A fews question on setting up my new 120 gallon tank (new GCCA Member)

Yes the tank is 5ft with two outlets / overflow.

I really want to plumb the tank myself so I can service it and understand all the details (as well as to save some $$).

The unions have already been purchased and stocked up in both 1 inch and 3/4 inch (will return to lowes what ever I dont need).

For the stand it was not cheap, but it was the most economical approach around other than the basic pine stands or building my own.

Which was something I felt was best left to a professional since asthetics was a key requirement for the stand (show tank in family room) from my wife.

So recommendation is

1. No styrofoam
2. Use 3/4 inch schedule 40 pvc return line - union before the fork / t and at each outlet
3. Use 1 inch schedule 40 pvc line for drain line - union near tank and sump
4. No concern over rocks (my biggest concern)

I am photo hobbiest so I will post some pictures once it is up -

Thanks Again

1. No styrofoam - I agree
2. Use 3/4 inch schedule 40 pvc return line - union before the fork / t and at each outlet
3. Use 1 inch schedule 40 pvc line for drain line - union near tank and sumpI agree
4. No concern over rocks (my biggest concern)I agree

I am not quite sure what you mean on 2. I would have a union near the pump (or directly attach the pipe to the pump) plus one near the bottom of the tank by the bulkhead.  On the other side of the bulkhead, I would glue (bond) the return pipe to the bulkhead and likewise I would glue any return fittings to the return pipe.  I wouldnt use a union above the bulkhead.



I would attach

oh yeah - as far as the rocks.  Seems like a lot, but it really isnt.  I have never bothered with egg crate, but certainly others like it. 

I would just make sure the floor is supported and that the rocks arent all in one spot.  Also, wash them like there is no tomorrow - soak them for a few days.  I bought some stuff from a nursery and lost the tank of fish.  Probably a pesticide.

The outflow (pressure side) of the pump is 3/4".  I would stick with that.  With a 5 foot tank, you'll probably want two outlets.  Depending upon how the tank is drilled, it will either be 2 risers coming up from the pump, or one riser that will fork to two outlets.  Either way, there isnt a valid reason to go with a larger pipe diameter given the flow abilities (900gph and 11 foot plus head). 

If they are selling you the setup, consider having them do the complete install.  It wont cost but a few $ and the plumbing on a wet dry system (I am assuming) is a little daunting.  Also, they have done it hundreds of times and it will be a very nice, neat look.  You dont want a leaker!

Just make sure that you use hard pipe (pvc) with several unions so that you can clean, disassemble for moving, disassemble for changing out the pump, etc.  If they try and use (or you choose to) flexible clear vinyl hose I would insist on pvc pipe.  All vinyl hoses eventually (might take years, but why worry about it) lose elasticity and become brittle.

Good luck.  Quality furniture costs $.  Years ago, 1995 or 1996, they installed a tank in one of my offices - it was there 10 years later and looked great. .

If the stand is from Living Sea (sorry about that by the way $$$), you can put it right on the stand. They will tell ya the same as well. As for the plumbing, what is the diameter of the outlets on the overflows, and the diameter of the return on the pump?

Hi Jason and welcome
Is it possible to give a little more info or a picture of the stand so we can see how it's constructed so we can steer you in the right direction about plywood and foam?

As long as you have eggcrate down that 200 pounds of rock shouldn't be a problem, as for your return lines I would have to defer to someone else out here that would most likely have a bit more knowledge on the subject of filtration