BackbayReef’s 450gal

[backbayreef]

The external overflow was cracked during the move so the guys will need to silicone it. Also, I need to buy a lot of PVCs to connect to the sump — gonna be fun!

 

[Jimbo327]

They cracked the acrylic box on the external overflow?

Look into weld-on as it chemical fuses acrylic. Weld-on 4 is very viscous and flows very well, so it can get into fine cracks. If the crack is big, Weld-on 16 is a bit thicker.

It's much stronger than silicone.

 

[backbayreef]

They cracked the acrylic box on the external overflow?

Look into weld-on as it chemical fuses acrylic. Weld-on 4 is very viscous and flows very well, so it can get into fine cracks. If the crack is big, Weld-on 16 is a bit thicker.

It's much stronger than silicone.

Yup - they forgot to cut the pvc connected overflow to the sump and lifted the aquarium! My heart stopped for a few seconds when I heard the crack! Thank goodness the tank is fine.

The guy is fixing it and I should get it back tomorrow.

 

[backbayreef]

Overflow box has been fixed but will do leak test later when plumbing is done.

While we wait for RODI water, my son & I hooked up the control panel and wired up the Red Dragon pumps and Bubble King skimmer. The Hydros will come over with the fish later.

 

[backbayreef]

Heading to Home Depot tonight for lots of 1” and 1.5” pipes! Going to be fun — I’ve never done something of this magnitude before tbh. Trying to reducing pipings as much as possible but connecting the frag tank is 20 feet away! Ugh

 

[danreef55]

Just a suggestion. Upsize your drain and return lines to 2" and then split them for final connections. A single 2" can handle more than two 1-1/2" I believe????

 

[danreef55]

Just a suggestion. Upsize your drain and return lines to 2" and then split them for final connections. A single 2" can handle more than two 1-1/2" I believe????

I ran it through Chatgpt this is what it replied (take with a grain of salt
The flow capacity of a pipe is determined by its diameter, the pressure driving the flow, and the length and friction within the pipe. Here's a general comparison for water flow through different pipe sizes under typical conditions:

Flow Capacity:​

• 1.5-inch Pipe:
  • Approximate flow rate: 1,200 - 1,600 gallons per hour (GPH) under standard conditions.
• 2-inch Pipe:
  • Approximate flow rate: 2,400 - 3,600 GPH under standard conditions.

Key Factors:​

• Cross-Sectional Area: The area of a 2-inch pipe is larger than a 1.5-inch pipe, allowing it to carry more water. Specifically, the area of a 2-inch pipe is approximately 78% larger than a 1.5-inch pipe, which significantly impacts its flow capacity.
• Flow Dynamics: The actual flow rate can vary based on the pressure, the length of the pipe, the number of bends, and other factors like friction.

Conclusion:​

A 2-inch pipe can handle significantly more water than a 1.5-inch pipe, roughly double under the same conditions, making it a better choice for higher flow applications.

 

[backbayreef]

Just a suggestion. Upsize your drain and return lines to 2" and then split them for final connections. A single 2" can handle more than two 1-1/2" I believe????

Thanks for the suggestion — all the bulkheads are 1.5” for the drains and returns are 1”. It’s going to be expensive and time consuming to switch them to 2” though. I’m not too crazy about the max flow to the sump though — my main circulation will be inside the tank with 4 gyres and 2 MP60s.

 

[backbayreef]

I’ve contacted Modular Marine, it’s $149 + shipping to replace the external overflow box so I’m going to do that as a peace of mind. :)

 

[backbayreef]

After 1.5 days, we are almost half way there - this will give me time to finish plumbing and replace the overflow box.

Loving the Kasa camera to watch this while at work! lol

 

[backbayreef]

Circulation: I hooked up 2 x Gyre XF350 to the tank last night. At 90%, two pumps were able to push past 70% of the 8' tank. I have another pair of XF330 but it was too noisy so had to soak it in citric acid. The goal is something like so:
Top Left: 2 x XF350
Top Right: 2 x XF330
2 x MP60s will be installed in the middle left & right. The back has 4 x return nozzles from 2 x Red Dragon return pumps. I do have 2 x MP40s that can be placed in the back of the tank should I need more flow. Oh yeah, 2 sea-sweeps are in storage and can be installed later once colonies grow out.

I think that this will be enough for a SPS-dominant tank. What do you guys think? :)

 

[danreef55]

Heading to Home Depot tonight for lots of 1” and 1.5” pipes! Going to be fun — I’ve never done something of this magnitude before tbh. Trying to reducing pipings as much as possible but connecting the frag tank is 20 feet away! Ugh

20' run consider the Iwaki 100RLT Japanese motor

 

[backbayreef]

20' run consider the Iwaki 100RLT Japanese motor

Interesting - will take a peek. I have 2 x Red Dragon 5 Eco so should be able to reach the frag tank on the other side of the room. I'm going to avoid doing 90deg turns to keep up flow rate. Personally don't like external pumps tbh -- keep everything inside the sump, free heating in the winter months!

 

[danreef55]

Look at the spec because I think it is only rated for 8' of head. You can try the ECOs and if it isn't sufficient, you could use the Iwaki which has a 1" output

 

[backbayreef]

Look at the spec because I think it is only rated for 8' of head. You can try the ECOs and if it isn't sufficient, you could use the Iwaki which has a 1" output

super helpful - thank you! My plumbing skill sucks so thanks for the info & help.

 

[danreef55]

super helpful - thank you! My plumbing skill sucks so thanks for the info & help.

When I initially laid out my tank's return pumps, I was going to use Red Dragon DC pump, but I have I also have substantial head to overcome. A few of the folks told me that the DC pumps can't handle the head pressure. They all suggested an AC pump. Bean Animal recommended the Iwaki. I ran these pumps commercial on some isolated systems. They are solid as a rock. Here are the Iwaki specs

Just one of the available options in AC pumps.
Your build is interesting as all heck. You have me thinking about your tank:)

 

[backbayreef]

I just got home and measured the closest return is 8ft and the next one is 13ft. The frag tank is 21ft since it’s on the other side of the room! Looks like I can partially make it for the main tank and not even possible for the frag tank.

 

[danreef55]

I just got home and measured the closest return is 8ft and the next one is 13ft. The frag tank is 21ft since it’s on the other side of the room! Looks like I can partially make it for the main tank and not even possible for the frag tank.

You are going to have great flow within the tank with the gyres and powerheads you are planning. I wouldn't go to less than 3x turnover preferably 5x. imo

 

[backbayreef]

You are going to have great flow within the tank with the gyres and powerheads you are planning. I wouldn't go to less than 3x turnover preferably 5x. imo

Inside the tank I think that I’m good — even for SPS, which likes a lot of flow. This tank is mixed with Angels so we should be good.

However for the returns, you are right — looks like I might be in a market for an Abyzz to make it across the room the to frag tank?

 

[danreef55]

Inside the tank I think that I’m good — even for SPS, which likes a lot of flow. This tank is mixed with Angels so we should be good.

However for the returns, you are right — looks like I might be in a market for an Abyzz to make it across the room the to frag tank?

At 20' of head you will get 1560gph from each Iwaki which gives you more than 5X for $550 for each pump puts you at $1100 vs an Abyzz at $2500 each. I would save the money and go with the Iwaki

Iwaki MD-100RLT Water Pump, Japanese Motor

or maybe one of these https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/pumps-plumbing/external-pumps.html