Help with drilling, overflow and return setup

[ether]

I am setting up my first tank. I have a 60 gallon cube (24" x 24" x 24") and a 15 gallon sump. I bought an overflow box from modular marine for a smaller tank I thought I was going to set up and got a 600gph overflow box with 3 x 1/2" drains and one 1/2" return. Since I got the larger tank I know I need more capacity. I'm planning on 7.5x turnover through the sump, so 450gph. I'm going to start out with fish/softies, but want to add lps and sps eventually.

For returns, I was thinking either add another 1/2" return or return and get two 3/4" returns. The reason for multiple returns is so that I can eventually run 2 return pumps for redundancy. I'm inclined to stick with the smaller returns since with 2 it should be more than enough and I'm concerned about drilling (see more below). Thoughts?

For the overflow, I can either upgrade to a 1200gph box with three 3/4" bulkheads (for beananimal setup) or a 1600 gph box with three 1" bulkheads (also BA setup). If I do that, Due to required hole placement, I'll be pushing the "don't drill closer than the diameter of the hole to an edge or another hole" rule. I've been trying to figure out the flow rates for the 3/4" drains on full siphon, and it appears that they are in excess of 700gph, which would be more than enough, but since this is my first tank I thought I'd ask for help.

THANK YOU!

 

[Crabs McJones]

I am setting up my first tank. I have a 60 gallon cube (24" x 24" x 24") and a 15 gallon sump. I bought an overflow box from modular marine for a smaller tank I thought I was going to set up and got a 600gph overflow box with 3 x 1/2" drains and one 1/2" return. Since I got the larger tank I know I need more capacity. I'm planning on 7.5x turnover through the sump, so 450gph. I'm going to start out with fish/softies, but want to add lps and sps eventually.

For returns, I was thinking either add another 1/2" return or return and get two 3/4" returns. The reason for multiple returns is so that I can eventually run 2 return pumps for redundancy. I'm inclined to stick with the smaller returns since with 2 it should be more than enough and I'm concerned about drilling (see more below). Thoughts?

For the overflow, I can either upgrade to a 1200gph box with three 3/4" bulkheads (for beananimal setup) or a 1600 gph box with three 1" bulkheads (also BA setup). If I do that, Due to required hole placement, I'll be pushing the "don't drill closer than the diameter of the hole to an edge or another hole" rule. I've been trying to figure out the flow rates for the 3/4" drains on full siphon, and it appears that they are in excess of 700gph, which would be more than enough, but since this is my first tank I thought I'd ask for help.

THANK YOU!

Welcome to R2R!!

If you have a 60 gallon and are planning on 7.5 turnover at 450 gph, the two 1/2 returns should be way more then enough. A single 1/2 return should be able to handle that. The overflow should be good as well if it's rated for 600 gallons per hour.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

1/2" will be plenty for this tank. If you go too big, head pressure will impact flow rate.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Oh, and welcome to R2R!

 

[ether]

1/2" will be plenty for this tank. If you go too big, head pressure will impact flow rate.

Thank you! What about the drain lines? Is 3/4" safe, or do I need to go 1"?

 

[ether]

Welcome to R2R!!

If you have a 60 gallon and are planning on 7.5 turnover at 450 gph, the two 1/2 returns should be way more then enough. A single 1/2 return should be able to handle that. The overflow should be good as well if it's rated for 600 gallons per hour.

Thanks for the info. Do you think I'm ok with 3/4" drains or should I go to 1" to be extra careful? Is that worth it if I'm risking drilling holes closer together?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Thanks for the info. Do you think I'm ok with 3/4" drains or should I go to 1" to be extra careful? Is that worth it if I'm risking drilling holes closer together?

3/4 should be perfect for the flow you're looking to run. If you get the holes to close together when you tighten your bulkhead it may crack. So i'd stick with what you've got

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Thank you! What about the drain lines? Is 3/4" safe, or do I need to go 1"?

1" if you're going dual return pump eventually. If you just have the second return as a backup then the 3/4" would work, make sure you implement a snail guard though since there are several snails out there that could clog a 3/4" pipe.