Duel Overflow & Return

J

JMorris271

New member
Hey guys
When piping the duel corner overflows, what have you found to be a better system; merging drain lines into one line to the sump? Putting a T on the return going to each corner using a pump with more GPH or using 1 smaller pump going to each corner? I can see the advantages and disadvantages of each but just would like to know what works for you

Thanks

Jay
 
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Unless you greatly upsize the drain after the "T" you will have problems with the drain. IMHO, you are much better off keeping them separate. Using one properly sized pump as the return makes more sense as well. A DIY manifold is a simple project that can also be configured to feed reactors. A single pump will also take up less room in your sump and probably use less electricity as well.
 
Well...a lot of it is preference. For me, I have the 2 drain lines going separately into 2 drain inputs in my sump. As far as the return, I always have a spare pump...but I only run the 1. I have it connected to a manifold that feeds my bio pellet reactor and a small portion off into my fuge that way I can control all of the flows individually. Again, it's preference, but for me, this way is the cleanest.
 
klwheat said:
Well...a lot of it is preference. For me, I have the 2 drain lines going separately into 2 drain inputs in my sump. As far as the return, I always have a spare pump...but I only run the 1. I have it connected to a manifold that feeds my bio pellet reactor and a small portion off into my fuge that way I can control all of the flows individually. Again, it's preference, but for me, this way is the cleanest.
Click to expand...
Are you returning on just 1 return line?
 
billdogg said:
Unless you greatly upsize the drain after the "T" you will have problems with the drain. IMHO, you are much better off keeping them separate. Using one properly sized pump as the return makes more sense as well. A DIY manifold is a simple project that can also be configured to feed reactors. A single pump will also take up less room in your sump and probably use less electricity as well.
Click to expand...

I am aware of the increase piping size required. Would there be a need to balance the return lines based on head for each line?
 
If you use multiple returns from the same pump you can control them with valves so they put out what you want where you need it. Without any valves they will equalize themselves
 
I have 2 more weeks to get the lights straight. I just got back from the LFS to checkout a 120 gal. 2x4 tank I ordered with Corner overflows. The store ordered the correct sized tank but had the overflows as mid backs.
The stand was constructed for corner overflows. Thank God I went by there to check things out before they delivered it on Friday
Two more weeks to hang my lights and add some rock.:mad2::mad2::mad2:
 
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I did the same thing with the drain, but only used one line for the return. I used the other for an emergency drain.
 
man... your tank sure is taking forever to start..

I vote for 1 return pump (slightly larger than needed) and design your own manifold. For the drain, what type of plumbing are you going with? Durso or Herbie? I would run 2 separate herbie style and have 2 separate returns into sump.
 
I combined one drain from each overflow into one line, the left the other two drains as emergency drains, with a gate valve at the end of the line at the sump. My return goes over the back through two sea swirls. The drains equalize themselves, but you have to get the tank as level as possible.
 
m0nkie said:
man... your tank sure is taking forever to start..

I vote for 1 return pump (slightly larger than needed) and design your own manifold. For the drain, what type of plumbing are you going with? Durso or Herbie? I would run 2 separate herbie style and have 2 separate returns into sump.
Click to expand...
\I'm going with durso first because I understand that slightly better but I am keeping options open though.
Yep. The delays are kiling me:uzi::hmm4:
 
I have heard the Durso on a 100gal and it sounded like the toilet. Highly recommend Herbie. I was going for Durso too because it was easier, ended up with Bean Animal. not a single regret. The tank is 10ft away from my bed
 
Thanks for the link I just read and thought it simplified setting up the Herbie system for me. I just don't want to drill 2 more holes in the back but would like to go with the over the back return. I do see some different views about how to do it but that is usually the case with everything.
Do you run the emergency drain wet or dry?
 
I have bean animal style. which has 3 drain holes. The emergency has never been wet. rarely need the second drain hole.
 
I have a 120 Marineland Dual Overflow Tank. In one overflow I have a 1.5" drain pipe sitting 6 inches below the weir and a 1" emergency pipe sitting slightly above the weir. In the other overflow I have another 1.5" drain pipe sitting 6 inches below the weir and I also have the return which is a 1" pipe. BTW, both 1.5" drain pipes were reduced to 1" to match the bulkheads. I did not T any of my drains. I used true union valves on both my drains so I can fine tune to match my return. My return is a Eheim 1262. The only thing that I hear is the vibration from my skimmer's pump.
 
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