b. You can sort of see the overflow and barely the returns.

20200207_154642 by Lyle Southard, on Flickr

20200211_194245 by Lyle Southard, on Flickr

Besides the obvious, any reason you chose 2 returns instead of one? 1 return with power heads vs 2 returns?

lpsouth1978 · Apr 9, 2020

iGotJokess said:
Besides the obvious, any reason you chose 2 returns instead of one? 1 return with power heads vs 2 returns?

Mostly just because I like symmetry in the tank setup. Also because I wanted to have even flow on either side of the tank. I have the 2 returns and 2 x MP40's for flow in the tank. 1 return will certainly work just fine, this was just my preference.

iGotJokess · Apr 9, 2020

lpsouth1978 said:
Mostly just because I like symmetry in the tank setup. Also because I wanted to have even flow on either side of the tank. I have the 2 returns and 2 x MP40's for flow in the tank. 1 return will certainly work just fine, this was just my preference.

I get it. Appreciate you answering all my questions

dbowman5 · Apr 9, 2020

iGotJokess said:
I’m sure this has been discussed before, but this is my first reef build and im curious of everyone’s thoughts/opinions. I have a traditional 90gal, with a custom 40 gal breeder sump. Bottom glass is tempered so I gotta drill thru the back. Any recommendations are helpful. Also looking for a return pump for the setup

i have a 48 inch 75 gal tank and have the eshopps eclipse L; comes with a hole saw, nice, the only drag is that on a rimmed tank it sits a little low, but i guess that keeps the tank from overflowing. bought a Hydor Seltz D AC vario 2400 I like it quiet and adjustable . i have also used a Sicce Silent. both good.

iGotJokess · Apr 9, 2020

Ended up going with the EMS 32” thanks to all that helped. Will post pics once I get it up and running.

lpsouth1978 · Apr 9, 2020

iGotJokess said:
Ended up going with the EMS 32” thanks to all that helped. Will post pics once I get it up and running.

You won't be disappointed.

iGotJokess · Apr 9, 2020

lpsouth1978 said:
You won't be disappointed.

I see EMS uses a 60mm hole saw for the box, what is recommended for a return with this setup?

lpsouth1978 · Apr 9, 2020

I tend to use 3/4" returns because I like using Loc-line in the tank and 3/4 is the largest available. i believe the 3/4" bulkhead uses a 38mm drill but.

JoshH · Apr 9, 2020

lpsouth1978 said:
I tend to use 3/4" returns because I like using Loc-line in the tank and 3/4 is the largest available. i believe the 3/4" bulkhead uses a 38mm drill but.

FWIW you can get 1" locline with a 1" Random flow Generator from VCA. They do not yet have other Nozzles for the 1" though. They also make a 1" to 2 3/4" locline splitter as well so someone could go with one 1" return and split it into 2 3/4" nozzles.

iGotJokess · Apr 9, 2020

lpsouth1978 said:
I tend to use 3/4" returns because I like using Loc-line in the tank and 3/4 is the largest available. i believe the 3/4" bulkhead uses a 38mm drill but.

Thoughts on running a 1” return with the adapter to fit 3/4” locline?

iGotJokess · Apr 9, 2020

JoshH said:
FWIW you can get 1" locline with a 1" Random flow Generator from VCA. They do not yet have other Nozzles for the 1" though. They also make a 1" to 2 3/4" locline splitter as well so someone could go with one 1" return and split it into 2 3/4" nozzles.

I like the idea of the 1” with the random flow generator

iGotJokess · Apr 9, 2020

iGotJokess said:
I like the idea of the 1” with the random flow generator

1” return would require a 45mm bit?

ca1ore · Apr 9, 2020

iGotJokess said:
Did you push it to one side or did you center it and just choose a side for the return

You want to center the overflow if you can to ensure even surface skimming. 32" seems a bit of overkill on a 48" tank … that's what i am using on my 96" tank LOL.

cvrle1 · Apr 14, 2020

Quick ask for folks using EMS 32" overflow with 1" drains. Could you please provide me with dimensions of internal overflow? Playing around with aquascape, and need to account for this box as well. Cant find this info on EMS site. Thanks

lpsouth1978 · Apr 14, 2020

I am not home at the moment to measure. I would estimate 32"Lx6"Hx2"W. I can get some accurate measurements tonight after I get home from work if no one else chimes in.

cvrle1 · Apr 14, 2020

lpsouth1978 said:
I am not home at the moment to measure. I would estimate 32"Lx6"Hx2"W. I can get some accurate measurements tonight after I get home from work if no one else chimes in.

That would be much appreciated, and no rush at all. Thanks!

iGotJokess · Apr 14, 2020

cvrle1 said:
That would be much appreciated, and no rush at all. Thanks!

Anyone been able to get in contact with EMS lately? Are they still doing business during this time?

Mancuarist · Jul 12, 2020

ca1ore said:
You want to center the overflow if you can to ensure even surface skimming. 32" seems a bit of overkill on a 48" tank … that's what i am using on my 96" tank LOL.

As a newbie I'd love to understand what I am looking at here - is that 5 drains and 3 returns? How can I find out more? It looks great btw.