ajholms0427
New member
I need suggestion on how to plumb my new 300 deep dimension. It has dual overflows with four holes total in the bottom. All holes are the same size.
How to plumb a dual overflow
- Thread starter ajholms0427
- Start date
I like to keep the two primary drains as separate runs back to what is usually the filter sock/skimmer section of the sump but I know many who combine the two with a tee. Either way you need a valve(s) at the end of the primary drains for flow adjustment. The other two holes are set up as emergency drains set a little higher than the intake of the primary drains. The returns are typically run up over the sides.
ajholms0427
New member
I'm hoping to use two as the drains (maybe herbie style, main drain and return in one and emergency and 2 me in the other) I don't want to have to plumb the returns over the back of the tank or drill any more holes into it. I'm also think of maybe a bean animal style but then I would only have one return.
IdahoCindy
Member
I've done exactly that in my 125. Two drains, one on each side, which are full siphon, one emergency drain (dry), and one hole being used for the return. Both full siphons have gate valves. Works perfectly.
CStrickland
New member
What is "2 me"?
If one overflow is just return and emergency, that's a lot of still water.
To run a bean animal, you have to connect the overflows with some type of bridge pipe or coast to coast (but just between the two overflows) weir.
ajholms0427
New member
kmbyrnes
New member
This.
ajholms0427
New member
It make me a little nervous only having only return but i guess with two full siphon drains I should be able to put quite a large return pump on the tank.
IdahoCindy
Member
This is how I configured my Marineland 265 as well, and it works just fine. If I were to do it over, I think I'd have ground a fifth hole in the back panel, inside the overflow, so I could do a complete double herbie.
IdahoCindy
Member
Double HOB filters out the big stuff. I change the filters every Sunday. I've found the sump to stay clear of the detritus that way.
JMorris271
New member
If you decide to do just one emergency and have snails or smaller fish,, putting a straining cap on will be a good idea for making sure nobody goes down and clogs the line. I have that same tank and use my 2 emergency drains wet and they work fine as such. I tested them out by creating a major overflow and my drains handled the overflow perfectly.
CStrickland
New member
Yeah, even if you had two returns you'd probably only want one pump. Loc-line makes nice returns, you can get a Y for the end of the pipe that splits the flow and is bendy. You point the tips how you want them. There are attachments for the ends that spread the flow out too. <$20.
Frankly, I think a single return, located close to the surface of the tank, unencumbered by unnecessary plumbing (elbows, T's, locline) is best. Return pump plays I minimal role in in-tank water movement anyhow.
Great discussion.
I've been debating this very topic since I picked up a 250 Deep Dimension recently. Initially I was planning on putting in the balance pipe between the two overflows but honestly I don't think it will matter.
What I've decided to do is run a full siphon and emergency drain in the left overflow. The right overflow will have the return and the other "active" drain that will only have a trickle of flow down it. Its basically a BeanAnimal drain at that point.
Since I'm running a basement sump and don't want to put to many holes in my floor I will tie the emergency and "active" drain together. Honestly I can't imagine both the siphon and back up drain getting blocked. The controller will shut off the pump if level gets too low so that will limit the potential water spillage as well.
Aaron
I've been debating this very topic since I picked up a 250 Deep Dimension recently. Initially I was planning on putting in the balance pipe between the two overflows but honestly I don't think it will matter.
What I've decided to do is run a full siphon and emergency drain in the left overflow. The right overflow will have the return and the other "active" drain that will only have a trickle of flow down it. Its basically a BeanAnimal drain at that point.
Since I'm running a basement sump and don't want to put to many holes in my floor I will tie the emergency and "active" drain together. Honestly I can't imagine both the siphon and back up drain getting blocked. The controller will shut off the pump if level gets too low so that will limit the potential water spillage as well.
Aaron
ajholms0427
New member
Thanks for a the info guys. I plan on doing the 2 full siphon drains with one emergency and one return.
ajholms0427
New member
I won't need to much flow no matter what since I'm going to be making this a high end angel tank with no coral, so the flow will just help keep the bottom clean.
ajholms0427
New member
Another question. Should I bring both main drains together and use one gate valve to control both or should I keep them separate with two gate valves.
