Setting up a new 300 gallon tank need some advice

[rhamilton]

i think i got that backwards, my drain line will come down from the bulkhead with 1 inch PVC, if that's right how much pvc goes up inside the bulkhead to the overflow, just to the base of it or higher? that flexhose went to my pump, the guy used a pond pump don't think it's compatible for saltwater but the flexhose came off of it and goes up inside the smaller opening in the overflow to the spout that then shoots it out into the tank, I believe he had it T'd off the pump where it went into the overflow so it came out both ends.

Do I have that correct now? and what pump would go good for me, can i use flexhose for the plumbing for the pump or does that need to be pvc?

 

[greech]

Use the biggest sump you can comfortably fit (keeping in mind overhead clearance to access/remove skimmer cup, etc.).

You should seriously consider replacing those bulkheads with new one. They are the weakpoint of any drilled tank so they should be clean and have new gaskets. The acrylic around where the bulkheads seat (top and bottom) should also be clean and flat.

Bulkheads come on slip and threaded (female/inside). I prefer slips because I like to glue all connections. From the top of the 3/4" bulkead (inside the overflow box), simply slip in a 3/4" PVC standpipe up to the top of the return and at a 90 degree (slip>thread) on top facing the display. Get a locline adapter (male thread) and thread that into the 90. Then add how ever much or whatever configuration of locline you want to bring the water into the display. Highly recommend that at least the portion of your return inside the overflow box(es) be hard plumed. Cheap, easy, safer and give you a nice sturdy return.

You DO NOT need to glue the standpipe into the bulkhead. You could glue a 3/4" "stub" in and then slip a simple coupling over that so you can easily remove the standpipe above the coupling.

Good place for plumbing unless you have something local...

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/plumbing.html

 

[greech]

i think i got that backwards, my drain line will come down from the bulkhead with 1 inch PVC, if that's right how much pvc goes up inside the bulkhead to the overflow, just to the base of it or higher? that flexhose went to my pump, the guy used a pond pump don't think it's compatible for saltwater but the flexhose came off of it and goes up inside the smaller opening in the overflow to the spout that then shoots it out into the tank, I believe he had it T'd off the pump where it went into the overflow so it came out both ends.

Do I have that correct now? and what pump would go good for me, can i use flexhose for the plumbing for the pump or does that need to be pvc?

That sounds correct but hard plumb the return.

Shoot for circulating the volume of your system 4 to 6 times per hour through the return (note that this is not the same as diaply turnover). Make sure to account for head loss when you select your pump. I would strongly encourage you to look at the Waveline (there are other brands) DC pumps if you are interested in a submersible pump. Otherwise, consider reeflo darts or similar externals (will need a drilled sump).

 

[rhamilton]

Ok I did some ordering today, part of it anyways, see what you think so far.

CaribSea Caribbean Live Sand Original Grade Substrate (200 pounds)
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+9805+16764&pcatid=16764

Jagr Thermostat Heater 300 Watt (ordered 2 of them)
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3743+23726&pcatid=23726

Ordered New Bulkheads 1 inch and 3/4 slip on type

Instant Ocean 200 gallon mix (Ordered 2 boxes)
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4685+4856&pcatid=4856

Coralife Super Skimmer 220 Gallon (I realize this is for a 220 Gallon but my bio load will be fairly small at least for the first year, I will not stock too heavily until I'm comfortable with my system, hopefully you think this will be sufficient enough)
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+13924&pcatid=13924

So that just leaves mainly my PUMP and Plumbing I was looking at the Waveline pumps and those look fantastic, I was thinking maybe the DC 6000 but these pumps aren't in stock anywhere right now, What do you think of that as a pump for my tank?
http://www.saltysupply.com/Waveline-DC6000-Internal-External-Pump-w-Controlle-p/h2o1169.htm

 

[greech]

Personally I would get the 12000 but I like to have a little extra in my return and throttle it back as needed. The 6000 will probably be ok though, unless the top of your tank is really high (head loss). I have not seen actual pump curves for these yet. I have seen a chart that shows the max output (at zero head) and a max height. I have seen the 1st gen curves and from that the 5000 would be ok but IMO, the 10000 would be better for a 300 gallon. The 6000 and 12000 are are coming out soon. main difference is added controllability through an actual controller (Apex, etc.).

I am really not trying to be a snob but please return the Coralife skimmer. They are not good skimmers. Most have to mod them in some way to get any production out of them. I am a firm believer in skimmers and on a 300 (even fish only), a good skimmer will be highly important to your success. A very good budget skimmer would be the NCA 9. Lots of other options as well but this is actually a cheaper skimmer for a tank your size. Used is another option. You don't have to have a skimmer right away.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bubble-magus-bm-nac9-cone-protein-skimmer.html

 

[rhamilton]

lol your not a snob greech I appreciate your honesty and input. I read some reviews on the Coralife skimmer and some had to modify it and etc like you said, some have had bad results and others seem to say it works ok. I almost considered changing it but I just can't afford to go much higher on a skimmer at this point, $400 on the Bubble Magnus would just be too much money to get everything else I want to get this up and running, I'll see how this one works for me but I'll probably plan on a skimmer upgrade after a year I'm thinking.

I called salt supply they say the DC 6000 maybe in at the end of the month but they are not for certain. I also noticed these pumps, what do you think of it? seems comparable to the dc6000 for only $10 more and it's rated at 55 watts compared to the dc6000 88 watts
http://www.saltysupply.com/Diablo-DC-5500-Variable-Speed-Water-Pump-p/oc9227.htm

 

[greech]

The diablos are very similar but are not going to be as controlable as a Waveline 6000 / 120000. Honestly, unless you plan on running a controller, the added controlability of the new model wavelines is not something you will need. If you agree with that mindset, the waveline DC 5000 / 10000 would be fine (with the comparable diablos being the 5500 and the 10500).

 

[rhamilton]

Ok so I got a pump now, I found this and went with it a Speedwave DC-10000 with 2,640 gph got it for $189.

So this has a very high flow, would I still need power heads in the tank or not really?

I'm starting to read up on that herbie drain, I'm still a little lost but I'm figuring it out slowly I think. With the herbie drain both bulkheads in the overflow the 1 inch and 3/4 inch are both drains on both sides correct? and I would run my return from my pump up the backside of the tank and 90 degree and down back into the overflow correct?

 

[greech]

Was going to mention the speedwave. they are all based on the same platform. Not sure how high your tank will be off the ground but at 5' the 10000 will push about 2200 gph at max setting. That would turn your system volume (assumes 300 gallons worth of water in the display and sump after rock displacement, etc) over about 7.3 times per hour. You'll want to shot for 4 to 6 times but with that skimmer I would shoot for the lower end. There is no point of pushing more water through your sump than your skimmer can process per hour. Good news is you can adjust the speed to lower the return rate so you will be fine. Plus when upi upgrade skimmers, you can ramp it up. In other words, good choice on the pump . Here is the pump curve for the speedwaves...

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/PLPU-SW-DC2640.html


I just setup a dual herbie for a guy this weekend. Worked out great. Here is a pic of the finished product. This is a 210 gallon with a 75 gallon sump. This tank is completely silent except for the hum of the pump.

 

[greech]

Both bulkheads are drains and the return comes up and over the top. Use the 3/4" drains as your main siphons and the 1" bulkheads as your emergency drains. Do yourself a favor and plumb the 3/4" BH with 1" PVC above and below the BH. This just makes things simpler and also gives you a bigger opening and allows you to use bigger gate valves (less likely to get a clog).