sump/fuge question

[repairman68]

Hi, does any one know what the max flow rate in GPH would be?My tank will be 48"L x 18"W x 30"H. Plans are to have one overflow at one end, with 2) 1-1/2" drains and 1)1" return also 2) more 1" returns at opposite end of tank. I plan to use 2) little giant M# 4-MDQX-SC one will power the two returns drilled in the tank opposite of the overflow wich will enter tank just above sand bed the other hole drilled in tank in the overflow will be connected to a spray bar under live rock. the second pump will be connected to an oceans motions OM squirt wich will provide wave motion to the top of tank. any suggestions or advise will be greatly appreciated. nothing is set in stone.
Thank you,
Scott

[repairman68]

any one have any advise

[repairman68]

I did a sketch to the tank as listed any advice.:confused: http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/155666tank2_bmp.gif

[sjm817]

A return at the bottom of the tank is a very bad idea. When power is off, all of the water in the display will back siphon to the sump, flooding it all over your floor. You want to do a closed loop for that type of setup. The intake and output are both in the display.

[lvpd186]

I agree, plus running two large pumps from your sump might be a problem. You might end up with a lot of micro bubbles. Plus you really don't want to move the water out of your sump so fast. You want your skimmer/fuge to have time to do its job.

[repairman68]

thanks sjm817 & lvpd186 for the advise. If I was to use 1) of my 1-1/2" drain in the overflow and plumed it so it pulled water from the tank thou the overflow wall and used this for a closed loop would this leave me with enuff flow for my sump/fuge?
thanks Scott

[repairman68]

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[repairman68]

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[lvpd186]

I think that would work. Since it would be a closed loop I don't think it would effect your flow to the sump because the water level would stay the same. Plus the remaining 11/2" drain should provide enough flow. I believe a 1" drain will flow around 600 gal/hr., not sure how much more the 1 1/2" will provide but I think that should give you a ballpark idea (somewhere around 1350 g/hr according to the drain calc.). If your return flow is too much you can always tee it off (return some to the sump) or throttle it back a little. Good luck, and post some photos of your tank (maybe even start a build thread).

[repairman68]

Tanks lvpd186 for your help I may just go that way. I do have a build diary @ http:/scotts110glreef.blogspot.com
Thanks Scott

[sjm817]

I'm not sure that you could pull that much water through the overflow weir.

[repairman68]

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