sump plumbing for corals

[SeaLord2]

Setting up a new sump for my 120g reef tank and wanna make sure the plumbing doesn't mess with my SPS. Running a BeanAnimal overflow, 1.5" drain, 1" return. Any tips on flow rates or pipe size to keep things chill for the Acros?

[deepstar1]

Yep, BeanAnimal's solid for SPS. I'd bump the drain to 2" if you're pushing 1200+ gph, keeps it quiet and avoids microbubbles. Run your return at 3-5x turnover, so 360-600 gph. What return pump you using?

[mikero]

Yep, BeanAnimal's solid for SPS. I'd bump the drain to 2" if you're pushing 1200+ gph, keeps it quiet and avoids microbubbles. Run your return at 3-5x turnover, so 360-600 gph. What return pump you using?

Agree on the 2" drain, but watch the return line friction. If it's a DC pump, dial it down to 400 gph max. Hard plumbing or flex tubing?

[FishMad]

I've got a similar setup with a Reef Octopus VarioS-6. Running 1.5" drains and it's sketchy at 900 gph. Wish I'd gone 2". How's your sump baffle spacing? Mine's 1" apart, might be too tight.

[bronx]

Baffles at 1.5" here, no probs. Yo, SeaLord2, you gonna run a fuge in that sump? Chaeto needs slower flow, like 200 gph max, or it'll shred. Keep it separate from the return section.

[joeboy9]

My Acros hated high flow in the sump. Had to add a bypass valve to cut it to 300 gph. Maybe start low and tweak? What's your tank's main flow like?

[SeaLord2]

Thanks, all. Running a Varios-4, so I'll stick to 400 gph return. Main flow's two MP40s at 70%. Baffles are 1.25", might widen them. No fuge, just skimmer and socks.

[Bobbycore]

Never messed with BeanAnimal. Is it better than Herbie for noise? My tank's in the bedroom.

[deepstar1]

Never messed with BeanAnimal. Is it better than Herbie for noise? My tank's in the bedroom.

BeanAnimal's dead silent if tuned right. Herbie's quieter than Durso, but BA's the king. Just needs three drains: full siphon, backup, and emergency.

[mikero]

For bedroom tanks, hard-plumb the siphon line with a gate valve. Soft tubing vibrates. And glue every joint, no push-fit. Trust me, leaks suck at 3 AM.