Setting Up New but Old 90 Gallon Bow Front

[SaltyAddict]

I'm looking for assistance on setting up my 90 gallon bow front, which I've had for several years and am finally looking at getting set up. I've been 4 years out of the hobby because of a home purchase and was preoccupied with home remodeling.

I was trying to find the specs on the tank but am having some difficulty. I think it was originally made by SeaClear but cant find anything about it. The dimensions are roughly 48" x 18" x 24" (long x wide at center x high). It has a center over flow that accommodates two 1" bulk heads drilled through the bottom of the overflow, one for the drain and the other for the return that is split into two line locks back into the display.

Ideally, I'd like to utilize the two bulk heads in the overflow for one primary drain and the other for an emergency drain. Then I could, potentially, drill two new returns back into the display, which would be powered by two separate return pumps. One concern I have is how much overflow capacity I have with the center overflow box.

I believe the original design with a single 1" drain could have accommodated 3,510 gallons per hour max, However, I am only basing this on the flow capacity of a 1" PVC pipe.

I am trying to calculate the proper sizing of two return pumps that would work in this scenario. I am looking at either two EcoTech Marine Vectra M2 or S2 pumps or even the Neptune COR-20 or COR-15 pumps.

Any assistance in helping me with engineering the plumbing on this tank is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Happy reefing!

 

[BeejReef]

Love the idea of a herbie conversion.

The number I keep seeing for a 1" full siphon is 900 gallons per hour. Assuming you want minimal flow through your emergency drain, you'd be running your dual return pumps at maybe 30% (looking at vectra m2 flow rates and knocking off 40% for head).

Don't know your budget or plans for the rest of the tank. If it were me, with my budget, I might consider dual AC pumps like the Sicce syncra silents and be content with 6 or 7 times tank turnover. If I were to splurge on the top line gear, it would be for the powerheads and lights.

I'm new to the hobby and that seems to be one of the things that has "changed." Less of an emphasis on total tank turnover and more on internal flow in the DT. Food for thought.

 

[SaltyAddict]

Thanks for the reply. Besides the return flow, I'm also looking at right sizing my sump. I'm coming from a 65 gallon that had an Bio-fil 1 sump. I'm thinking I'll need a bigger sump for the 90 gallon. Any recommendations for proper sized sump for a 90 gallon? It will be a remote sump in the garage, so, I don't think size will be a size restriction. I've been looking at the Trigger sumps. I do have a 75 gallon tank unused, 48 x 18 x 21.