New Tank Configuration

MKcat · Sep 24, 2017

I am getting new 190 gallon tank with one overflow which has 3 holes drilled in in. 2- 1.5 " and 1- 1" inch. I have Marineland wet / dry trickle filter sump which is 8 years old that I would like to reuse. I also have a BRS Carbon /GFO filter reactor that is currently on it's own pump feeding the tank. I am planning on using the 2 -1.5" holes for my drains and since new tank only has 1 return I didn't want to put GFO in parallel config to mix it in to my one return.

Here are my thoughts and am looking for validation or suggestions.

I was going to buy a higher flow pump to raise my GPH to get a 1" pump as I currently have .75" return. Since I only have 1 return hole I was going to put my pump directly into that return and put the Carbon/ GFO on a separate pump and just build a return to drop that over the back side. That way I could still get 1" return to keep my flow up and not deal with the issues of putting the reactor in parallel from my main feed. The GFO only has 1/2" feeds so its very low flow. Appreciate the forum input and expertise. Thanks

Daniel@R2R · Sep 25, 2017

Maybe I'm missing part of your thought process, but are you saying you're planning to run the 2nd return through the reactor and into the DT, or are you talking about having a tee off of the line to the reactor (I think that's what you're trying to avoid based on not wanting to run it parallel to the return)? IF you're planning to run the return THROUGH the reactor and then into the DT, I'm just wondering if you'll be able to have the flow low enough for the reactor and still handle the head pressure needed to get the water to the DT. I'm far from a plumbing expert, so maybe someone on the #reefsquad who knows more can help, but I'd probably recommend still putting a tee off the return line to the reactor.

Salty1962 · Sep 26, 2017

I would install a manifold driven through a separate pump or your return pump. I placed a DCT4000 on mine due to flow restrictions of my return, I needed all of my RODC5500 power going to my return. This way you have one pump, or no pump using your return, to feed all of your misc equipment.