Corner Weir plumbing question

[Nstocks]

Hello,

 

I'm planning my first saltwater aquarium and have contacted the manufacturer for a specification of spacing between the holes in the base of the tank.

 

I initially drew a plan based on what I found on the internet however the specification from the manufacturer looks like it will take up 1/4 of my tank!

 

The image below is what I drew up, mostly as a basic layout. The second image is from the manufacturer. Can anyone make sense of how I can implement those dimensions into my initial plan, saving as much space as possible.

 

 

[seabass]

So the pipes are about 1", and the tank is almost 2' x 2'. It's a little unusual to have drain and return line plumbing the same diameter. I'm assuming you could get by with a smaller return line. Remember, the return provides the flow for the sump (not the entire flow for the tank). Powerheads tend to provide the bulk of the flow for the display.

 

Having a single (larger) drain would help save room. External plumbing (and holes in the back, instead of the bottom) would help too; but I assume that you want all the plumbing hidden in the stand.

 

I also assume that you know how much space the bulkheads actually take up. If not, you need those dimensions (buy a bulkhead if you have to). For safety, you only need about 26mm between a hole and the edge of the glass.

[Nstocks]

The reason the pipes are the same size is mostly for consistent pipework. I take it I need to know the return rates when designing the sump baffles too?

 

Two pipes are used incase one clogs up and apparently twin standpipes are pretty much silent with one fully submerged and one that takes about 5% of water. All plumbing needs to be inside the tank and cabinet due to limited space and because I prefer it like that.

 

25mm pipes require a 34mm bulkhead - I read that all spacings should be at leat the diameter of the bulkhead, so 34mm, which is why the manufacturer dimensions seem OTT.

[seabass]

The reason the pipes are the same size is mostly for consistent pipework.

 

That's obsessive compulsive. For the return line, you're better off trying to match the output of the return pump.

 

I take it I need to know the return rates when designing the sump baffles too?

Not usually.

 

Two pipes are used incase one clogs up and apparently twin standpipes are pretty much silent with one fully submerged and one that takes about 5% of water.

That's fine if you have the room for it. I thought you wanted to save space.

[Nstocks]

Output of the pump, meaning the pipe outlet built into the pump?

 

Yep, I'm very OCD about everything, this tank won't be an exception.

 

I've altered the weir and this saves some space, still within the manufactures guidelines. (image shows both options) There will be a singular piece of acrylic bend to match the glass with the overflow comb cut into it

 

I could probably make the box smaller by reducing the gap between the pipe and weir wall - as long as I leave 10mm access cleaning (small bottle brush)

 

[seabass]

Output of the pump, meaning the pipe outlet built into the pump?

yes

[Nstocks]

Are there any precedents for a surface skimmer in the form of a thin slot rather than teeth? I'm thinking about doing this after researching that "It is said that this is where the proteins and other organic material are most concentrated, attracted to the air/water interface." (http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/333040-overflow-with-mid-and-low-slots/)

 

I would have the slot all the way around the weir, with the exception for a hole at the same level for the water return line (built into the weir panel too).

 

Slight risk is that if the slot isn't tall enough (I'm thinking 10mm) the DP could overflow, since I want the acrylic wall full height. Though, the use of a ball valve would control the water level, not the surface skimmer.

[seabass]

Personally, I'd stick to teeth.

[Nstocks]

Here's a quick mockup for general dimensioning. I've made the glass weir (for structure) 70mm shorter than the acrylic cover which is the same height as the aquarium.

 

The weir intake is 35mm below top of the aquarium walls, is this too little? The water intake is 10mm. The return pipe is entered within the weir and intake slot.