Quieting an overflow.

Sacohen · Feb 1, 2013

I have a 55 gallon tank that has a hang on siphon overflow.
I want to quiet the gurgling of it.

I don't want to drill it for a couple of reasons.
1) I'm not 100% sure I can, I've been told most 55's are tempered.
2) it is up and running and I don't want to drain it and tear it apart.
3) I will probably upgrade and some point and I think having an un-drilled tank will make it easier to sell.
4) I don't have the room for a BeanAnimal. The tank is right up against the wall and the overflow is hanging on the right side.
No room for the pipes needed on a BeanAnimal behind the tank. and because it is a 55 limited space inside the tank.

Trying to decide between a Durso or Herbi Standpipe in the overflow box.

Can you tell me the pros and cons of each, which way you might go and why.

Thanks;

Steve

Greg@LionfishLair · Feb 1, 2013

In a HOB O/F box, you may not have the room for two Durso-style standpipes due to the Tee/elbow intakes, so you'll want to check that. If you can't use Dursos, you can use Stockman mods as they don't have the same intake configuration, and fit better in tight spaces.

Durso standpipes do require that you "tune" the venting for max quiet. This is done by drilling a hole(s) in the cap, and adding an air control valve as needed.

All a Herbie configuration is are two standpipes, however, one is lower than the other, and is the "active drain". The taller standpipe only comes into play if the "active" standpipe becomes plugged, and the water in the O/F box rises, at which point the "reserve" standpipe begins working, thus preventing an overflow of the DT due to the sump being pumped dry.

I'm not a fan of Herbie style, as I don't see them as necessary (if you worry about floods, you might like them tho), and would rather have two standpipes operating all the time for increased flow.

HTH