Advice on a new Malawi tank:bigsmile:

Hi guys, okay so I need some advice on a new tank I'm getting built. Dimensions 122x55x45 which is jst over 300l. I've decided to keep Malawis since I'm already keeping them in a 3 foot. I was thinking about getting a sump as well to run with this tank bt I'm not exactly sure the setup as yet. Need some help on this!!, whether it would be a good idea to have a sump running? Also any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

As you probably know,for Malawis the more filtration the better as you need to "overstock" so I would say yes,go for it and use a canister as well.

 

QUOTE=Slojo;255225]As you probably know,for Malawis the more filtration the better as you need to "overstock" so I would say yes,go for it and use a canister as well.[/QUOTE]

Yeah that was the main reason I wanted a sump to help maintain a clean tank. Do you know where I could get the overflow drop box that fits in the tank and blocks the overflow pipes? I'll upload a pic shortly.

 

Thanks Reedfish would considers those when I setup the tank. Any ideas on the type of fish? Which would be a great keep and get on well together?
I was thinking, some Kenyis , Labs , and maybe red zebras?

 

Saw it two days ago at a Big LFS in Durban North I Think.Trying to remember the name........It is in like a shopping Centre,you have to drive up(be carefull of the turn) on the top floor.

 

Jahh I don't really know Durban North that well. I'll have 2 ask my dad if he knows of any shopping centres there. If u do remember the centres Name let me knw plz.

 

Slojo is it not Northlands pets by any chance?

 

That is the name.I Popped in there on Thursday Morning.

 

Spend a bit and drill the tank, make an overflow much better in the long run

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Hii yeah that's my idea, but I don't know whether I should do it vertically underneat or the side of the tank and then run a c shape piping to the sump. Any suggestions?

 

Sounds good I'll have to check around at my lfs if they stock them when the time comes.

 

Hi guys, okay so I have been planing and tryna calculate the required materials and dimensions for the sump design.
This is what I've got so far: I aimed to work with 6x the tank volume for the flow rate, so assuming my tank holds 250 liters the flow rate calculated would be 1500LPH.
Choosing a 40mm diameter pipe the flow from the inlet (wrt) a flow rate chart is 5299.58lph. This is for a gravity drain only (no pressure added.
Loses due to to pipe connections, turns, bends and the length of the pvc pipe (283.91-473.18 LPH of every 305mm length) is approx 3000lph after subtraction between inlet and losses I end up with approx 2300LPH.
Sooo I'm assuming a pump with a rating 2000LPH would be sufficient for the sump to tank flow would relation to a 40mm inlet and outlet pipe.?????

#im using a gravity feed pipe(durso design-which eliminates most of the "sound")

I'm not sure if this makes sense, could someone assist me here plz, also if I'm using a 40mm pipe wat size hole should need 2 be cut in the tank for the bulkhead to fit in???
HELP!!!

 

Morning... I think your overthinking this allot. A return pump between 1500lph and 2000lph will be more than enough. Any higher than that you'll just be washing water through your sump. Outlet of 40mm is more than enough for your overflow. (Vertical gravity feed type) meaning you will surface skim. For a horizontal feed 2 x 40mm overflows will work. Meaning a bottom pickup. For return don't go bigger than 20mm. 25mm with a push. Also make sure you get your desired flow from your pump at the correct head. Meaning how high from the sump will water be pushed up to the tank. Most decent pumps will have a chart on the box so you can check it in store. Hope some of this helps..

Regards
A

 

Strongly agree on this one. If you go the sump route do it properly. The overflow box will work, but it is a PITA compared to a drilled overflow. Seeing that youa re building the tank, you may aswel drill it. Going the sump route will also allow you to go the marine route if you ever choose to do so.

 

Morning, a3aan thanks that clears some of my questions bt I want to know, what did you mean by bottom pick up when using a horizontal feed? Are u refering to the herbie overflow system or simply that,with the horizontal setup it would clean the bottom of the tank as well??
Also which would be more effective a horizontal of vertical feed?

 

Thanks "iamdieter" , yes I have decided to drill the tank, make it somewhat reef ready

 

Hi. The link will explain a little more. You will see vertical is much more efficient and can flow much higher volumes of water with the same pipe size also horizontal overflows is just like you said. It draws gunk from the bottom like a canister filter. Pipe Sizing Charts and Flow Rates) although its all in gph and inches its simple enough to convert. Also its for pvc overflows but also easy to apply if your tank is drilled. Also if you get the tank drilled I would recommend bean animal overflow. Extremely reliable and safe. All the info you will need. Silent and Failsafe Overflow System - Reef Central Online Community Although its only for surface skimming. (Ps you can easily use powerheads to stir the gunk of the bottom and towards the overflow.).

Sorry allot of info. But I think after the confusion it will help you make a better decision.
A

 

Thanks a3aan, not at all ,the info is welcomed. Yes these cleared up everything!
Now I need 2 find a hardware that will stock the smaller components!