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what is a anti siphon hole? I've heard of check valves but don't know what those areMake sure to have anti-siphon holes on the returns, you won't want a back siphon to overflow your sump.
I am not sure if its better to have 2 return pumps since you'll have more water suspended in the pipes. For maximum reliability I would oversize the sump so that it can hold more water when the return pump is off and keep that second return pump as a backup. Then keep the baffles on the lower side for the skimmer so that there is space for more water.
Also make sure that the overflow is properly sized. With a 10x return rate a 40g tank would have about 400g/h and I think the max flow rate via gravity for a 1" pipe is roughly 600g/h so if there are a lot of bends in that a single return may not be enough. So if you want some add protection from overflow maybe a 3rd overflow pipe (as in a 2nd emergency overflow).
To prevent leaks I would also make sure that your stand is good to go. 40g can get up to 400lbs.
also wow! your tank is amazingMy IM25... love how silent these things run since it’s right next to my bed.
If you do the 40B... be sure to drill it for the overflow. Don’t hob it.
an anti siphon hole is just like a small hole drilled at the return loc line I believe, I am honestly not quite sure either though.what is a anti siphon hole? I've heard of check valves but don't know what those are
also wow! your tank is amazing
I have decided that if I can find a slightly better deal on an im lagoon 25, that is what I will go with, I just have a hard time jumping for it when it would cost MORE than the 40b build.My IM25... love how silent these things run since it’s right next to my bed.
If you do the 40B... be sure to drill it for the overflow. Don’t hob it.
I used to have all my tanks in the basement, and even though our basement is "finished" it isn't a nice place to be, and nobody spends time down their, so all of my work would just be hidden away, and only for the occasional person using the treadmill/rower would really see it. Plus, out of sight means out of mind.I may have missed the reasoning while reading through the thread but if your parents would let you keep it in the basement why not just do that? Don't get me wrong having the tank in your bedroom would be nice because you would be able to keep a very close eye on any changes happening within the tank. However, I'm assuming if the tank was in the basement you would have a lot more room to work with and the tank wouldn't look as big to both you and your parents.
Also, you only need one return pump. Having two would add an extra layer of complexity to the tank. All you need to do is make sure in the event of a pump failure or power outage the sump can take the full amount of the water that gets back siphoned (the siphon break will help).
Whatever you decide to do good luck with the tank!
I wish I could do that but my brother says we need something called "ability to walk around"I dont believe the 40B is any more likely to fail than a smaller tank. So then it's just a matter of space. Keep in mind your audience here, whom are a bunch of obsessed reefers who would probably give up half their bedroom for a massive tank.
The 40B is probably the way to go even over the IM tank. It's cheaper, you already have it, and 25 gallons will do just as much damage as 40.
Also, if you are worried about it being loud check out a herbie overflow. It is two drain pipes, one is a full siphon (fully submerged) and the other is used as an emergency drain if the water level raises too much. I have it on my tank and the only thing that makes any noise is my skimmer.
I get all of the points mentioned here, and I would too give up half my bedroom for a giant reef tank, the limiting factor is MY PARENTS, I would have a few second thoughts, and then be like what the heck, but when my parents are now saying we have to have a "family meeting" about the 40b, that's the problem. They would hate me if I kept it, so do I have parents that probably loath me even more than they do now ( i'm the expensive child, only because I actually do work around the house though ) or do I suck it up, get a smaller tank for more money, and have parents that only sorta loath me.I dont believe the 40B is any more likely to fail than a smaller tank. So then it's just a matter of space. Keep in mind your audience here, whom are a bunch of obsessed reefers who would probably give up half their bedroom for a massive tank.
Thanks for the confidence! I do hate decision making, but I think I figured out a plan ( also I do hate hammers, nail guns are better if you HAVE to use nails, but like screws for life )Hi. Welcome to the world of decision making. This is a great testament to future decisions you make. I love the thought process you have gone through and your options and concerns. I think mom might just be there to make the decision more though provoking for you. Do not underestimate the cunning of a monther (I am one with 3 kiddoes).
I think whatever you choose will work out. I do love the AIO for ease of use and space save and less likely to leak. You do learn a lot more from DIY build tanks, and it looks like you enjoy that stuff. My 14 year old son would barely know what a hammer was, unless it was needed in a video game. I am exagerating, but seriously, you are motivated nicely.
My thought is get what makes you comfortable and happy stocking. Good luck!
Well not that I'm advocating stirring the pot but any contract you sign isn't enforceable if you're under 18 from my understanding of Colorado law. I'm very much not a lawyer just a professional Googler though - https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/Education/Youth/Laws.cfmYou know your profile pic does look like you would be a good fish tank water damage lawyer, wanna come be mine?
JK, all the points you make seem to be very true, and do restore confidence in me my mom is being so petty with the whole written contract, so I might hit her with the insurance thing.......
I’ve used that when the teacher talks about the contract I signed saying I wouldn’t use my phone in class...Well not that I'm advocating stirring the pot but any contract you sign isn't enforceable if you're under 18 from my understanding of Colorado law. I'm very much not a lawyer just a professional Googler though - https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/Education/Youth/Laws.cfm
That is very true, my only thing was that I have already invested around $100 and many hours building a stand, and only a few of those things are returnable.An IM25 is not much more expensive when you account for the cost of a 40B + overflow + plumbing + sump (diy) + return pump.
That is true. You anyway wanted a bigger tank.That is very true, my only thing was that I have already invested around $100 and many hours building a stand, and only a few of those things are returnable.