sharkbait33

That depends on the size of the sump and the velocity of your return pump. Like I was trying to say, the pump will say a size of pipe needed. You should use a pipe at least that large, but preferably one or two sizes larger for the overflow.

Is there a certain brand of pump you would recommend?

beautiful tank! Can't wait to see pics of it set up and fully stocked!!

So the PVC pipes are attached to an external overflow that lead into the sump? What size overflow would suffice for an 180gal tank?

Sorry guys, I'm pretty new to this all! I'm extremely excited to get this tank up and running though! Thank you for everyone's help!

taken at the top of the empire st building!

PM sent!

ok this is the final stand plan any suggestions

I should add there will be a plywood on the bottom then a layer of pond liner to prevent damage to the carpet. and hold any water in should there be an overflow

I have a tempered tank that I'm in the process of making into a saltwater aquarium, and I was just wondering how your tank turned out. I'm also having trouble understanding the whole plumbing process. So any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!

most tanks cannot be drilled through the bottom because it's made of tempered glass. if it's not tempered you will need to build an internal overflow box or use sloted PVC that goes all the way to the surface of the water. fish proteins and oils rise to the top of the water and that's why overflow boxes are used. they skim the dirty water from the surface.

I'm not sure what you mean by "'spit' out over/right on the top of the overflow box into my tank". the pvc stays within the overflow box, and the return pipe doesn't go inside the overflow box. you will want your return pipe and overflow pipe on opposite sides of the tank if possible. to calculate the size of the holes, you need to know the size of the pvc fittings. you find out the size of the pvc by...oh my physics class isn't going well...calculating the force of gravity on the water minus the force of friction due to the pipe. then based on force you can get velocity. after you know velocity you can calculate how many GPH your return pump provides and use the same GPH(velocity) as the amount that goes in the overflow.

So if my aquarium is tempered glass I'll have to result to an external overflow box? And this means I won't need a sump?

Ok, so I'm assuming drilling holes in the bottom of the tank and having an internal overflow is a lot easier and possibly more quiet then having an external overflow. I'm not quite sure on all the mechanics of the sump and overflow, but I would love to learn more about each. I guess I'm questioning the set up of it all. I have a 180 gal tank and a 55 gal sump. My tank isn't drilled, but I would prefer an internal overflow. So to my knowledge, I would need to drill 2 holes, either in the center or a corner that'll have 2 pcp pipes running from the sump up into the tank and "spit" out over/right on the top of the overflow box into my tank. Is that correct so far? And this produces better filtration and water movement? How many inches should the holes be and where would I go about buying an internal overflow box?

Any advice helps! I'm a newbie Thanks for looking!

so besides a protein skimmer, what else would I need to make my sump and actual sump...?

One answer is, if you can combine a sump/fuge, then the bigger the better. More volume = more stability plus the added benefit of more room for adding extra goodies. As technology in the industry grows you may want to squeeze one more thing in that sump too. =-)

I'm pretty new to this, so what's the difference between a sump and a refugium?

How big of a sump would you guys recommend for an 180 gal tank?

how much for maybe just the filter?

Sorry, not willing to part out just yet! If I don't hear anything from anyone who wants to purchase the complete setup soon, then I'll shoot you a PM to see if you're still interested.

55 gal FW tank for sale...includes canopy, lights, practically new emperor 400 filter (used for 1 month), and stand.

no leaks, no cracks.

pics available on craigs.

http://austin.craigslist.org/fur/474973589.html

do you have any pics of this setup?

aww how sweet!

I have a 56gal aquarium that I'm hoping to make reef ready. Can anybody give me advice as to where on the tank the holes should be drilled? Is it more beneficial to get them drilled on the bottom as oppose to the back/sides of the tank? The dimensions of my tank are 48x13x21. Thanks!

I'm sad to give this guy up, but he's too aggressive towards the other african cichlids I was hoping to put him with. He's about 4 inches and healthy! If anyone wants to take him in let me know! If not, does anyone know of Aquadome's policy on "trade ins?" Or will they even take a fish I bring in? Thanks in advance

1 dwarf seatutle = 100 blue legs. The new revolution in algae control!

haha, are you gonna post any pictures soon?

Is it reef ready? Or did you just have a "hang on back" overflow box and all the other junk needed for a non drilled tank?

I'll keep that in mind, thanks guys!

I'm depressed, I entered in the wrong raffle!? And thats the whole reason I was went!! Maybe next time...

Did you sell these yet?

Is a 6 gal too small? I'm thinking the only thing I could put in there is corals (if I have good lighting). Is a neon goby pushing it? What other small critters (if any) would be ok in a 6gal?

very neat!

sent you an email!