closed loop return bulkhead size?

[vitreous]

Hello,

I am buying a 120g AGA reef ready tank. It has the two megaflows, and I will use those for the sump loop. I want to drill one or two holes for a closed loop. I will probably have about 10 or 12 1/2" flex-loc lines on my loop, ala Mr. Calfo.

What size and how many return lines should I drill? It seems 2 1" bulkheads would be insufficient for say 3000 gph of closed loop flow. Should I go to 1-1/4" or even 1-1/2"? The hole size for a 1-1/2" is like 2-3/4" which seems like a monster sized hole to drill.

Any opinions would be appreciated.


Vitreous

[superedge88]

I would just go ahead and drill for the 1.5 inch bulkhead, that is what I did on my 220 gallon with a hammerhead running the closed loop, but what I also did run 2 inch pipe from the bulkhead (simply used an adapter) in order to have minimal back pressure. I did branch the intake of the return inside the tank though, used a 1.5" to 3" adapter and did a three way 3" tee with strainers in order to cut down on the possibility of sucking a fish through the strainers. I'm not saying you need to do the exact set up I did with a 3,000 gph pump, but what I am saying it err on the side of big when it comes to the plumbing, it would suck to have to replumb it because of pump cavitation.

[vitreous]

Thanks for the reply superedge88,

I am going to go ahead with the 1-1/2 size. Using the drain/overflow calculator on the home page, if I want the 50x/hr turnover Anthony recommends, Ill need two of them.

It will be awhile before I even think of trying sps corals, but the tank is empty now, and I want to do it now while its convenient.

Chinese/eBay diamond drills here I come!

Thanks,

Vitreous

[superedge88]

If you are near the Twin Cities I would be willing to help out with the tank drilling. Just though I would offer a hand.

[vitreous]

Wow, thanks for the offer. Im in Madison, WI which is close but not that close. I have drilled glass before so I think Ill be alright.

Vitreous