Undrilled Bowfront - experienced assistance needed

[jrnannery]

Hey folks,

It's no secret that I have wanted a bowfront aquarium for awhile now. A situation has arisen that makes that desire more plausible. I see alot of bowfronts online, for sale by private owners, but none of them seem to be drilled for sumps, etc.

What I need is a fairly complete list of what I will need, starting from the drill bit, all the way to the return line. I'll run down the list, starting with the drain, leading back to the return, and you guys help me fill it in. Prices wouldn't hurt.

Holes drilled - need help on optimum drain size (GPH)
Cal-flow (sp)
PVC to sump/wet-dry (which is best)
Sump/Refugium or Wet/Dry (again, which is best)
Return pump (i know it has to match the GPH of the drain)
What else?

I know that I will need lights for the refugium, Chaeto and maybe Mangroves, a nice 6" sand bed in the refugium, I think I would like to hookup a UV sterilizer into the drain line, I'm thinking lots of live rock rubble for the sump/wet-dry, missing some stuff, no doubt. I'm going to invest in an RO system for the house. In-sump protein skimmer. Auto-topoff system with Kalk (SPS heavy mixed reef planned).

Ok, your turn. What am I leaving out?

[Big_Pun]

ok so what kind of overflow do you want calflo with holes drilled on back glass and a box going across top of tank? or you can drill holes on bottom and have a box built, to look like most factory reef ready tanks. I have a friend that can drill holes on bottom, uses a abrasives with the bit, so you get a very clean polished hole. looks better than diamond bits IMO. after that you need the right size bulkheads for the hole you drilled. best bet is to stop by one of our sponsors and have them help you, they will know and prob have everything you need.in the end you will thank me for saving you hassle and time.

as of now i would get all your plumbing plans done first and then worry about the rest later.

[Gseclipse02]

dont use a hand drill use a tripod styled drill Ive seen some slated hoes plus it makes it easier on your

[cbianco]

Holes drilled - need help on optimum drain size (GPH) I think you should list the size of the bowfront as drain sizes are dependent on the size of the tank and the total flow that you want. As well, I'd go bigger and put a ball valve on it to slow it down.
Cal-flow (sp)
PVC to sump/wet-dry (which is best)
Sump/Refugium or Wet/Dry (again, which is best) I assume that you're doing a reef tank. If that's the case, I'm pretty sure a wet/dry would not be a good choice.
Return pump (i know it has to match the GPH of the drain)
What else? In tank power heads or closed loop? Decide now or forever hold your peace.


Everything IMO, lol.

Christopher :)

[jrnannery]

Good, this is helpful. I'm not sure about back holes or floor holes yet. I need this thing to be as quiet as possible.


Chris, tank size will be a 46 bowfront. Big as I can fit on that particular wall! Nice call on the wet/dry. I reAlly wanted to end up with a legit sump/fuge. I would like to end up with an MP60 and a Reef Keeper setup.

[Big_Pun]

an mp60 on a 46 would be over kill. I have a mp40 es on my 70( 36x18x24 ) and I only have it at 50%

[cbianco]

LOL! Richard no MP60 brother, go for the 40 that's plenty on a 46 gallon.

While I can't make an informed decision on the size you should have for an overflow, hopefully someone else can make a recommendation. I would highly recommend making a choice about a closed loop VS a Vortech before you start drilling. I personally prefer a Vortech but that's just IMO, I'm bias as I own a MP40.

Christopher :)

[jrnannery]

Sorry, I meant MP40. So, am I getting from you that you can either do closed loop, or MP40, but not both?