210 Mixed Reef Build

[Eldoradofishguy]

We lost our 120 tank a few years ago and have upgraded to a 210 now. I am going through the setup/build process now. I am interested in the BeanAnimal setup. My tank has megaflow overflows with 2 holes in each. Is there any reason i cant do the bean animal setup using three of these holes and 1 as the return? Thanks for your guidance.

 

[sbash]

There is no reason at all to not use three of the holes for a Bean Animal overflow. It almost seems silly to not do it this way.

 

[Scott Williamson]

I would be concerned with utilizing a pump that could provide enough return water for your 2” drain to be used at full shiphon. Thoughts on maybe using 1 of the 2” holes for a return and then bringing another return over the back on the opposite side?

 

[sbash]

I would be concerned with utilizing a pump that could provide enough return water for your 2” drain to be used at full shiphon. Thoughts on maybe using 1 of the 2” holes for a return and then bringing another return over the back on the opposite side?

I see where you are going with this, however the Megaflow kits max out at something like 600 GPH each, so the pipe size should not really be a concern. In most cases, getting the correct pump for the flow rate through the sump is more important than meeting overflow rates (which will usually be a higher GPH than we want through our sumps anyway).

 

[Scott Williamson]

Here’s my math.....1’ gravity drain flows about 600gph....a full siphon 1” drain flows about 1700pgh. 1” pressurized pipe on pump return is capable of about 2200 gph. On a 210 gallon tank with 10x turn over the return pump should be capable of delivering 2100 gph back to the display. If you size your return pump taking head pressure and frictional loss of your 90’s and plumbing into account (maybe a Reeflo dart depending on head pressure) I think this is a variable option as well. The full siphon drain will take a majority of the water leaving a small amount be drain using the open channel and you still have your emergency drain as a back up.