Sump plumbing question

[DaveG26]

i have a 187 gallon tank and am confused as to how to plumb this thing. On the left side there is an overflow area with two holes going through the bottom one about 1.5” and the other 1”. One the right side of the tank there are two holes on the back panel, one about 8” from the bottom and one a few inches from the top (drain on bottom and return up higher). Would only using the overflow be enough for a tank this big (72x20x30)? Thanks!

 

[dugthefish]

If you're not going for a high flow sump system, you could probably set up a Herbie overflow, 1" siphon and 1.5" emergency. I'm not sure about the other holes, could be for a closed loop system. You should be able to put a bulkhead and plug the bottom hole, and use the top hole for the return line.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

herbie full siphon and you would adequate flow.

 

[DaveG26]

Thanks. I’m planning on using the trigger systems sump. It has two drain inlets. Should I use just one or try to hook up both?

 

[dugthefish]

You'll need both for the Herbie

 

[DaveG26]

You'll need both for the Herbie

One for emergency and one for regular use, right?

 

[dugthefish]

One for emergency and one for regular use, right?

Yep

 

[stevef22]

I think the ones on the right are for a closed loop also. If you don’t want to use it you could put a valve and hose spigot on it to help make water changes easier.

 

[DaveG26]

Yep

Ok thanks!

 

[DaveG26]

I think the ones on the right are for a closed loop also. If you don’t want to use it you could put a valve and hose spigot on it to help make water changes easier.

Awesome idea, it will make changes easier now.

 

[dugthefish]

I think the ones on the right are for a closed loop also. If you don’t want to use it you could put a valve and hose spigot on it to help make water changes easier.

I think this is a great idea. Just use a good quality gate valve, a ball valve may get bumped easily.

 

[DaveG26]

I remeasured the pipes tonight. The two pipes are 1” and 1/2”. Should I use the 1/2” for the emergency drain?

 

[dugthefish]

I remeasured the pipes tonight. The two pipes are 1” and 1/2”. Should I use the 1/2” for the emergency drain?

That changes things. 1/2" isn't really big enough for drain purposes on a tank that big.

 

[Fin]

Yeah, that was most likely set up with the single 1" drain and the 1/2" for the return - plus a closed loop with the other holes. Not exactly ideal. If that were my tank, I would probably remove that overflow, plug those holes in the bottom and drill the back for a Ghost / Synergy type overflow. That, along with a Bean Animal style drain (3 drains) would give you more capacity and quieter operating overflow. Plus it would give you more real estate inside of the tank without that corner overflow. Those other two holes could be used for the return and the water change drain as mentioned above. Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable with one 1" drain on that big of a tank. Just my 2¢.

 

[DaveG26]

Thanks for all the input. I think I will just open up the 1/2' hole and have two 1' drains. It's an acrylic tank so opening up the holes should be easy, and removing the corner overflow seems like it would be extremely difficult, based on what I've read.

 

[dugthefish]

Thanks for all the input. I think I will just open up the 1/2' hole and have two 1' drains. It's an acrylic tank so opening up the holes should be easy, and removing the corner overflow seems like it would be extremely difficult, based on what I've read.

If you're going to do that, make then both 1.5", run it as a Herbie, and you will be covered for whatever flow you want to run.

 

[dugthefish]

Yeah, that was most likely set up with the single 1" drain and the 1/2" for the return - plus a closed loop with the other holes. Not exactly ideal. If that were my tank, I would probably remove that overflow, plug those holes in the bottom and drill the back for a Ghost / Synergy type overflow. That, along with a Bean Animal style drain (3 drains) would give you more capacity and quieter operating overflow. Plus it would give you more real estate inside of the tank without that corner overflow. Those other two holes could be used for the return and the water change drain as mentioned above. Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable with one 1" drain on that big of a tank. Just my 2¢.

This probably the best option. Especially considering tank is acrylic, you should be able to do all the work yourself.

 

[DaveG26]

This probably the best option. Especially considering tank is acrylic, you should be able to do all the work yourself.

I’m going to see if I can fit two 1.5” bulkheads. If not I’ll do this method. I’m just not sure what I would then do with the overflow since I cant remove it.

 

[T-5unsystem]

If you're going to do that, make then both 1.5", run it as a Herbie, and you will be covered for whatever flow you want to run.

He will likely be somewhat limited by the amount of flow the teeth of the overflow can handle, its very likely that will become the limiting factor not the drain size.

Dave if you weren't aware a good way to drill a previously drilled hole is to use a piece of wood. In your case, if you cut a piece of wood roughly the size of the floor in the overflow box you can then use a standard hole saw to drill into the wood, this will keep your holesaw from running all over since you don't have material for the guide drill bit to go through.

Also be sure to leave enough room between the holes for the flanges of a 1.5" bulkhead. You will likely need 2" between and 1" all around each hole. The box looks pretty tight to make that fit.

 

[dugthefish]

I’m going to see if I can fit two 1.5” bulkheads. If not I’ll do this method. I’m just not sure what I would then do with the overflow since I cant remove it.

Not familiar with acrylic, but if it were glass and the overflow was siliconed in, you would be able to just cut the caulk and remove it.