dual overflow but only using one return line

[scruggyj]

Do you all see any issue with only pumping water back into the display using just one of the dual overflows?

I would have both overflow pipes going into the sump but only use one return pump and one line feeding the water back up to the display.

The water should only flow out as fast as I am pumping new water back into the display.

Any issue?

 

[LARRY007]

Just make sure the the pump can take care of all that water going back in to the sump ?

 

[cpt]

that's correct, how large Is the display tank and what size of return pump are you going with?

 

[Jimbo662]

+1 what Larry said. What size are the lines? You may want to use one drain as a full siphon and the other as the emergency.

 

[scruggyj]

thanks for the repiles.

I am looking at upgrading to a bigger tank. So, I can not answer the question about the return lines.

I am thinking for going 120 or 125. currently eyeing a 120 long (60") on CL.

I currently have 65 gallon
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member-tanks/145560-scruggyj-65-gallon-reef.html

My current setup just has one overflow and one return line. I know some setups this size only have one corner overflow and some have dual.
I guess I was just wondering if I could just use one return to keep from having to buy a bigger or additonal pump. I think my current pump (I think 900 GPH) would be enough.

 

[LARRY007]

You must have a good size tank why wood you only have one return . If you are going to use a chiller or uv light you will have that water runs through the chiller and uv you will have a flood .

 

[bct15]

I don't fully understand some of the replies, but you can have a single return pump on a single line with multiple drains. You should only drain as much as the return pumps is sending up, assuming your drains are gravity fed and they are big enough to keep up with your return pump. Your drains can not drain more water than the pump is sending them, however you return pump can send more water than the drains can handle if they are too small.

Edit: it is even common practice to have more than one oversized drain, as a backup in case one gets clogged you will not flood your house.

 

[LaRue]

Look on bulk reef supply and check or there video on the silent overflow it its called the Herbie method and is amazing I have my tanks setup this way right now and love it and it is basically what you are wanting to do

 

[Bad Company]

I have a herbie overflow drain, and you need two drin pipes to make it work without risking a flood. One drain operates at full siphon, the other oversized drain (even with the bottom of the overflow teeth cuouts) picks up if the siphon drain backs up for any reason. This drain system is COMPLETELY silent when adjusteed correctly. I had an additional hole drilled for the return. So three holes.

 

[scruggyj]

I don't fully understand some of the replies, but you can have a single return pump on a single line with multiple drains. You should only drain as much as the return pumps is sending up, assuming your drains are gravity fed and they are big enough to keep up with your return pump. Your drains can not drain more water than the pump is sending them, however you return pump can send more water than the drains can handle if they are too small.

Edit: it is even common practice to have more than one oversized drain, as a backup in case one gets clogged you will not flood your house.

Thanks this is what I was thinking.

 

[TJ's Reef]

I don't fully understand some of the replies, but you can have a single return pump on a single line with multiple drains. You should only drain as much as the return pumps is sending up, assuming your drains are gravity fed and they are big enough to keep up with your return pump. Your drains can not drain more water than the pump is sending them, however you return pump can send more water than the drains can handle if they are too small.

Edit: it is even common practice to have more than one oversized drain, as a backup in case one gets clogged you will not flood your house.

+1 100% correct, does not matter how many drains to return ratio unless drains will not handle output of return pump. A single return line/pump and dual overflow drains is by far the most common setup in Reeftanks.

Cheers, Todd

 

[Bad Company]

+1 100% correct, does not matter how many drains to return ratio unless drains will not handle output of return pump. A single return line/pump and dual overflow drains is by far the most common setup in Reeftanks.

Cheers, Todd

Correct. Drains should only drain what flows over into the overflow compartment. They better be able to handle a LOT moe than your return pump, or else wet carpet, crabby wife.

 

[scruggyj]

Thanks guys - this is what I figured.

The tank I am looking at is dual overflow but didn't really want to buy another pump and set up an a second return line.

If I buy it I will try the two overflow and one return method.

Th