over the top return line

[d0ughb0y]

I'm planning to convert a durso to herbie on my tank with 2 holes at the bottom of the overflow box.

I did a search for conversion and all I can find talks about the conversion and not much about the return line.

So if I run new pvc pipe behind the tank up to the back of the overflow and use 3 elbows for the return, is it ok to leave the pipe hanging on the tank and just secure the rest of the pipe to the back of the tank say with adhesive velcro strap?

The original return uses 1/2" pipe and T off the top of the overflow box to loclines on either side of the box. I still don't know if I will use 1/2" or 3/4". My concern is how the return pipe will look hanging behind the overflow box.

 

[Fearnofish541]

That is how I have my return line setup I spray painted the pvc black with krylon fusion paint let it dry for atleast a full day maybe two depending on the temp/humidity of where it's drying at. I wouldnt use velcro if water were to splash on it it would come undone I'd recommend plumbers tape and using screws. I set it far enough from the wall that if I had to remove it I can get a stubby screwdriver behind there and undo one side of the plumbers tape to get the pipe out. My pipe rests on the sump and on the tank with the plumbers tape holding it in place.

Side note if you can drill the tank that would give you a lot better flow and is something I am making sure to do on my next tank

 

[jda]

Over the top works just fine if that is the way that you decide to go.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

If you can get behind with a stubby screwdriver I would recommend using a Clic Clamp for the size pipe you use on the stand.
Tip-- if you do this start the hole with a drill bit by hand if @ all possible to make things easy.

 

[d0ughb0y]

over the top return line

I got some parts and here's how the dry fit looks. Which is the best option?
The original return plumbing has 3 90 elbows, 2 45 elbows. The new setup uses 3 45 elbows and one 90 elbow so the flow would not be too different from the original plumbing.

1/2 inch tee to 45 to street elbow

Side view profile

3/4 inch tee to 45 to street

Side view profile

This is with 3 1/2 inch elbows

I'm using the half inch pipe for drain and 1 inch pipe for emergency.

What is the max gravity flow rate through a half inch pipe?

I know the 3/4 inch plumbing will be less restrictive, but I may not need that much flow with the half inch drain wide open.

Since the fittings will be glued and is attached to the overflow, I can probably leave the pipe free hanging and not fastened to the stand.

 

[hogfanreefer]

Why not just use a longer piece of locline and stop the PVC just below the top rim of the tank?

 

[Vdubin00]

You could also drill the back of the tank inside the overflow box, a few inches below the rim of the tank and still have the lov line like you have it , use a 3/4 bulkhead with one street 90 on the back side and use a connector to a T on the inside of the glass and overflow box and keep your lov line , so you can hide that elbow going over the top ,, either way will work just fine ,, however take into consideration back flow of you leave your return line submerged they will back siphon ,, so either use a check valve or drill a hole above the water line on the under side of the loc line or keep your exits up above the water so you don't over flow your sump when power goes out ,,


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[BigBlueTang]

Why not just use a longer piece of locline and stop the PVC just below the top rim of the tank?

Loc-line isn't really meant to be used outside of water, and there are no guarantees it's water proof. Most people don't use it out of water for this reason.


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[ca1ore]

Thumbs down to loc line in general. Just return to the tank with a single output through two elbows and a 45; preferably black.

 

[d0ughb0y]

Thumbs down to loc line in general. Just return to the tank with a single output through two elbows and a 45; preferably black.

You mean like this?

Or this?

 

[Grayhead]

1/2 emergency is not enough. If your emergency can't handle the whole tank flow, then it needs to be resized.

 

[d0ughb0y]

1/2 emergency is not enough. If your emergency can't handle the whole tank flow, then it needs to be resized.

in post #5 above,
I'm using the half inch pipe for drain and 1 inch pipe for emergency.

I was asking what is max capacity of half inch drain. just figuring the max turnover I can get with half inch drain.

 

[ca1ore]

You mean like this?

Yes, though if you use black fittings it will be less obtrusive.

 

[ca1ore]

FWIW, I'd be surprised if the bulkhead on the old return weren't 3/4". A 1/2' run as a siphon isn't going to move all that much water. You'd have to google flow rates.

 

[Gorgok]

You mean like this?

On my return i do that without the two extra 90s and a piece of pipe to get the end just below the weir. As in, put the 45 after the 90 coming from the pump.

I also cut my extension pipe at a 45 (level with the water) on a miter saw so the part that sticks in the water is pretty thin. Might not matter as much with small pipe like that, but my return was a 1-1/2" pipe and that would be a pretty big pipe once the top edge is submerged.

It doesn't hook onto the rim as good, but thats what clamps are for anyway.

 

[d0ughb0y]

FWIW, I'd be surprised if the bulkhead on the old return weren't 3/4". A 1/2' run as a siphon isn't going to move all that much water. You'd have to google flow rates.

its for a cadlights 50, all non standard plumbing (uPVC stuff sch 60 I think). If I can get 350gph out of the half inch drain, then I'm good.

 

[Medic755]

I like the dual loc-line idea. It looks cleaner and like it is meant to be there originally.