Built In Overflow Hole Configuration and Size

[tigerjace]

Hi Guys,

I'll be ordering a 150g (5x2x2) with built in center overflow. I was wondering what is the best hole Configuration? Should I do two holes with 1" return and 1.5" intake which seems to be the standard or should I do a herbie style? If herbie style what is the best hole size to use? I was thinking one 1" return and 1.25" each for main drain with valve and emergency open drain.

What do you guys think or how would you do it? Or if you have other configuration suggestions it would be appreciated. thanks.

 

[OllieDog]

3 drains, all 1" (1-3/4" holes) Do a "bean-animal" overflow, and just run your returns up and over the back of the tank, no need for them to go through the glass.

 

[tigerjace]

3 drains, all 1" (1-3/4" holes) Do a "bean-animal" overflow, and just run your returns up and over the back of the tank, no need for them to go through the glass.

I thought about this but the tank will be eurobrace with no canopy. I wanted to keep the top clean with no plumbing for aesthetic purposes. Thanks for your input.

I also thought about doing the synergy (ghost overflow) with three 1" intake and 1" return on each side going through back glass and eliminating the built in overflow. The only thing preventing me from doing this method is I move alot and it's just more work breaking down and setting up with more piping in the back.

 

[mcgyvr]

+1 bean..

 

[thegrun]

I thought about this but the tank will be eurobrace with no canopy. I wanted to keep the top clean with no plumbing for aesthetic purposes. Thanks for your input.

I also thought about doing the synergy (ghost overflow) with three 1" intake and 1" return on each side going through back glass and eliminating the built in overflow. The only thing preventing me from doing this method is I move alot and it's just more work breaking down and setting up with more piping in the back.

Then I would go with 4 holes, three drains and one return.

 

[tigerjace]

Then I would go with 4 holes, three drains and one return.

I also thought about this and was trying to avoid 4 holes because that would increase the size of the built in overflow. This is why i was trying to do 3 hole max, 1 return and 2 drain.

It looks like everybody likes the bean style. Is there really that much of a difference between herbie vs bean-animal other than the 3rd drain on the bean running dry?

 

[thegrun]

You can run a quiet system with only the two drains if adding a third drain enlarges the overflow box too much for your liking. I do think the three drain system is a little better, but I've run dead quiet two drain set up several times in the past, so I would not be afraid to go that route.

 

[tigerjace]

You can run a quiet system with only the two drains if adding a third drain enlarges the overflow box too much for your liking. I do think the three drain system is a little better, but I've run dead quiet two drain set up several times in the past, so I would not be afraid to go that route.

Thanks. I haven't ruled out the bean completely just depending on how much larger it will increase overflow. For the herbie is my two 1.25" drain and 1" return the best hole sizes or is there more suitable size? Someone suggested 1" main drain and 1.5" emergency drain. For some reason I can't get over the thought that 1" main drain is enough for the 1" return, especially using a strong pump?

 

[Bl4ckDr4g0n]

It's hard to keep the herbie emergency drain quiet and not dry. It's still pretty quiet though

 

[Lsufan]

If it was me I would go with synergy or any ghost type overflow & just do the little bit of extra work when u have to break down the tank. To me it would be worth it & it's really not a whole lot of extra work, just use plenty of unions. If u decide to go with a bean drain I would plumb the drains in 1.5". I find the open channel to be quieter with the 1.5"instead of 1". If space is really a issue you can use 1" & it will work fine the open channel is just not as quite sometimes.
If u decide to go with the herbie I would still use either 1.5" or 1.25" drains & a 1" return