Set Up Question 120 Gal

[Reefres]

I'm new to the forum so bare with me. I currently have a 90 gal reef set up that I have maintained for 5-yrs. It is a basic set up LR, LS, sump, chiller, skimmer, with MH lighting. I'm in the process of purchasing a 120 gal tank and would like to make some changes in setup and add in a refugium and Calcium reactor. I have not drilled any holes in the tank or installed the overflow yet and would like to get some advise on location, size, and # of holes for proper plumbing. I'm thinking of adding in a closed loop system for additional flow as well with a sea swirl. Any ideas or comments would be greatly appreciated. Be forewarned that I will probably be soliciting advice in each stage of the setup. Thanks in advance.

 

[Len]

Advice is what we're all here for

If you haven't purchased the tank, I recommend you buy a reef-ready tank. A built-in overflow is a lot simplier and elegant. If you already have the tank, you can retrofit with overflows. I recommend either a 6x8" rear centered overflow or two standard 6x6" corner overflow to handle the flow capacity of most return pumps. A hole designed for a 1 1/4" bulkhead at the bottom of the overflow compartment will help empty water into your sump. Most people have this hole drilled on the bottom glass, but you can also drill it on the rear glass panel (near the bottom) if you either can't drill the bottom glass (tempered) or can't use the space below it (depends on where you put the tank, how your stand is designed, etc.)

Closed loops require you to drill a inlet that is at least 1/3rd to halfway down. If the inlet is too high, the pump will create a tornado effect and suck air from the top of the tank down into the pump. The outlet can be drilled anywhere you'd like, or if you're using a seaswirl(s) for the closed loop outlet, no holes need to be drilled.

 

[Reefres]

Thanks Len for the information. I have not purchased the tank but I ordered the stand for a stardard All-Glass 120 gal 24x24x48. After your suggestion I looked for reef ready tanks but only found Oceanic to have them and their measurements are 1/2-3/4" larger then the stardard size. I would assume that would be enough to not make it fit right in the stand?? The Oceanic also has 2 holes inside the overflow box I would assume one would be used as a return. With a center overflow I would think you would want your returns in the outside back corners to push the water towards the overflow not away from it right? If I use two sea swirls do I need to add a powerhead or something lower in the tank for additional flow towards the bottom? On a closed loop system you don't have to worry about power outage draining the tank unless of coarse something is leaking/broken right? I also saw someone with their inlet coming out of the overflow box with a 90 and extending down into the tank. Wouldn't that eliminate the problem with the swirling effect on the surface. Sorry to bombard you with all this. Your 120 is amazing by the way! Thanks