Drilling question from a plumbing noob!

[Elbereth]

Hi folks!

I'm planning to set up my first drilled tank, a 50g bowfront. I've decided on a Herbie style drain. My question is: what are the pros and cons of drilling two holes in the tank with the two pipes hooked up directly to the tank VS. one hole in the tank leading to an external box with the two pipes as shown in this thread?

Herbie Overflow in Eshopps Eclipse (M)

I'm plumbing a new tank with an Eshopps Eclipse overflow (medium size, 2x 1" drains). I've drilled/installed two 3/4" return lines and the 1.5" main bulkhead for the external overflow. I could use advice for the actual drain plumbing within the external overflow box. I am debating whether to...

www.reef2reef.com

Thanks in advance!

 

[Shmollica]

I think it’s harder to reach the bottom of my internal overflow box than it would be an external one, Room in the aquarium, and probably making sure the two bulkheads fit after drilling holes (I’ve seen a couple fails there lol).

 

[Elbereth]

I didn't think about having to reach the bottom. That's a very good point! Thank you.

 

[Shmollica]

That and the room in the aquarium are the main reasons I wish I had drilled the back instead lol....next time.

 

[Elbereth]

From what I understand it would be best to have an overflow box on the inside as well right? So I could have a thin surface layer of water flowing over a weir yes? But if the standpipes are outside the tank I could make that internal box quite thin?

 

[Shmollica]

Yep like this: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/lopr...MI64XTvPqT8AIVieDICh1aoAt4EAQYCiABEgKhQPD_BwE

 

[Elbereth]

Thank you.

I did some research and turns out I wouldn't save that much if I try to make something like that myself. I might buy a kit then.

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

Thank you.

I did some research and turns out I wouldn't save that much if I try to make something like that myself. I might buy a kit then.

I've recently come to the same conclusion. I CAN make pretty much anything, but in the end, The product I would be making is already readily available at a reasonable price with all the engineering done on it.

 

[Elbereth]

I love making things myself too but sometimes buying the supplies at retail prices means it costs the same if not more than buying something ready-made! Everything is just so expensive nowadays.

 

[Shmollica]

I made my overflow stuff and like I said I wish I had went with an off the shelf external box....way more positives. I don’t have any leaks, but my internal box sort of messes with flow.

 

[Elbereth]

That sucks. I can imagine how frustrating that must be.

Before I go and buy a kit, I'm a bit uneasy about the weight of the overflow box, pipes and the water in them being supported just by the glass. Or does one have to support the pipes from the bottom when they enter the sump?

 

[Elbereth]

Bump

 

[Elson26]

what's the glass thickness of your 50g tank ? you dont have to worry about supporting the pipes from the bottom when they enter the sump. it will be able to handle the weight by itself. i've a few HOB overflow box laying around if you're interested hit me up.

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

That sucks. I can imagine how frustrating that must be.

Before I go and buy a kit, I'm a bit uneasy about the weight of the overflow box, pipes and the water in them being supported just by the glass. Or does one have to support the pipes from the bottom when they enter the sump?

I think this fear is unwarranted. The bulkhead spreads the load of a low weight piece of equipment. You don't need to support plumbing as it comes down, but I also don't know why you wouldn't. Cleaner look imo.

 

[Elbereth]

Thank you both. The glass is 6mm thick.

It's just my first time setting up a plumbed system so I'm worried I'll mess something up. I couldn't find any good info or images of how to support the drain lines at the bottom. Anyone have some tips they could share?