Thoughts on overflow idea

[booth2010]

So I was given a 30gal tank and I plan on upgrading from my 10gal to it. I want to drill it but cant decide what would be better. I was originally going to go with a 1" overflow

and use 1" pvc obviously but now im thinking maybe it would be better to use 2 1/2" and have them meet at a 1" pvc before entering the sump. I though of this in case 1 clogs the other would still be good but idk im new to sump, drilled tanks, and saltwater tanks all together. Also I wasn't sure if i wanted to go with 1 return or 2. Its only a 500 (and change) gph return pump and it would be going up 3ish feet so maybe 2 would make a return pressure problem but not sure. Thanks for any and all advice!

 

[booth2010]

Bulkhead Overflow Strainers - Bulk Reef Supply is what the picture was supposed to be

 

[Mufasa31]

I used this kit Aquarium overflow box 700gph on the 30 cube. I also used their return.

I was very happy with the overflow and return.

If you do decide to go with 2 overflows, I would probably run them both to the sump rather than combining them prior to the sump. If you combine them you still may get a clog that could lead to a disaster.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Mufasa31]

Link is to glass-holes.com

 

[lemonyx]

You could do this as well, starting at the 9th pix to the 15th. I made the overflow box and black back and he did the plumbing.

And as Mufasa31 mentioned stick with 2 pipes and terminate them in the sump, I'd go with 3/4" about 600-700 gph flow, but it's the return that will determine the flow of the tank.

 

[gtbarsi]

You could do this as well, starting at the 9th pix to the 15th. I made the overflow box and black back and he did the plumbing.

And as Mufasa31 mentioned stick with 2 pipes and terminate them in the sump, I'd go with 3/4" about 600-700 gph flow, but it's the return that will determine the flow of the tank.

+1 for the cost to cost best overflow box style that exists!
+1 for the animal overflow method it is super safe with multiple layers of protection, it is 100% stable, it is VERY quiet.

I have never heard anyone begin to suggest that they wished that they did something different with that combination.

 

[booth2010]

You could do this as well, starting at the 9th pix to the 15th. I made the overflow box and black back and he did the plumbing.

And as Mufasa31 mentioned stick with 2 pipes and terminate them in the sump, I'd go with 3/4" about 600-700 gph flow, but it's the return that will determine the flow of the tank.

I would love to be able to do something like that but my skills are not that advanced yet so its still basic stuff for me at the moment. It looks easy enough to do (I pick up on just about anything I do very fast) but a little complicated at the same time. Maybe if I ever turn my 75 cichlid into a saltwater ill try that.

 

[gtbarsi]

If the glass is not tempered this is not that hard to do at all. Drilling glass sounds really scary but once you have done it once you will realize it is not. If you do not know for sure if the bottom is tempered don't drill it. You are much better off drilling a back or side, as they are less likely to be tempered glass.

Here is the a link to the original designer of this overflow type BeanAnimal's Bar and Grill - Silent and Fail-Safe Overflow System it is very informative. If doing this type of overflow is just too much for you to consider then I suggest the glass-holes overflow. Watch there videos they are funny and do a good job at showing how simple drilling a tank is. you might even be able to get them to build you a 3 drain cost to cost kit, it would be more expensive than a complete DIY, but if after reading you want to go that way you could consider it.

As to the return, 2 is nice as it allows you to spread your return over a wider area, but you can do the same with one large one and some lock-line and a Y fitting. Personally I like the idea of two returns with a small internal footprint, possibly just a nozzle, or one lock-line knuckle and then the nozzle.