advice

[Fishward]

Originally Posted by dpg

Hi, need advice for a 200ish Gallon peninsula style tank on:

1. drain and return sizes and where to place in relation to an end panel overflow box

2. closed loop intake and return sizes, amount of returns, and where to space them out

3. sump design and size (plumbed to basement)

Your expertise is appreciated

1. I would put all your drains and returns in the same area to eliminate a few holes in the floor. I suggest a herbie style overflow, wich will require at least 2 drains and one return.

2. I have no experience with closed loops, sorry. no help from me here.

3. For a basement sump, your key design consideration will be volume of water. there is going to be alot of water in your plumbing and overflow that will need somewhere to go in case circulation stops. Your sump needs to be albe to handle that water. Maybe that means an emergeny overflow into a big bucket? or a hugely under-utilized sump volume.
Another consideration is the return reservior size. Your return compartment needs to be big enough to keep pumping water without any drain flow, until the level reaches your emergency drain (herbie style) in a large 200Gal tank. that could mean your return area needs to be 10-15 gallons minimum. Also realize that this is where you will see all your evaporation. without an ATO you'll be topping up water almost daily.

Definitely not an expert, but i've made some mistakes... :-)