New bulkheads and how the drains install

R

RookieReefer00

New member
I'm building a new setup and have a question on how the overflows work. I'm ordering new 1" ABS bulkheads for the 2 main drains in the reef ready tank and a couple 3/4" ABS bulkheads for the emergency overflows. My question is how will my preexisting main drain pipes fit into the bulkheads. Is there an adapter or sleeve I need to buy as well? The bottom of the main overflow drain is 1 5/8" OD. I'll have the same issue with the emergency overflow and figuring out which pipe to use for that.

I'm going with 3/4" return line and dual 1" main drains. Would 3/4" be fine for the emergency overflows? The holes/fittings are smaller on those than the main drains.
 
It sounds like you are trying to do a Bean style overflow? 1 drain, 1 trickle, 1 emergency?

Could you clarify what you are trying to do? How many holes are you working with? In general, it's best to have the larger pipe for the emergency.
 
nereefpat said:
What guy's setup? What youtube video? Did you read the questions I asked?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure why, but the forum keeps stripping out my link to the youtube video :headwalls:

Its a reef ready 125gl tank with 4 holes on the bottom.

If you go to youtube and search "how to turn a mega flow into a full siphon", the video will be the first link.
 
Also, I see the links I posted today at 8:35AM and last night at 8:45pm on the screen when logged in. When I am not logged in, those messages do not appear on the page.

Not sure why this forum is asking in this manner.
 
Ah, I see... Rules for new members so you don't post ads or pron.

Anyway, turning a reef ready 125 into a syphon drain is my specialty.
The best way is to have each overflow be its own separate Herbie. This means each overflow will have one syphon and one emergency. The emergency should be the larger of the two, if they are different sizes. This uses all four holes, so you have to run the returns over the back.

Does that make sense?

Edit: The emergency should be the larger of the two.
 
Last edited:
nereefpat said:
Ah, I see... Rules for new members so you don't post ads or pron.

Anyway, turning a reef ready 125 into a syphon drain is my specialty.
The best way is to have each overflow be its own separate Herbie. This means each overflow will have one syphon and one emergency. The emergency should be the larger of the two, if they are different sizes. This uses all four holes, so you have to run the returns over the back.

Does that make sense?

Edit: The emergency should be the larger of the two.
Click to expand...

I believe I'm following. I will be using the return over the back. Did you happen to watch the YouTube video I posted. Seems like a lot goes with this route.
 
RookieReefer00 said:
I believe I'm following. I will be using the return over the back. Did you happen to watch the YouTube video I posted. Seems like a lot goes with this route.
Click to expand...

Yes, just watched it. I had seen it before.

He does a pretty good job. I would change a few things:
1. Emergency needs to be the larger of the two pipes. If the siphon clogs, you want the biggest emergency drain as possible.
2. I would raise the emergency about an inch, so the water falling over the weir has less drop and makes less noise.
3. Gate valves only need to be on the siphon drains. In fact, nothing good can come from putting a valve on an emergency drain. It needs to be wide open, always.
 
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