Plumbing a 20 gallon with single overflow

[Thatdude156]

Hey y’all, I’ve had my tank running on a canister but switching to a sump now. I got an eshops overflow which has just a single drain. Here are my questions..

Is the Durso my only plumbing option?

Do I still install a gate valve?

What size pipe should my return and drain be?

 

[Water Dog]

1) Get rid of the prefilter sponge (prone to clogging) and replace it with a Stockman standpipe. The Stockman will greatly reduce the gurgling noise that plagues single drain HOB overflow set ups.

Ken Stockman's Standpipe Implementation - Durso Standpipes

Durso Standpipes are used to make your aquarium overflow (weir) nearly silent. We help you make your own or purchase them ready made!

www.dursostandpipes.com

2) In a single drain set up, NEVER use a valve to restrict flow in any way. Run it wide open. This will help reduce chances of anything getting caught in the restriction and causing a potential flood.

3) 3/4” inches would work well. If using the U-tube return pipe linked to below, be sure to drill a hole near the surface but just below the waterline, about 1/2 an inch, for a siphon break so if you kill or lose power to the return pump, you will back siphon less water back to sump, again avoiding a potential flood situation.


Here is a good thread on HOB overflows with a lot of tips to successfully run an HOB overflow. If planned and executed properly, an HOB overflow should serve you well.

Are overflow boxes reliable?

I’m starting to consider adding a sump to my 45 cube reef because the maintenance on a canister is starting to get annoying. But the problem is I can’t drill the tank because it’s up and running. Are overflow boxes a reliable option?

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Thatdude156]

1) Get rid of the prefilter sponge (prone to clogging) and replace it with a Stockman standpipe. The Stockman will greatly reduce the gurgling noise that plagues single drain HOB overflow set ups.

Ken Stockman's Standpipe Implementation - Durso Standpipes

Durso Standpipes are used to make your aquarium overflow (weir) nearly silent. We help you make your own or purchase them ready made!

www.dursostandpipes.com

2) In a single drain set up, NEVER use a valve to restrict flow in any way. Run it wide open. This will help reduce chances of anything getting caught in the restriction and causing a potential flood.

3) 3/4” inches would work well. If using the U-tube return pipe linked to below, be sure to drill a hole near the surface but just below the waterline, about 1/2 an inch, for a siphon break so if you kill or lose power to the return pump, you will back siphon less water back to sump, again avoiding a potential flood situation.


Here is a good thread on HOB overflows with a lot of tips to successfully run an HOB overflow. If planned and executed properly, an HOB overflow should serve you well.

Are overflow boxes reliable?

I’m starting to consider adding a sump to my 45 cube reef because the maintenance on a canister is starting to get annoying. But the problem is I can’t drill the tank because it’s up and running. Are overflow boxes a reliable option?

www.reef2reef.com

Thanks. So can I still use a check valve for the return line? If so should it just be right above the pump?

 

[Water Dog]

You can if you want to. Though I’m not a big fan of relying on a mechanical fail safe. The drilled hole near the surface or building your own up and over return with PVC and locline where the outlet nozzle is near the surface will be the safest route, no check valve necessary IMO.

 

[Thatdude156]

You can if you want to. Though I’m not a big fan of relying on a mechanical fail safe. The drilled hole near the surface or building your own up and over return with PVC and locline where the outlet nozzle is near the surface will be the safest route, no check valve necessary IMO.

Okay. That U-tube you linked isn’t clickable for me. I’m also wondering about one more thing..

The bulkhead has threads but I’ve seen people glue into it instead.. why is this? Seems that just threading it would be better for maintenance.

 

[Water Dog]

Those exterior threads are for the exterior bulkhead locking nut... nothing else. The bulkhead itself is most likely a 1” female slip fitting.