A few years ago I set up a bean-animal drain system for my 125 gallon tank with an internal box using 1.5" elbows into 1 inch bulkheads and expanding to 1.5" inch pipe to the sump. The system has worked fine for almost three years now. I'm powering the system with a Reeflo Snapper that Y's into two returns and a manifold, I estimate that I'm running about 1400gph after head loss. My gate valve on the main siphon is dialed down at least 3/4 of the way closed.
Now, I'm setting up a new tank, 180 gallons this time. I'm planning on purchasing a Modular Marine overflow. I'm torn between their 1800gph and 2400gph units... both units utilize 2 inch bulkheads to feed the external box and come stock with holes drilled for 1.5" bulkheads for plumbing leading to the sump. The only difference between the units is the surface skimming area... the internal skim box is 18" and 24" long respectively. 1.5" inch plumbing seems excessive. I'm not sure why I would want drains that large? Would I be better served to order a custom unit that has holes made for 1" bulkheads? Any thoughts and questions would be appreciated.
This would be my first external "ghost" overflow system. Is there a legitimate concern of flooding? I know my current system takes about 30 seconds or so to create the siphon, in that time the emergency kicks in a little.
Now, I'm setting up a new tank, 180 gallons this time. I'm planning on purchasing a Modular Marine overflow. I'm torn between their 1800gph and 2400gph units... both units utilize 2 inch bulkheads to feed the external box and come stock with holes drilled for 1.5" bulkheads for plumbing leading to the sump. The only difference between the units is the surface skimming area... the internal skim box is 18" and 24" long respectively. 1.5" inch plumbing seems excessive. I'm not sure why I would want drains that large? Would I be better served to order a custom unit that has holes made for 1" bulkheads? Any thoughts and questions would be appreciated.
This would be my first external "ghost" overflow system. Is there a legitimate concern of flooding? I know my current system takes about 30 seconds or so to create the siphon, in that time the emergency kicks in a little.