120g Room Divider how best to plumb

[Fl_Seagull]

I was just starting to build a plywood and glass tank when My wife bought me a used Oceanview 120g tank that she wants as a room divider. The tank is 72 x19x 19 inches. Since it is visible front and back, plumbing must come up the sides. Since the light she bought (almost new Custom Sealite PC) sits on the tank ends, I am going to have to drill the tank. There is just not enough room for a hang-on overflow.

Tank is intended to be used for Fish and Soft corals. I am looking to put in 200 lbs of sand and ~90-110lbs of rock.

Questions:
1) How many hole should I drill? I have two 4" x 9" acrylic overflow I intend to install. This limits the largest bulkhead to ~1" pipe size.

2) Because of the tank location I will have to avoid adding too much heat to the tank. Thus I would like to avoid have power heads in the tank. Should I consider a close loop system? and if so, can I pull water from the overflows or should I drill another hole(s)? Size recommondation?

3) The system came with a wet/dry filter with built in skimmer. Does it make sense to install this filter system? and then perhap change out to a sump later?

Thanks.

 

[jbpig]

Does it make sense to install this filter system? and then perhap change out to a sump later?

I would do it the way you want it the 1st time, believe me it will save headaches and $......JMO

 

[ChrisRD]

1)A 1" drain for each overflow will be enough, but if you could fit a 1-1/2" that's all the better IMO as it will allow you to use a larger return pump.

2)A closed loop is a good idea. I'd recommend drilling separate holes or you will be limited by what your overflows can handle (keep in mind that they're already going to be handling your drains to the sump). The bulkhead sizes would depend on what pump you plan on using.

3)Personally I wouldn't use the wet/dry. You could ditch the bioballs and just use it as a sump I suppose, but IMO there are much cheaper alternatives... Also, personally I would get a really good skimmer rather than using the built-in one. JMO...

 

[Fl_Seagull]

Thanks for the input.

I could put two 1" bulkheads in each overflows to feed the sump and close off one until it is needed (or use them as emergency overflows). I would guess this is where I get to test with fresh water .

Is there a link to how much flow a bulkhead can (or should) provide?

 

[ChrisRD]

Is there a link to how much flow a bulkhead can (or should) provide?

try here

 

[Fl_Seagull]

Thanks.