Bulkheads for 125? How many? How big?

Im thinkin turning over like 20x, so Im think 2 Mag 12's or 1 Mag 24? Im thinkin like 4 2" bulkheads right? What ya think?

 

I'm not sure what you mean. Are you wondering how many holes to drill for overflow or holes to drill form returns.

If you are going to go with a MAG 24 you would be better off getting a better quality pump. Or even go external for even more options

J

 

how many holes, what size holes, and whats a better quality pump?

 

I wouldn't try and have your overflow system be part of your flow. Your sump doesn't really need a lot of through-put to be effective. Plus the larger and more overflows you want the bigger the overflow box will be and the less room you will have for display.
I would go with corner overflows, maybe 1 in each rear corner. I think you would only need 1 1/2 inch. You would drill 1X1/5inch and 1x 1 inch in each corner. that way you would have an overflow and a return in each corner.

J

 

nah no overflow boxes, Im just going to use street 90 elbows facing upwards screwed into bulkheads with some eggcrate inside. But i think 4 1.5" would be good. You could gravity feed all kinds of stuf in the sump (55 gallon). I was looking at the OM4way as well. Id like to do a closed loop but need more dollars before that happens.

 

If I remember correctly, a 125g tank has two corner or slightly inside the tank over flows. They should be 1"-1 1/2" drain and 3/4" return. I have a 90g with a corner overflow(1" drain & 3/4 return) with a Magdrive 18 and it works great. Just my 2 cents. Luna

 

here are a few things to think about...total drainage, coeficient of friction, and head pressure.

Total maximum drainage:

3/4"-700 gph.
1"-1000gph.
1 1/4"-1200gph.
1 1/2"-1500gph.

*Durso style overflows will allow up to 20% higher maximum flow over a standard standpipe.

Coeficient of friction:

every 22, 45, or 90 degree bend adds friction slowing maximum possible drainage
90 degree bends can also result in bubbles gurguling trying to escape drag

Head Pressure:

Every vertical foot=1ft head pressure
Every 3 horizontal feet=1ft. head pressure
Every 90degree bend =1.5 ft. head pressure.
This will effect the total pumping volume, it is easier to get an oversized pump & tone it back with a ball valve

 

I have a 210 reef ready tank. It is an All glass brand. I hate that they have .75” return with a 1" drain. They should be the same in my mind. If I where you I would drill all of the holes the same.
If I where to do it again I would have got a non reef ready tank and drilled it for a sump and a closed loop. This saves a bunch of space and, in my mind, would look better than columns for the overflow.
The back of the tank would look like Swiss cheese, as a friend’s 180g reef ready that we put 10 holes in the back and 2 on the sides. I had a drill in my hand for roughly two days. The tank is up and running now.
Here is a pic.