Need some help with plumbing..

Anthonyl · Oct 5, 2018

I have a 220 Gal DT with one 1.5" overflow in rear left corner. There are two 1" returns in either corner. I was thinking about running straight 1.5" over flow down to sump with a regular ball valve as to keep it mostly open. I don't have an emergency drain so would it be best to maybe just leave valve open as to keep from possibly clogging up? I will have a strainer in the tank to eliminate and critters from going for a ride.

For the returns, I want to keep the 1" size and maybe run two 1" random flow generators from BRS.
would I be alright to keep this setup, without having too many issues? Of course ill need to add in a tee off manifold for future equipment and a check valve. Im dying to get this tank cycling but im stuck with how to plumb it.

Appreciate you time.. thank

redfishbluefish · Oct 5, 2018

I'd recommend no valves on the drain lines. I'm assuming the overflow has saw teeth, which will keep small critters out of your drain line.

I'd also suggest no check valves. They are doomed to fail. Simply make sure you have the volume in your sump to accept back flow volume or, if need be, use a siphon break.

Anthonyl · Oct 5, 2018

right now there is no teeth on the overflow box, I still need to put something in place for that. Im using a 90 gal tank for a sump. I figure that I will probably be around 50gal used volume for the sump that really wont leave me too much room. I could raise the returns a little higher and use a siphon break as you suggest I should be ok.. Thanks a lot for your input. I really appreciate it.