2 overflows....1 return or two?

[TravelDave]

I am in the process of setting up my new 180 gallon.

The tank has two overflows each with 2 bulkheads.

I plan on using both of the drains.

My return pump is an Eheim 1262.

Originally I was going to put in a Y fitting on the return and run it to both overflows.

Now I am thinking about just running it to one side and block off the other bulkhead.

Is there any reason to do it one way versus the other?

The plan is to pick up the plumbing parts tomorrow so any help is greatly appreciaited.

 

[bigtex52]

I believe it should be left up to your preference. Obviously if you divide the flow between two outlets, you will have a lower flow per outlet but it will spread the circulation over a larger area of your tank. Most people don't use the return for much of their required circulation, though. Closed loops and powerheads, wavemakers, etc. do a much better job for that.

 

[craab]

I would use all of them for drains just out of redundancy and have the tank drilled for a closed loop system or get some powerheads for circulation.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I am not sure I follow...

The pump would take water from the sump and return it into the tank, either over the top or through a bulkhead.... so far so good.

Are you asking if you it is Ok to use (1) bulkhead in each of the overflows to return water from the sump? If so, then that is not a bad idea, as it leaves you with (2) bulkheads for drainage into the sump. I however would opt for a single bulkhead return and use (3) for fault tolerance. It will also allow you to make the overlfow dead silent with a return pump that small.

How large of a sump? Can you provide some more details about your planned setup?

 

[BeanAnimal]

Also... I would (as mentioned) consider drilling several holes for several closed loops. That is a big tank and needs a lot of flow. I can't stand powerheads in the tank... so I am a closed loop fan. Your opinion may differ

 

[TravelDave]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10632899#post10632899 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BeanAnimal

Are you asking if you it is Ok to use (1) bulkhead in each of the overflows to return water from the sump? If so, then that is not a bad idea, as it leaves you with (2) bulkheads for drainage into the sump. I however would opt for a single bulkhead return and use (3) for fault tolerance. It will also allow you to make the overlfow dead silent with a return pump that small.

That is exactly what I was asking. I would have never thought to use 3 for drainage and one for return but that seems to be the best option.

The sump is a standard 55 gallon with some baffles installed.

For flow in the tank I am going to use 2 vortechs (one on each end of tank) and one Koralia 4 in the middle.

 

[BeanAnimal]

A single 1" bulkhead is more than enough for that single eheim return.