Randal's 150 gallon upgrade

kingrl2 · Jul 24, 2014

Still studying up on the overflow, I have a question. The overflow I posted a picture of earlier comes in several different sizes, based on the amount of flow you want in your tank. The two I'm leaning toward the most are the 1600 gph and the 3000 gph overflow. The 1600 gph I think will be more than enough but I'm not positive. The internal box is 16" wide, but it only uses 1" bulkheads in the external overflow box. The 3000 gph has a width of 24" internally and it has 1.5" bulkheads in the external box. I like the wider overflow for more surface cleaning, and I like the wider pipes but the cost is $100 more. I'd rather use that money somewhere else if it's not needed.

So...what do you guys think? Will 1" overflow pipes be enough with a beananimal overflow? My current tank uses a trickle filter sump and is very loud, I want a tank that is as silent as possible.

Defective_Weeble · Jul 24, 2014

Full siphon on a 1 inch, gravity-fed drain is around 960 gallons per hour. Anything above that 960 gallons will end up going to the second overflow of the BeAn. That being said, the entire process is limited by your return pump. For instance, if you're running a pump that's rated for 950 gallons per hour (a Mag 9.5, for my example) then you could theoretically come close to using full siphon on the main pipe. BUT you have to account for head pressure and loss of pressure from joints. Assuming your returns are 5 feet above the pump, you're actually only returning 685 GPH, minus whatever your joints, 45's or 90's will take away.

Screenshot on 7.24.2014 at 9.43.42 AM.jpg

All that being said, I tend to shoot for 10x my tank volume from my return pump, but it's really personal preference. I agree about the additional surface skimming being good, but I don't know that it's $100 worth of good. I'm going to run 1.5 inch overflows for my BeAn, but only because I happen to already have the hole saw needed for 1.5 inch lines. 1 inch lines will be fine, but understand that a big pump is probably going to end up pushing a significant amount of flow to the second drain. There's not a problem with that, but it's something to be aware of.

kingrl2 · Oct 13, 2014

It's been awhile since I've updated, actually I've been dragging my feet a little on this project due to not having enough time. With 5 kids (4 still at home) and each one with their own hobbies (Football, Soccer, Cheerleading and Boy Scouts) it's tough to find "Dad time" to get anything done. I wouldn't change a minute of it mind you, but it does slow things down a little.

I have made some progress though. Except for finishing up the acrylic sock holder, I've got my sump built.

I painted the trim on the tank to get rid of that wood grain look...
(never mind the mess behind the tank, we are in the process of setting up another washer and dryer in the garage to help with all the clothes lol)

And I got a few goodies in from BRS and Ebay...

kingrl2 · Oct 13, 2014

Here's my new overflow, found it on Ebay. Has 2" bulkheads attaching the internal overflow with the external box through the tank. The external overflow has 1.5" bulkheads for my beananimal plumbing.

Next step is the part I'm really dreading... drilling the holes for the overflow and return bulkheads. I'm sure it will be fine, I'll take my time and make sure I go really slow, but the thought of cracking this tank is scary. I'm hoping I will get around to it this weekend.

NeveSSL · Oct 13, 2014

LOL... Wow! That's a straight-up Ghost Overflow copy. Interesting.

Drilling glass isn't bad. Just don't push hard on the bit, ESPECIALLY at the end. Be as light as you possibly can at the end to avoid chip-out. Keep a bit of water on it and it will be fine.

I have used spray bottles before. Just have a helper spray a bit of water every 5 to 10 seconds as you drill. No biggie.

What skimmer are you using?

Brandon

kingrl2 · Oct 13, 2014

Thanks for the info Brandon, I've read several posts and watched many videos of people drilling their tanks. The plan is to use plumbers putty around the hole and getting my son to keep water in it as I drill.

As far as the overflow being a knock off, yeah...it looks to me like it's almost identical except it doesn't have the removable teeth. I would have preferred to have gotten a true Ghost overflow, but the last time I contacted Felix at Reef Savvy, he responded with...

"We're redesigning the Ghost as we speak, we don't have an exact ETA for it, but I can tell you it's getting close. I know people want it now, but I promise it will be worth the wait."

That was back in May. I tried to wait, but I guess I'm a little impatient. I'm sure the new one will be great and I'll regret not waiting, but oh well, what's a guy to do?

The skimmer is a SCA-302 180 Gallon Protein Skimmer. I got it off Amazon. Reviews seem to be pretty good and the price was right.

Defective_Weeble · Oct 18, 2014

Looking good. The SCA-302 is a clone of (if I'm not mistaken) a Bubble Magus Curve 5. I know a lot of people who have run the 301 and been very happy with them.

Nice Ghost clone too. $150 isn't bad for that. I'm probably going the same route on my replacement 120. I have the glass to do a C2C with the BeAn but I'd honestly prefer to have less stuff taking up space in the tank.

NeveSSL · Oct 20, 2014

Yeah, I'm not sure we'll see the Ghosts again. I find it amusing because I truly think the Ghost changed the way people think about overflows and set a new standard. I'm very biased, but when I see copies like that, those speak for themselves.

I'll be curious to see how that skimmer does with your tank. It looks a bit small, but may work out perfectly. I'm sure we'll find out!

Brandon

kingrl2 · Oct 21, 2014

I hope the skimmer works out, it's rated for 180 gallons. I originally bought it for my 75 gallon, but then I decided to upgrade tanks so now I'm just saving it for the new one.

kingrl2 · Jan 8, 2015

Slacker update: Finally got around to drilling the holes...

and painting the back. I used black Plasti-Dip and I think it's going to look pretty good.

The new return pump arrived.

Sand arrives today and 1 1/2" gate valve arrives next week. If everything goes well, I'll plumb it up next week and test for leaks. I've started taking rocks out of the 75g and bathing them in diluted bleach to kill off all the bubble algae and I'll let these sit out in the sun for a few days before putting them into the new tank before starting the cycle.

Defective_Weeble · Jan 8, 2015

Woo! Congrats on the update! That overflow looks very nice.

One word of caution about the Plasti-Dip - When you're carrying it, be careful. Because it doesn't "chip" or flake off, it literally peels off in a sheet. I had a small nick in mine, went to pull off the damaged area and ended up with a 6 inch bare section. Oops!

kingrl2 · Jan 8, 2015

Thanks Brad, I'll be sure to be careful.

kingrl2 · Jan 12, 2015

Making a little more progress...

Gate valve should be here Wed. I'm hoping to get wet this coming weekend.

kingrl2 · Jan 12, 2015

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1421120634.155525.jpg

fishdoc11 · Jan 12, 2015

Looks great!

bknapp · Jan 13, 2015

If you haven't already glued your manifold pipe together you may want to consider spacing them further apart. That configuration doesn't leave much room for your hand.

kingrl2 · Jan 13, 2015

fishdoc11 said:
Looks great!

Thanks, I'm starting to get stoked

bknapp said:
If you haven't already glued your manifold pipe together you may want to consider spacing them further apart. That configuration doesn't leave much room for your hand.

In order to mount the manifold where I want, I had to reduce the size by as much as possible. I'm sure more room would be easier to get my hands in there, but maybe I won't have to get in there and mess with stuff much after I get all the bugs worked out. Thanks for the advice though and feel free to toss out more at anytime. I'm learning more and more every day and I'm always open to more information.

bknapp · Jan 13, 2015

kingrl2 said:
In order to mount the manifold where I want, I had to reduce the size by as much as possible. I'm sure more room would be easier to get my hands in there, but maybe I won't have to get in there and mess with stuff much after I get all the bugs worked out. Thanks for the advice though and feel free to toss out more at anytime. I'm learning more and more every day and I'm always open to more information.

The dreaded lack of room. It seems no matter the size of the tank and openness of the stand there is never enough room.