Tank overflow weir question- repost

[kenneth_halley]

Hi
While I sit with my thumb up my bum waiting for a quote for a Deltec system (ulp) I thought I would add up roughly what it will cost to "do it myself" and the practicalitys of so doing- building stuff etc.
One thing I am not sure about is overflow weirs and return piping to the tank.
I have never actually seen one in the flesh so to speak so I could get an idea.
Usually a weir is in the corner correct ?- I don't suppose it has to be but that will be easiest to corner off - If you get the tank drilled what size hole is needed to allow a steady flow of water- with no gurgling noises - and does the pipe that comes from the weir typically terminate flush with the bottom of the tank on a coupling- or do you usually have it protude through up some height inside the weir. If so how high.
What size return pipe is used.
Thinking of a tank roughly 120cm x 50cm x 60cm.
Any suggestions greatfully received.
Impressive wee board you have here BTW
Kenny- a returning reefer who feels like a novice!

[tlp]

The weir can be anywhere - usually one back corner, but some people have the entire side, or in the middle of the tank.

The hole size depends on your tank size & therefore the flow rate of your return. Typically, the hole is drilled to take a 1.5"/50mm pipe. If you have lots of flow, then you usually have two weirs or one larger weir with two holes & down pipes.

Fitted in the hole is a 'bulk head' connector - basically, on top is some kind of socket to take the pipe, then the bottom half of the connect would protrude out may be 6" or something, the same size as your pipe. (e.g. 1.5" pipe).

For your tank size, I'm guessing that one 1.5" pipe might just do the job.. you have to trade off between the safety& increase flow rate of 2 weirs & pipes and the amount of space they take up.

I have a 75 gals (280ltrs approx) tank with one 1.5" down pipe - probably pushing 3000lph approx through it.

When/If you build the weir & pipe work, look up about the Durso stand pipe and make sure your weir can take it. The noise reduction of this design works.

[Ali A]

AFAIK its certainly better to get your tank drilled and set up from the start.

Here is Richard Durso's website

http://www.rl180reef.com/frames.htm

hth
ali

[kenneth_halley]

Thanks for the link- looks like an interesting site- I will sit and read through it tonight.
cheers
K http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Steve K]

Kenny,

An alternative to the Durso pipe Ken is gate valve to slow the flow with a safety sump pump switch. I can only say really does work. Do a search or email me direct for details. A noisy wier will drive you insane http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif A quiet wier will bring peace and harmony to the home http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Steve.

[kenneth_halley]

Yip your right- my last big tank about 10-12 yers ago used a siphon to get from the tank tot he sump- it was a noisy bu££er and air would collect in it intermittently causing a drop in throughput and the tank to start filling up.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
I vowed never to have one of these things again,- and all the hoses and pipes ont he outside of the tank- its all got to fit internal to the footprint of the tank and cabinet.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
The missus is quite keen on a new tank has decreed it will be a nice bit of furniture too- not a coffin with a fish tank in- hence the interest in a Deltec- but I think the price might be a bit silly http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif
cheers
K
That Dursos reef site is excellent BTW

[kim]

May I butt in with another (related) question ? *I am close to setting up a tank and this one is a "burning issue" for me. *One of many. *Oh well.

What is the advantage of taking the overflow pipe through the base of the tank, rather than through the side at the desired water level. *I can see that the former may be neater - easier on the eye - but it also looks dangerous to me should the seal fail, whereas the latter is self regulating.

Then again, I have a hot water tank upstairs and central heating (very posh) - so far no puddles so maybe I should relax ?

kim



Last edited by kim at April 17 2002,20:56

[kim]

Oooo....how embarrassing. The water level will not fall below that of the weir, so very safe. But isn't a hole in the side less intrusive on the eye ??

What dictates your preferences ?

kim

[kenneth_halley]

What dictates my preferences?
Number 1- the missus- If I get a tank then it must look like a bit of furniture not a plumbers project in the livingroom- we've been there b4 many moons ago! :-)
Number 2- Pipes extending all over the place look untidy- there is no good reason why they should not remain inside the tank footprint if its designed that way from day one, This helps with item number 1- also if the pipes extend to the rear- like I have sen in some siphon type reef systems sold in some dealers- it just meands the tank has to stand further from the wall to accomodate- While I have a reasonable amount of space- the space I can allow for a tank is limited- again - the missus has a lot to do with this- I can't see why we don't sell the 3 pce suite and just sit on the floor!

http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kim]

Thanks - actually I'm on the side of the wife. New house syndrome - wanna keep it nice. Trying to figure out what is "nice". Without a tank, it's hard to decide what would look best.

And get beanbags. Lot's of fun.

[barryb]

I've just dumped the 3 seater and have a new 2 seater coming on Friday, makes so much more space, and so does having no missus!! http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/devil.gif