Small tank upgrade-New overflow?

[Mark917]

My 40 Breeder is at the 3.5 month stage and I am still in the ugly stages. No coral just cycled dry rock, a couple of clowns but load of coral in QT and live rock going in this week from KP Aquatics. I am looking to do a small upgrade to a Planet aquarium rimless 50 because it is reasonable, nicer, and has the same footprint as the 40 B so I can utilize the stand (did not want to go 65 as its too high for my liking). Ok so the question:
- I currently plumbed in a Modular Marine over flow with three 1/2 inch drains. I believe I'm probably getting (or should get) ~600 gph at full siphon through that primary line. Sump is 9 feet below tank in basement. To make this easy, I can drill the new tank to use the existing MM overflow as it is quiet and works nicely. OR would anyone like to convince me (with sufficient reason) to move to an Exotic Marine 20" overflow kit with 1 inch drains (herbie)? I'm just not sure its necessary if the MM works well now and can get me ~600 GPH on a 50 vs a 40 tank. Thoughts/opinions?

 

[JumboShrimp]

600 gph on a 50 gallon tank, it’s quiet, and you like it? I’d say it’s a keeper. Don’t tinker with success. Best wishes!

 

[Mark917]

I currently have a 40B with that setup looking to go to 50 for the rimless, etc. Right now I am most likely running at 400-500 gph as I have the pump throttled down and guest valve closed a touch but I know that at full siphon a 1/2 inch drain should give me anywhere from 600-800 GPH per every chart and thread I've read. Its quiet so that was another option BTW - Don't mess with the 40 now even tho I hate the rim now and a couple of front glass scratches. Its all going well.

Since I really can't go anything wider than 36" and I need to fit the stand there are 3 choices really:
1- Stay with at a well running Aqueon 40B that is nearly through the initial uglies and get over it the rim and a few scratches and be frugal - no financial impact and same aesthetics
2- Move to the 50 rimless and drill for same box and plumbing - Some financial impact, drilling work, and new tank
3- Move to 50 rimless and drill for new overflow and upgraded plumbing - most financial and work impact, New tank

 

[piranhaman00]

You want 600gph through 50 gallon? Thats quite a bit of turnover, I usually shoot for 2-5x / hour.

 

[Mark917]

You want 600gph through 50 gallon? Thats quite a bit of turnover, I usually shoot for 2-5x / hour.

No just saying its possible. I like my tank now to have even a little less flow from the return than it does now and make up for it with in tank circulation. I only have 1 Jebao wave maker on the other side so the return is pushing a little more from the opposite side. I will most likely dial that down a little depending on coral placement, etc.

So I guess the answer here is that even if I go with the 50 tank, the current overflow setup with 1/2 inch drains is cool and will more than suffice for flow from the return....

 

[Mark917]

The best of both worlds will be to upgrade the tank for aesthetics and 10 more gallons and keep the current overflow and plumbing setup (i.e. drill the new tank to match it).

 

[Mark917]

One other important question before I decide (need a pump and math person here). I need to figure out how much I am returning into my tank now.

- Pump is DCP 18000. I am running at full siphon and minimal through Secondary drain. See below for cala. Is this right or close/possible????

Max at 0 head 4700 GPH
Current Output at 58% and 72 watts 2603 GPH

GPH loss calculated
Height (14ft vertical@75-125) GPH loss) 1400 GPH
Elbows (5 @ 50-75 GPH Loss) 312.5 GPH
Ball valves (2@30 GPH Loss) 60 GPH
Unions (2 @5 GPH Loss) 10 GPH
Total loss 1782.5 GPH

Total current flow 820.5
Tank volume 40
Return turnover 20.5125