Dual Overflow Plumbing Help Needed

reelgatorfan · Nov 8, 2018

I have a 125g with dual corner overflows currently plumbed with Dursos. It’s been in operation for about 4 years. I want to upgrade to Herbie or Bean. My issue is that the tank is slightly off level. My left overflow is slightly higher and thus slower draining than the right overflow which is the lower side. I was thinking of two options:
1. Two separate Herbies with a Siphon and E- Drain in both corners and return over the back.
2. Siphon and E-drain in right (lower) corner and E-drain and Return in left corner.
I would regulate siphons with gate valve and would have unions on all drains for maintenance. My return pump is a Vectra L1. Which option do you guys think would be the best to go with? Any other ideas? I am upgrading my sump and mainly want to achieve silence with the full siphon. I really appreciate your help and advice.

SeaJay · Nov 8, 2018

I think most people are going to stay quiet because they want to suggest that you level the tank, but obviously you're trying to avoid that.

My tank has corner overflows and it came with two extenders that allow you to raise the level of the vents in the overflow to control the water level in the tank and also help keep the critters out of the overflows. Seems like adding something along those lines to the low side to raise the level of the overflow to match the other side would be the simplest solution.

geddavis · Nov 8, 2018

If you want silence the siphoned would work but if it stops the whole tank sump would be pumped into your floor. I would recommend to pvc over flows drilled into the tank. You can have one or two that are your main over flow that you can adjust with a ball valve to make sure they are always submerged. You can than have one more drilled pipe that is higher than the others and will work as a emergency overflow Incase the other one(s) get cloged or if you don’t adjust the ball valve right. This is what I have on my 50g and it works well once adjusted right. And it is reliable with the emergency flow saving me a few times from disaster. The siphone would work but it might cause you trouble in the long run. Anyways just a suggestion.

reelgatorfan · Nov 8, 2018

SeaJay said:
I think most people are going to stay quiet because they want to suggest that you level the tank, but obviously you're trying to avoid that.

My tank has corner overflows and it came with two extenders that allow you to raise the level of the vents in the overflow to control the water level in the tank and also help keep the critters out of the overflows. Seems like adding something along those lines to the low side to raise the level of the overflow to match the other side would be the simplest solution.

You’re right, I’m not able to level at this point. The tank was perfectly level before I added water. My best guess is that my wood floor settled with the weight. It’s real slight probably 1/16 of an inch off but I do notice it. Never thought of increasing the vent of the low corner but that will work great. Thanks for the response.

SeaJay · Nov 8, 2018

reelgatorfan said:
You’re right, I’m not able to level at this point. The tank was perfectly level before I added water. My best guess is that my wood floor settled with the weight. It’s real slight probably 1/16 of an inch off but I do notice it. Never thought of increasing the vent of the low corner but that will work great. Thanks for the response.

Cool. Yeah, mine came with a pair. They match the overflows so you would barely even see them and they just attach to the existing vents with a couple of thumb nuts.

I built an I-beam and framed a closet in the basement under my stand before I put it in place because I never wanted to have to deal with sagging or settling or god forbid, a cracked tank. It was most certainly overkill, but I sleep better at night. I do have a closet in a weird spot in my basement now though. When I finish the basement, I'm going to turn it into a media center.