240 build plumbing question for sizing

[Bstout938]

I recently got a plant aquariums 240 gallon center overflow tank. It has 2 holes for 1" bulkhead for the drains and 2 holes for 3/4" bulkhead returns. My question is the drains seem small for a 240 gallon. Do you guys think 1" schedule 40 is fine for the drains? Tank is going to be a fowlr. Pic of my aquascape

 

[UncommonSense]

This drain configuration (2X 1” Duroso standpipes, 2x 3/4” returns) is indeed a tad small, but still workable!

You can get at least 4X display turnovers per-hour with this plumbing, it will just be a bit noisy!

 

[Bstout938]

This drain configuration (2X 1” Duroso standpipes, 2x 3/4” returns) is indeed a tad small, but still workable!

You can get at least 4X display turnovers per-hour with this plumbing, it will just be a bit noisy!

Will adapting immediately from the 1" bulkhead to 1 1/4" or 1.5" be any better or just restricted from the flow of the bulkhead

 

[UncommonSense]

Will adapting immediately from the 1" bulkhead to 1 1/4" or 1.5" be any better or just restricted from the flow of the bulkhead

The bulkhead itself is definitely the restrictive point here…

Though, some modern styles of bulkhead which are low-profile might allow you to squeeze 1.25” bulkheads on the drain holes!

Here’s an example of one I worked with recently on a new tank install, the bottom is both the nut and a slip fitting socket! (Note that this particular brand is from the likes of aliexpress… I’ve yet to source a reputable brand/site selling this style!)

 

[Bstout938]

The bulkhead itself is definitely the restrictive point here…

Though, some modern styles of bulkhead which are low-profile might allow you to squeeze 1.25” bulkheads on the drain holes!

Here’s an example of one I worked with recently on a new tank install, the bottom is both the nut and a slip fitting socket! (Note that this particular brand is from the likes of aliexpress… I’ve yet to source a reputable brand/site selling this style!)

I guess my only concern would be not having a big enough turnover rate for this big of a system.

 

[PPBlimpy]

On a fish only tank high turnover on the sump isn't needed I feel. keeping solids in the water column and ableto make it to the overflows is more important. 2-3x turnover would be fine in my opinion. Won't overflow sock filters when just barely clogged, roller mat will be more efficient and you can run two smaller return pumps for redundancy and skimmer will be skimming more of the water that is passing by.

I run my skimmer right after my filter socks and made a make shift funnel to help direct more flow into the skimmer inlet allowing less to detour around. keeps my sump and refugium cleaner and my skimmate is really nasty and thick

 

[Bstout938]

On a fish only tank high turnover on the sump isn't needed I feel. keeping solids in the water column and ableto make it to the overflows is more important. 2-3x turnover would be fine in my opinion. Won't overflow sock filters when just barely clogged, roller mat will be more efficient and you can run two smaller return pumps for redundancy and skimmer will be skimming more of the water that is passing by.

I run my skimmer right after my filter socks and made a make shift funnel to help direct more flow into the skimmer inlet allowing less to detour around. keeps my sump and refugium cleaner and my skimmate is really nasty and thick

I get where your coming from but I guess m just planning everything on this tank to if I ever want to convert it to reef all my equipment is able too. I'd rather have more volume flow and choke it back then trying to shove more water down a tiny pipe

 

[UncommonSense]

I guess my only concern would be not having a big enough turnover rate for this big of a system.

4x DT turnovers per-hour is plenty for a reef, and you can probably reach 5x + turnovers per-hour with the existing plumbing at the expense of noise!

The primary challenge is in that the bottom pane of the tank is almost certainly tempered, so the existing bulkhead holes cannot be enlarged… you’d need some kind of low profile 1.25” bulkhead to get the benefit of 1.25” plumbing!

— to play the devil’s advocate; nothing technically stops you from drilling larger bulkhead holes in the vertical glass pane, within the overflow box… draining the tank from the back pane, vs. bottom pane! (This really isn’t strictly necessary, and can potentially cause structural concerns if not done carefully)