Help with my drains please!

[GoldeneyeRet]

Hello,

It has been many years since I set up a tank. How much we forget! I am now going to rebuild my 120( standard 48x24x24). I currently have about a 3in hole that was my 2 inch single drain. It is drilled about 10 inches down from the top of the tank.

I have read about the herbie style extensively but sifting through it all is difficult. I was planning on drilling another hole for a siphon main drain. What size should I make that siphon drain? I was thinking 1.5 in for that new drain, but that might be too large?

Another question, I am thinking it is okay to drill the new hole in a higher position on the back wall, around 8 inches or wherever it works out to be the proper 6-7 inches below the emergency. Is that okay to have it at a different level than the other hole? I think its fine, but want to have that confirmed.

I always had my return plumbed over the edge. I now wish to keep jumping fish and I thought that drilling a return line would make covering the tank more secure. Any reason NOT to drill my return through the back? I see a lot of recommendations to go over the edge, wondering if I should just keep it that way.

Last question (on this matter), where can I find the info for how many inches of overflow I need for a new box. Flat edge, no teeth(unless that is a bad idea). Im running a mag 9.5 at about 5 ft head out of of 40g sump. I can sure look up the info if someone will point me to the chart. I know it used to be here somewhere...

Thanks so much for all your help getting back into reefing!

 

[uncleof6]

Hello,

It has been many years since I set up a tank. How much we forget! I am now going to rebuild my 120( standard 48x24x24). I currently have about a 3in hole that was my 2 inch single drain. It is drilled about 10 inches down from the top of the tank.

I have read about the herbie style extensively but sifting through it all is difficult. I was planning on drilling another hole for a siphon main drain. What size should I make that siphon drain? I was thinking 1.5 in for that new drain, but that might be too large?

1" bulkhead, 1.5" pipe on both sides of the bulkhead.

Another question, I am thinking it is okay to drill the new hole in a higher position on the back wall, around 8 inches or wherever it works out to be the proper 6-7 inches below the emergency. Is that okay to have it at a different level than the other hole? I think its fine, but want to have that confirmed.

It does not really matter much, but why? As far as that goes, where did the 6-7 inches below the emergency come from?

I always had my return plumbed over the edge. I now wish to keep jumping fish and I thought that drilling a return line would make covering the tank more secure. Any reason NOT to drill my return through the back? I see a lot of recommendations to go over the edge, wondering if I should just keep it that way.

Keep it that way, another bulkhead, another restriction, and covering the tank is not the greatest idea there is. The mag 9.5 requires 1.5" output pipe size.....if you want any flow out of it...it is in the instructions for the pump.

Last question (on this matter), where can I find the info for how many inches of overflow I need for a new box. Flat edge, no teeth(unless that is a bad idea). Im running a mag 9.5 at about 5 ft head out of of 40g sump. I can sure look up the info if someone will point me to the chart. I know it used to be here somewhere...

Thanks so much for all your help getting back into reefing!

You are building a new overflow box? Make the overflow the full length of the back wall of the tank, drill every thing out the back, use three holes and do a bean system, any holes out the bottom of the tank plug with plugged bulkheads; run the return (1.5") up over the back, and move into the 21st century with your system.

Something along these lines:

 

[Ahanix]

1" bulkhead, 1.5" pipe on both sides of the bulkhead.

It does not really matter much, but why? As far as that goes, where did the 6-7 inches below the emergency come from?

Keep it that way, another bulkhead, another restriction, and covering the tank is not the greatest idea there is. The mag 9.5 requires 1.5" output pipe size.....if you want any flow out of it...it is in the instructions for the pump.

You are building a new overflow box? Make the overflow the full length of the back wall of the tank, drill every thing out the back, use three holes and do a bean system, any holes out the bottom of the tank plug with plugged bulkheads; run the return (1.5") up over the back, and move into the 21st century with your system.

Something along these lines:

Second this, definitely fail safe unless the entire back gets clogged up, but if you have issues with cleaning your tank then anything will be an issue, haha

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Thanks for the reply.

I was thinking of not doing a bean since I already have this 3 inch hole down so far on the back of my tank-10 in. I thought the bean needed the holes about 2.5 inched from the top. I don't really want a wall to wall that goes down so far. Maybe I should reconsider and just plug the existing hole.

The herbie system info I found all had the main siphon placed at least 6 in below the emergency. I didn't want to drill it any lower than I had to.

A mesh cover will be a must for this set up. I will be keeping flasher/fairy wrasses and I wish to keep them in the tank. I certainly can work around the return over the edge though, good point.

I do need a new overflow box. Perhaps I should consider the bean system?

Thanks for the response, hopefully I can get some more!

 

[uncleof6]

Plug the lower hole, or use it for an intake for a closed loop system. "Flying fish" are not good candidates for marine aquariums. Just sayin...

You are scratching your head on how to implement a herbie, which is half a drain system (it works but can be improved on and has been.) Would be better to scratch your head over a drain system that is better suited to the tank size, along with an overflow system that is far superior to corner, hob, or anything else currently being produced or DIYed. If you were stuck in a corner overflow, I would first suggest you take out the corner overflow, and do a coast to coast with a bean system. The modified siphon system called herbie is for corner overflows....when you have the option, don't settle for works, demand it work really well...after doing many of these conversions, I am here to tell you it is more than worth the effort and addtional expense.

The glass 120 is one of the greatest small tanks you can get your hands on. Make it the best that it can be...

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Hmm... seems you are right.

Is a bulkhead and PVC cap the best way to plug the existing hole?

I will figure out the bean system, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

Where can a good overview of the system be found? It is hard to search since it yields so many results.

Thanks for setting me straight!

 

[uncleof6]

Hmm... seems you are right.

Is a bulkhead and PVC cap the best way to plug the existing hole?

I will figure out the bean system, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

Where can a good overview of the system be found? It is hard to search since it yields so many results.

Thanks for setting me straight!

A bulkhead and a short capped pipe will seal the hole, and is the only way to go about it.

http://www.beananimal.com/projects/silent-and-fail-safe-aquarium-overflow-system.aspx

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Thanks for your help uncleof6, it is very much appreciated.
Thanks to Ahanix as well.

It is good to be back on RC and getting back into reefing.

 

[Mrramsey]

Uncleof6 has it spot on. I have built 2 bean systems and won't do it any other way. No regrets here. Good luck!

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

If I upgrade my return pump, will the sizes of bulkheads and pipe recommended here stile be adequate?

1" bulkheads with 1.5" piping seems to be common size, just wanted to make sure it is correct before I order everything.

Thanks again

 

[uncleof6]

1" bulkheads and 1.5" pipe will get you up to ~ 1500 gph with a 2' drop...

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Thanks uncleof6, all your help is much appreciated