How would you run your overflow if given a choice?

[porpoiseaquatics]

So I'm about to set up a 180 with dual overflows offset from the corners. It's an AGA tank so it has the AGA 1 1/4" Durso-style down pipe with the standard 3/4" returns. So here's what I'm thinking....why not make both down pipes and then run the return to a manifold mounted to the back of the tank with loc-lines in to the tank that would give me the option to have as many returns as I want, pointing in whatever direction I want them. In fact, I could probably drop hard pipe to the bottom of the tank and have loc-line pointing upwards. My pump is definitely large enough (2300 gph). If I do the standard setup, I'd only have 2 returns. What do you see as the Pros vs Cons of doing such a system?

 

[ddaddy2420]

I did something like what u are describing. My return splits off into 3 main feeds. One feeding the left top and one feeding the right top and one feeding a network of piping on the bottom of the tank and shooting up thru the rock. For one I thought I would like it to have something for my rocks to sit on but it actually hinders because I have no choice but to cover all the piping so no island aqua scaping for me. Not a huge deal. Two, don't forget about a good check valve for any feed that is on the bottom of your tank because when u shut the return down either on purpose to feed or lose power those returns will try and turn into drains and without a solid check valve would proceed to drain your entire tank.

I like your idea and would even consider a SCWD on the return header to give u some alternating flow without breaking the bank.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

I've got an SCWD but I hear they are a maintenance nightmare.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

Still looking for input on this.

 

[smoothie]

I would get another pump and run what goes through your filtration nice and slow. The larger pump plumbed to the larger holes feed with multiple returns for flow only sort of a closed loop.
What I would personally do would be to leave it alone with a smaller pump and add intakes and returns to the bigger pump in real closed loop style setup for flow only. If a pump fails you still have another giving flow and oxygen to the tank.
If you want to save on your power bill sell the big pump, use a smaller for the return and vortecs for flow.
Don't worry. Now I'm confused too

 

[robbywood20]

Just make sure the two 1 1/4" and the two 3/4" drains will handle the 2300 GPS, I tried the same thing on a 265 oceanic that had 1 1/2" drain ans 1" return with a pump that pumped 3500gph and even using all 4 as drains with four 1" returns the pump would suck the sump dry and the drains wouldn't handle the flow. Maybe my sump was too small but I agree with smoothie, slow through the sump and either do a closed loop or add some mp 40's. the latter would be cheaper in the long run as big pumps are power hogs.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

Well my intention would be to manifold this pump off to run reactors and the UV as well. I still am thinking that it is to big so I'll probably sell it and look for a Quiet One 6000. Even at that, I think I could still do this.