Bulkhead Location

[meitzler]

On a 31" high bare bottom, how far from the bottom would you recommend placing the output bulkheads. I am interested in recommendation for the height place of all the bulkheads consider have a a continuous overflow on the back of the tank. I have read a number of threads on this subject but never saw a recommendations for it. My tank is 72Lx36Wx31H

 

[jlehigh]

Lots of things to think about here depending on how far out you want to plan. Aquascaping seems to impact flow patterns allot so I myself drew out several aquascape layouts in both the plan (Top down), and elevation (Side) views. I like having a few low in the tank to push crud off the bottom, and a few high in the tank to create ripple-like waves and high energy zones where my SPS are.

Are you running a closed loop? How bout a wavemaking device?

It's diffiucult to make general reccomendations on preceise placements since their are 50-ways to plumb the same tank depending how you set it up. Ultimately in a Bare-bottom tank you want to keep crud off the bottom and heading into the overflow.

Take some time to draw it out on paper several different ways. Include aquascape, outlet placement, and any impacts a wavemaking device would have if you are using one.

The intake holes going into a closed loop pump should be far enough under the water surface to not suck air (at least 6"). I placed mine about 14" below the surface and behine most of my aquascaping.

 

[mfinn]

On a 31" high bare bottom, how far from the bottom would you recommend placing the output bulkheads. I am interested in recommendation for the height place of all the bulkheads consider have a a continuous overflow on the back of the tank. I have read a number of threads on this subject but never saw a recommendations for it. My tank is 72Lx36Wx31H

If you are not concerned about some water noise from the drain, then I would consider putting the center of the bulkheads 6" from the top of the tank and using a pvc 90 degree elbow on the inside. That way, when the pumps are turned off or a power failure happens the amount of water that goes to the sump is minimal.
The amount of noise that you hear depends on the pumps you have on your system. On my 180, I have approx. 1800 gallons per hour going through 2- 2"- 90degree/ bulkhead combos. I do hear some noise in the evenings when the TV is off, but only in the same room as the tank. My pumps make the noise that I hear more.
On my next tank I plan on doing something different. Chances are the tank I buy will have a tempured glass bottom so any holes drilled will be in the back wall. To get away from the drain noise, I am going to have 2 holes drilled about 6" from the bottom this time. I will also be using a overflow box. Inside the box I will use a durso type stand pipe to cut down on the drain noise.
HTH

 

[meitzler]

I have a rear coast to coast return, thus I thought it might not make sense to place my outputs close to the top. I was going to place the lowest outputs 10" from the bottom for a 30" high tank. I realize there are many options. I also have 4 sea swirls, one in each corner.

 

[mfinn]

I have a rear coast to coast return, thus I thought it might not make sense to place my outputs close to the top. I was going to place the lowest outputs 10" from the bottom for a 30" high tank. I realize there are many options. I also have 4 sea swirls, one in each corner.

A coast to coast is a real plus. Since they are so easy and cheep, I would still consider using a durso stand pipe inside the coast to coast.