Upgrading to a reef ready tank with some ?s

[Waters]

I am upgrading from a 60 gallon with external overflow to a 105 gallon with an internal overflow. The 105 gallon has 4 drilled holes on the bottom (two for returns and two for drains I assume?). My current setup only has one drain and one return (my sump only has one sock). How do I continue to use my current sump with the new tank? I assume I can split the return but I am unsure how to handle the drain. Do I merge the two holes to end up at the sump with one PVC drain or do I add a second sock somehow to my sump and have two separate drains? I am completely new to drilled tanks...I have always used external overflows.

 

[kevinsmixed90]

you don't generally find returns on the bottom. are you sure they are not all drains? what does the manufacturer say they are? also, what size is your old sump?

 

[Downbeach]

Yes, one ea. for returns and drains. I added an extra sock holder I bought from BRS.

 

[kevinsmixed90]

o.k., I suppose you could connect the two returns together and only need one return pump if space is tight. and I think you answered your own questions anyways.

 

[Downbeach]

Do you have the plumbing for the overflow chambers, i.e. Durso, lock line return(see picture)? If so, what type of connection is at the bottom, i.e. barbed, threaded, slip, etc.?

 

[kevinsmixed90]

threaded bulkhead connectors. cant really see from your picture what going on in the sump area i.e. filtration, and return setup etc.

 

[mikey_p]

for the drain you could run it as 2 drains just going into 1 sock i have done this before when i could not fit another sock in my sump

 

[kevinsmixed90]

are you going with an internal or external return pump?

 

[Waters]

Right not I am using an internal return pump so I would like to stick with that. Here are some pictures of what I am dealing with. Currently my sump is in another room but with the drains being on the bottom of the tank, I don't think there is going to be enough of a height difference between the sump and tank so I am going to have to move the sump underneath in the stand.

 

[kevinsmixed90]

now I see what you are up against. to be honest I am not familiar with that drain/return setup. I would call the manufacturer for ideas. sorry I cannot be of more help

 

[jeffp1]

I have a 85 gal. Planet Aquarium tank similar to yours and one of the drains in mine is set higher than the other and is used as an emergency overflow in case the main drain were to plug. I plumbed the emerg. drain into sump chamber with return pump. Split the flow off the return pump.

 

[Waters]

Thanks everyone. After doing some research, my best approach I think is going to be to add a second filter sock to the sump, having two separate drains. The return will be split. I do like the idea of having an emergency drain though lol.....so many decisions.