Hi, I've been out of the saltwater game for a little while since the flood hit Texas. I am purchasing a new tank, it is a 330 gallon tank. It is already drilled, 6 holes to be exact. Even when I was in the hobby not so long ago, I wasn't familiar with any setup using this many holes. My question is this, can someone please give me examples of styles or loops making use of this many holes? What type of overflow boxes etc to use? I am taking this slow want to get everything right the first time. Every hole is spaced throughout the entire length of the tank (7ft). 4-6 inches from the back pane as was described to me. Any help whatsoever would be greatly appreciated. Also, currently do not have any pictures of said holes while tank is empty, but will attach a picture of their freshwater setup(make of it what you will because I do not understand it either lol).
Plumbing/Overflow Questions**
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Huckleberry1201
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Right, but in what manner would or could it be used as such? No overflow boxes present currently in there. How many would be the drains vs the returns? With them evenly spaced like that each drain would need their own box right? These are the things I need help on lol.
ndrwater
2500 Club Member
A closed loop system isn't like a traditional overflow/drain system. It is what it says it is. A closed loop.
If you wanted to use this tank with an overflow AND a closed loop, that'd definitely work. The issue would be drilling new holes correctly placed for an overflow, or.. using a hang on overflow.. or .. making a box to surround one of the existing holes to create a "built in" overflow.
If it were me, I'd drill new holes for an off the shelf overflow like the ones from Synergy Systems
If you wanted to use this tank with an overflow AND a closed loop, that'd definitely work. The issue would be drilling new holes correctly placed for an overflow, or.. using a hang on overflow.. or .. making a box to surround one of the existing holes to create a "built in" overflow.
If it were me, I'd drill new holes for an off the shelf overflow like the ones from Synergy Systems
Huckleberry1201
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Ah I gotcha. Is there any real distinct advantages/disadvantages to either over the other?
ndrwater
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expanding further on this. A closed loop is closed for a very specific reason. You can't drain the tank if the power shuts off for whatever reason.
Using existing holes drilled in the bottom of the tank for a return, (or worse) drain, is asking for trouble. Check valves aren't the most reliable piece of equipment. 300+ gallons is a LOT of water when it's on the floor...
Using existing holes drilled in the bottom of the tank for a return, (or worse) drain, is asking for trouble. Check valves aren't the most reliable piece of equipment. 300+ gallons is a LOT of water when it's on the floor...
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ndrwater
2500 Club Member
A closed loop is oftentimes used in a reef scenario to keep detritus suspended. It serves a very different purpose than a traditional overflow/drain setup. The overflow is gravity fed into a sump. The sump needs to be able to hold whatever amount of water is drained from the TOP of the tank when the power is off.
Looking at the picture you provided, if that existing setup were to be used as an overflow system, you'd need a sump that could hold whatever water was in the sump for it to run, but also half the volume of the tank....
Not a good option in my opinion...
Huckleberry1201
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Makes perfect sense. So best bet is like you said drill new holes in the back using something like synergy offers, or build a box and convert existing holes. And I guess just plug whatever holes I do not use or need.
ndrwater
2500 Club Member
Exactly..
There are several different overflow systems out there. Synergy is just the one that can to mind first.
BRS has done a few videos on installing an overflow. Worth a few minutes if your time to check em out.
Drilling a tank isn't for the faint of heart, but it's not hard... As long as you have an inkling as to the potential drawbacks.. using a diamond hole saw and water for coolant makes quick work..
Huckleberry1201
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Yeah I have a little experience drilling, so not too worried there. Just need to brush up and watch some videos or look up some systems and determine which route to go with what I have. I would definitely like to make use of the existing holes if at all possible so I suppose I'll start my research there!
Huckleberry1201
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Oh absolutely. I cannot wait to get it up and going. Once I break ground and actually make a little progress I'll start posting pics here.
ndrwater
2500 Club Member
Start a build thread!! Your situation is not uncommon in this hobby. Getting a "new to me" tank is one of the most common ways to get back into the hobby. Documenting your adventures will help other reefers down the line. AND... you'll get a cool banner under your name..
