Made a mistake, how can I fix it?

[AquaForge]

Hey there. So I am getting back into the hobby after 40 years away. So much has changed. I have been using the BRS Facebook group and sharing my new build. I plan on doing a build thread here but before I get to that I need some advice. My display tank is a 60 gallon custom tank and I have built a stand from scratch to hold it. What happened is I did an extensive search on where to place my return line on my tank. I could not find many good answers so I asked over on the BRS group and the couple that replied to me said it needs to be the same height as my overflow hole. Well I cut it there and then posted what the result was. Immediately I was told its too low.
Question: Is there a way to fix this where it looks aesthetically pleasing and functional? I have 2 thoughts. One is to get a bulkhead plug, plug it and redrill at the right height. Problem with this is it will look bad. Second is to take a 90 degree street to a 2 inch nipple and raise it up. I think this may look better and also give a bit more adjustability. Any other ideas please let me know. I have barely slept over this because my entire build is based off this odd sized tank. 19.2x37x19.2

Thanks

 

[TX_REEF]

That's gonna be tricky - if you're running a large enough sump, it should be fine though. The issue with the return that low is that if for some reason the return pump shuts off, the water in the display is gonna drain to the lowest level possible, which in this case will be your return line since that modular tubing is not water tight. You could add a check valve going to the return to prevent back siphon, but for ultimate security you want to make sue your sump can handle the full volume of water that would drain down to your return line hole in case of emergencies. I don't see this as a deal breaker, but from my perspective the sump size is key.

 

[ryanjohn1]

Could just extend that bendy tube thing

 

[Troylee]

I think the street 90 and a nipple as you mentioned is gonna be the best bet… make sure it’s glued up well so it doesn’t leak during a power outage.

 

[AquaForge]

That's gonna be tricky - if you're running a large enough sump, it should be fine though. The issue with the return that low is that if for some reason the return pump shuts off, the water in the display is gonna drain to the lowest level possible, which in this case will be your return line since that modular tubing is not water tight. You could add a check valve going to the return to prevent back siphon, but for ultimate security you want to make sue your sump can handle the full volume of water that would drain down to your return line hole in case of emergencies. I don't see this as a deal breaker, but from my perspective the sump size is key.

I have a 20 gallon tall, so maybe, just maybe that can catch the water down to that line. I also have a pretty significant aquascape that will add some volume as well. The line is 4 inches down. With sand, rocks it might fit in the 20 I guess I will have to test it before committing to drilling out a new hole

 

[rhitee93]

I agree with the notion of simply using plumbing fittings to get your outlet up a little higher. I wouldn't drill another hole in the tank to solve this little issue.

 

[The_Paradox]

That’s lineloc. Just bend it up so top edge just comes out of the water.

 

[Troylee]

You do have the option also of adding or laminating “I should say” a black piece of acrylic inside the tank on the back to cover that hole and plug it! Redrill the hole higher up and have a cleaner looking display all around! You won’t see the plumbing or wall behind the tank.

If you go this route make sure to have the acrylic cut a 1/4” shorter on the width as it will expand and swell over time! Fill the voids on the sides with black silicone.

 

[Katrina71]

Lots of people mount rocks to glass now. If you patch it, it won't be ugly. Paint the back black, glue a rock above it.

 

[Tcook]

Street 90 to raised the return above wster line. Then you can drill a pin hole on the underside of the flex tube that is above water to prevent siphon. The vertical portion of the pipe can be covered with your rockwork if it really bothers you. I think you will get used to it and it will be a clean looking solution.

 

[RocketEngineer]

Another option is to run the return line up on the right until it is above the rim of the tank, then go left. As the line passes above that hole, add a tee with the side part facing down to that fitting. Then the straight part continues to the middle of the tank where a second outlet goes over the back rim.

When the return pump stops, the second outlet will pull air in first and break the siphon in the return line. The water below the tee will drain out the existing return. Sure it’s a little complicated but also gives you adjustments of flow.

 

[TX_REEF]

I have a 20 gallon tall, so maybe, just maybe that can catch the water down to that line. I also have a pretty significant aquascape that will add some volume as well. The line is 4 inches down. With sand, rocks it might fit in the 20 I guess I will have to test it before committing to drilling out a new hole

some quick math easy check for us. assuming you fill the display to 1" below the rim, that's 9.23 gallons your sump has to handle if SHTF. That means if your operating sump water level is no more than 8.5", you should be fine. If you have adjustable baffles or doing a DIY sump, that should not be hard to accomplish, and you don't have to mess around with changing your return.

 

[Dburr1014]

OR...
Closed loop. Put the intake strainer in that spot. Add two more return bulkheads at the right height.
NO PUMPS IN THE DISPLAY!

Just thinking outside the glass box.

 

[AquaForge]

some quick math easy check for us. assuming you fill the display to 1" below the rim, that's 9.23 gallons your sump has to handle if SHTF. That means if your operating sump water level is no more than 8.5", you should be fine. If you have adjustable baffles or doing a DIY sump, that should not be hard to accomplish, and you don't have to mess around with changing your return.

Thank you for researching that! I love those calculators. I AM doing a DIY sump. Got it from that ebay guy that does the cut acrylic. I have a skimmer coming today and can finally lay it out. So i need to keep the water level under 8.5 inches in the return portion so that if SHTF it has enough volume to take it all in and not overflow. I feel marginally better now.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hey there. So I am getting back into the hobby after 40 years away. So much has changed. I have been using the BRS Facebook group and sharing my new build. I plan on doing a build thread here but before I get to that I need some advice. My display tank is a 60 gallon custom tank and I have built a stand from scratch to hold it. What happened is I did an extensive search on where to place my return line on my tank. I could not find many good answers so I asked over on the BRS group and the couple that replied to me said it needs to be the same height as my overflow hole. Well I cut it there and then posted what the result was. Immediately I was told its too low.
Question: Is there a way to fix this where it looks aesthetically pleasing and functional? I have 2 thoughts. One is to get a bulkhead plug, plug it and redrill at the right height. Problem with this is it will look bad. Second is to take a 90 degree street to a 2 inch nipple and raise it up. I think this may look better and also give a bit more adjustability. Any other ideas please let me know. I have barely slept over this because my entire build is based off this odd sized tank. 19.2x37x19.2

Thanks

the return should be fine and the flow pipes within box will offer the height you end up with. Depending on pump size, you can even go with a splitter for loc-lines as pictured

 

[AquaForge]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the kind ideas and feedback.

 

[Dburr1014]

I would like to point out that loc-line joints are not 100% sealed or leak proof. Just in the nature that the hard plastic can be assembled and taken apart, scratched, will leak. Maybe not right away but if moved or disassembled, eventually will.

 

[AquaForge]

the return should be fine and the flow pipes within box will offer the height you end up with. Depending on pump size, you can even go with a splitter for loc-lines as pictured

Where do you recommend picking one of those up? I looked at Amazon when I bought mine but was only able to find the single one.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Where do you recommend picking one of those up? I looked at Amazon when I bought mine but was only able to find the single one.

Search results for: '' - Bulk Reef Supply

Bulk Reef Supply - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies for Reef Tanks

www.bulkreefsupply.com

loc line for sale | eBay

Get the best deals for loc line at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!

www.ebay.com

 

[AquaForge]

Search results for: '' - Bulk Reef Supply

Bulk Reef Supply - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies for Reef Tanks

www.bulkreefsupply.com

loc line for sale | eBay

Get the best deals for loc line at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!

www.ebay.com

Got one on ebay! Thank you.