90g Setup Help (esp. w/overflows & sumps)

[martini]

This week I picked up a nice used 90g Envision Acrylics tank with an overflow built into it. The hole going through the bottom of the tank is 1 3/4". I've never had a tank with an overflow and sump system before, so I'm trying to figure out what I need to set everything up.

 

1. What size bulkhead do I need for this tank?

2. What kind/size of pvc pipe do I need running into the sump?

3. What size sump do I need to consider? I'd like to keep it fairly small, because I'm running the tank as a freshwater setup, so I'm not going to have a skimmer.

4. How strong of a pump do I need? Any recommendations of brands that can be found locally?

 

Is there anything else I need? Thanks for your help. I'm excited about firing this baby up, but this tank dynamic is new to me.

[jgf86123]

For freshwater, I have no clue, this is saltwater LOL.

[nwcoralfarm]

Yeah this really is a saltwater forum, however the general rule is 3/4 into the tank and 1 1/2 out. This will vary though depending on what size pump you are running. To be honest I have never seen a freshwater setup that needed a sump but if you are looking to setup some kind of natural filtration then I suppose you could.

 

1. the size of bulkhead you need for that tank is the size of the hole you have drilled in it. Measure the hole and look for a bulkhead with that size O.D.

2. You can really use schedule 40 or 80, I think 40 is a bit more common so that is what I would use.

3. You can really run any size sump you want, there is no rule to it really.

4. I would recommend at least a 1200-1800 GPH pump, you can pick up a mag drive pump for cheap either here or at several different stores in Portland.

 

And yes, if you are like any of the rest of us you will find it requires at least 10 frustrated trips to the store, PVC glue, fittings, clamps etc. A lot of patience and a bit of trial and error. It really is very simple but doing it for the first time can be frustrating so do some reading first.