Tank "do over"

[fs40reef]

Looking for feedback please. I am going to have my 70g quadra drilled. When I put things back together again I want to add more substrate (20 to 30lbs). Will this be a problem for my system that has been running for 5+ years? Also, this tank is being run by a mag 5 and I want to upgrade to a higher flow internal pump, recommendations?
Thanks!
Will

[Mr Cob]

I would upgrade to a MAG 18 and run it in sump and split the return 4 ways ("y" the main return from the pump and then have each return of the two split into dual loc-lines). I run a mag 18 in sump on my 144 split 2 ways.

Honestly I think I could use more flow from the return. You could run it the same as me....split two ways each with one loc-line.

I'm a big fan of simplicity so I also run tubing versus closed loop. It gives me more flexibilty with swapping out equipment. Just a personal preference.

Substrate...I would add it over a period of time. Like starting now. A cup full every day and stir a very small section of the substrate up as you do it...mixing it. This will help keep the tank from going into a full on cycle....allowing the biological system to adjust to the change in parameters. Hope I understand that correctly. Not very scientific...but it has worked this way for me.

[fs40reef]

Wow, MAG 18? That seems like an awful lot of flow for a 70g. I was thinking of going with a MAG 7 or 9. I guess I'd better rethink. How many times an hour do I want to turn over my tank water? Is there a point where too much turnover is bad?

[corruption]

If the tank is currently running, how are you planning on having the system drilled? Drilling a tank while it has contents is a recipe for disaster -- it can be done, but no service individual in their right mind would do it.. the chances for failure are high.

Mag 18 seems like way too fast of draw through the sump to me -- I like slower speed through my filtration, more contact time for the DOCs to be removed.. Another option is an externally looped closed loop, similar to Melev's designs:

http://melevsreef.com/how_to_build.html

Just my opinions, of course -- there is no wrong way to eat a Reese's! :D

-Corruption

[ErikH]

What size sump?

[fs40reef]

The sump is a 20L and yes I have to empty the tank to have it drilled. I am running two Koralia 4's and a modded maxijet 900 in the tank for extra flow. With the larger pump (whatever I go with) will I need two exits to the sump and two returns? Right now I only use one J tube in my overflow.

[corruption]

The multiple drains for an overflow is more to attempt to avoid the (likely inevitable) potential for clogging -- snails stuck in the overflow, or some other obstruction... I would recommend doubling up on outflow. As far as the return is concerned, this can be done over the back of the tank, or through the back with a drilled return -- 2 isn't necessary by any means. If you want added flow, I would look into either drilling for a closed loop, or building an 'external' closed loop like I linked above. :)

-Corruption

[hobogato]

with a 20gallon sump, you will likely deal with microbubble issues if you increase the flow very much at all.

[fs40reef]

I stopped by Aquarium Designs today and picked up a MAG 12. Quite a bit more flow than the MAG 5 (500 more GPH). I tt Jason and the guys about drilling the tank and I think I will go with two returns and two of the other kind (whatever they are called). I checked online to see how much it is going to cost to finish out this tank including $30 per drilled hole, bulkheads, check valves, etc. and it made me want to cry.
Will

[txmaverickmh]

Have Ace do it for you...he has done everyone else's tank, his quality is worth his weight in gold, and he is always fair on the price.

He did my first tank, and his work is awesome, and he knows so much about sump size, micro-bubbles, and other stuff that I choose to leave to the experts.

Just my 2 cents....

Michael

[corruption]

Ace isn't doing work anymore, due to BOD/President nominations... fs40reef, check out glass-holes.com -- drilling is really quite simple.. a good electric drill with a clutch, a water hose, a hole saw, and some patience are all you really need -- and they sell complete sets with the the overflow wier assembly as well. Their videos are informative (and goofy!) and will show you how little effort is really needed..

The $120 you'd spend on holes being drilled, would likely be cut by 1/3 or more.. :)

-Corruption

[jlh81]

yeah a mag 9

[Ping]

The main pump should not be for current in the tank, Corruption and Ace's reasons are on the money.

What is the goal of adding more sand?

How deep is the current sand bed?

[fs40reef]

The current sand bed is about 2.5" - 3". Think that may be enough? I'm not really going for a DSB but want to make sure enough is in there. I did pick up a MAG 12 and have increased flow in the tank about 500gph to 800 or so. Along with the two Koralia 4's flow looks great.
Will