Plumbing question

[EricB]

I'm planning a 200DD build and have to work within the constrains of the short Marineland Monterey stand (remote sump/equipment room not an option). I'd really like the inside of the stand to look clean, but of course form will follow function. I'll be using the existing overflows and will set up the system like a BeanAnimal: in one overflow I will have the full siphon and the open channel drain, and in the other overflow I will have the emergency drain and return. There will only be ~600gph running through the sump.

My question is re: the drains. In the spirit of keeping a clean look (and not having plumbing run above some of my electrical equipment) I was wondering what the effect of short horizontal runs of PVC would be on each drain? The full siphon and open channel would only have a 2' horizontal run and the emergency drain would have anywhere from 3' to 5' of horizontal plumbing.

I'm mostly concerned with the noise level of the open channel. While in theory I'd like to have only a trickle of water going through it, I'm concerned of an air pocket forming.

 

[twotangs]

I don't think the horizontal plumbing will be that big of an issue. Where are thinking the air pocket is going to form?

 

[Reefing Madness]

I agree, there are way to many people out there using that kind of set up, not hearing anyone saying there is any issues from it.

 

[EricB]

I don't think the horizontal plumbing will be that big of an issue. Where are thinking the air pocket is going to form?

I guess air pockets shouldn't be an issue. I just want this system to be as quiet as possible (don't we all). Do you think 45's will be quieter than 90's in general?

 

[tigerdragon]

Make sure to use good ball valves or gate valves and adj them. Running a herbie style on my 90 it has about a 2' run under tank the drain when u get the adj right is dead silent love it. Make sure water level in overflow is just at the very top of emer overflow to maybe a very slight amount going into emer overflow this method you would think cant flow a lot of water because of dialing it down some but it does.

 

[EricB]

I used ball valves on the BeanAnimal on my 125 and it was a pain to get the flow just right. This time I am going with gate valves

 

[tigerdragon]

I agree i have ball valves they can feel a bit sticky and not smooth but they can work with a little patience. Gates are more expensive next time i will do gates.