Overflow and return setup

[Derrick Howard]

Hello everyone,

I have recently purchased a 125 gallon tank. The tank came with pre drilled holes in both back corners each side has 2 holes. I am wanting to run a herbie overflow on this tank as I have read it is a great overflow system. So in order to run this system, I need at least 3 holes per corner 1 for full siphon, emergency drain, and return. I have been throwing a couple ideas around and would like input from more experienced people in the hobby.
Option 1: Drill another hole in each corner resulting in 2 total full siphons, 2 emergency drains, and 2 returns. If I have enough room in the corners to drill another hole as I have not measured anything just by looking at it, it looks like it might be a little tight to fit another hole/pipe in.
Option 2: Don't drill the additional holes and run 2 full siphons one in each corner, 1 emergency drain, and 1 return.
Option 3: Don't drill the additional holes and run 1 full siphon, 1 emergency drain, and 2 returns.
Options 4: Don't drill the additional holes and run 1 full siphon, 2 emergency drains, and 1 return.

These are the ideas I have bouncing around in my head. Thanks for any input and I appreciate it.

 

[LiveWire]

Welcome to the REEF!!

If it were me I would use the original setup as you have two supplies and two returns. The chance of both drains getting clogged at the same time is very slim. If you feel that you would rather have more drains just in case if that would ever happen then I would recommend that you run your supplies over the edges. That would free up all 4 pre drilled holes resulting in 4 drains and you would not have to drill anything and not take a chance something is tempered.

 

[Derrick Howard]

So you think running a durso would be fine?

 

[Idoc]

I'd take the herbie design over the durso, if you have the option. The herbie is completely quiet. I use the herbie design and it is very good.

One thing to consider...re-drilling in the corner overflows can be tricky, if you are thinking of adding another hole. The holes fit, but three bulkheads may not fit close to each other!

I only have one corner overflow with two holes, so either durso or herbie with an over-the-rim return (which is what I decided to use). I have not had a tank with two corner overflows, so I'm not sure the logistics of balancing the returns and drains in such a situation. But, it seems it would be fine to have one return, one full siphon, and two emergency lines. Let's see what others with two corner overflows suggest...

 

[Derrick Howard]

Another thing I didn't think about till now is that I don't know if the tank is made of tempered glass. I don't know the manufacturer of the tank either. So I am thinking i'm not going to drill the tank to be on the safe side.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Wanted to say hi and welcome. #WelcometoR2R

I have my dual overflow set up herbie style but a bit differently. I had durso for 10 years. Hated the,. Just noisy no matter what I did.

I set my herbie up with the siphon on one side and emergency on the other side. The a return on each side. It’s harder to get tuned in, but still quiet, has the emergency drain and a return on each side.

Once you get it set up send us some pics

Again welcome

 

[Derrick Howard]

You have 2 returns,1 emergency drain, and 1 full siphon? What size piping did you end up running on them all? What was the hard part in tuning it, just trying to find the right level with the emergency being on 1 side and the siphon on the other? Thanks for the feedback @Mastiffsrule