90 Gallon advice

[Steves]

I would like your input as to how to best filter a 90 gallon tank, It has a built in center overflow going to a sealed wetdry. This tank has the problem of the detritus not making it up to the overflow in a timely manner, it just seems to make a circular loop around either side of the overflow. I added a Fluval 405 (Worst filter ever) and its intake is located to the right of the overflow tower at the base of the tank. That help a little, I have tried any combination of inputs at the base of the tank the sides top etc and nothing seems to help.

The tank has 6 3 inch clown loaches 3 3 inch zebra loaches and about 25 small tetras. It is currently lightly planted. I plan to strip this tank and add new substrate at that time I would like to re-plumb the tank if necessary.

Please give me your recommendation as to how you would filter this type of setup.

Thanks

 

[Biollante]

Pump?

Hi,

What powers your sump?

Is the tank drilled?

Off hand it sounds like a circulation problem.

Biollante

 

[Steves]

I am currently using a quietone 3000 along with the fluval. I think what I am thinking is would a couple of bottom drains be the way to go.

 

[Gerryd]

Steves,

Does the wier have a grate/intake at the bottom of the tower?

I have twin corner overflows and they do...could it be covered by substrate?

Also note that the flow of water will be dictated by your intake size for the most part....so you may have a good pump but not enough flow thru say a 3/4" intake.

What size pipes are in the overflow?

 

[Steves]

The center overflow has a 1 and 1/4" pipe. The quiet-one is rated at 780gph. I have the return at the far right top and left top of the tank the Fluval returns next to the center overflow on the left and the pick-up is on the right lower side of the center overflow. I have no blockage and the pump is flowing its rated capacity. It seems to me to be the height of the tank (24 inches) that causes most of the issues.

I have a pipe coming up to about 20" in the overflow so the water does not drop too far, as I am adding C02.

 

[Biollante]

Not Meaning to be Rude, But Evil Plant Monster, Eh...

Hi,



I do not think that is nearly enough pump, even if I believed the Easter Bunny was as real as Santa, I still will not buy the 780-gph rating on the pump.

Then add the fact you have two or three feet to lift the water.

I would be surprised if you were getting 250-gph.

Even at 780-gph that is still less then nine times an hour turnover for your tank.

Biollante

 

[pat w]

FWIW

Heres the spec sheet on the QO series ... Spec Sheet

That offered it is normally a good idea to de-rate the curve at least 25% for plumbing losses (turns, pipe friction, etc,). Good defense against buyer's remorse.

Pat

 

[Steves]

Ok so you think the flow rate is too low. What pump would you suggest I purchase to run the sump. You don't think it would be a good idea to put bottom drains in the tank (drill new ones?) I am currently using one of Tom's DIY C02 injector would I need two?
Will a highter flow rate outgass more c02 or is the amount negligible?
I use two T5's HO mounted 8 inches above the top with no reflector.


Thanks again

 

[Gerryd]

Hi,

I assume that it is a 3/4" return in the overflow and NOT 1/4"?

Remember that the overflow grating itself acts as a dam and limits the flow. I removed all of the 'teeth' in my grates to allow more flow...

I also use a strainer and a sponge OVER the strainer to keep debris and fish off the intakes.....

It does allow small fish into the overflow but can be fished out..

Adding another drilled input is certainly the way to go.. I would then drill more outlets at the same time and place these around the tank. Keep the wier for surface skimming but the new intakes would provide plenty of input flow....

Lots of ways to go here...

I went many ways with my 180 before I settled on my current config.....

Think about flexibility and change. Your goals and tastes may change over time. Build a system that can handle the direction you go...

Or can be changed easily