Durso Drain

412Reef

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Got my first tank, sump, and everything this weekend went all out! It was predrilled and came with the plumbing kit for the return nozzle and drain. My question is on the Durso, when the tank is running how deep should it be? This is what it is currently like (tank running) and something tells me it maybe too submerged. The air hole is predrilled at the top and the water is not in or close to that. Thanks!


20260803_082219_7841A580-7728-4010-8379-91117DA0AC11.png
 
Got my first tank, sump, and everything this weekend went all out! It was predrilled and came with the plumbing kit for the return nozzle and drain. My question is on the Durso, when the tank is running how deep should it be? This is what it is currently like (tank running) and something tells me it maybe too submerged. The air hole is predrilled at the top and the water is not in or close to that. Thanks!


20260803_082219_7841A580-7728-4010-8379-91117DA0AC11.png
It looks a bit more submerged than most Durso setups. Ideally, the water level sits just below the elbow or intake so the air hole can break the siphon properly. If it's quiet and stable you're probably fine, but lowering the water level slightly can improve performance and reduce gurgling.
 
Where does the water level in the overflow sit compared to the display?

If the water is lower than the display and stable (gas exchange and surface skimming 😀), and the top air vent on the durso is exposed, you should be good to go!

Any weird noises from the pipe currently?
 
Where does the water level in the overflow sit compared to the display?

If the water is lower than the display and stable (gas exchange and surface skimming 😀), and the top air vent on the durso is exposed, you should be good to go!

Any weird noises from the pipe currently?
Thanks! The overflow sits about 1/2 inch below the display water line, and the Durso air hole stays above the water. Surface skimming looks good, and it's running quietly with no gurgling so far.
 
Thanks! The overflow sits about 1/2 inch below the display water line, and the Durso air hole stays above the water. Surface skimming looks good, and it's running quietly with no gurgling so far.
? You are responding as if you were asking the initial question, but just answered with help above as well.
 
I responded to your other post, but I'll copy/paste my reply here if it helps:

Welcome newer member!

I am going to suggest that you do not use a single 'Durso' styled drain, these can clog easily if a snail gets in there, which can cause a flood.

Better, is a two or three drain system that has an emergency drain to handle water if/when the main drain clogs.

Most predrilled tanks have a hole for a single Durso drain and a second hole for your return line. I'd use that return line hole as your emergency drain and then run your return over the rim of the tank, or drill a third hole for the return.

This article explains the difference between a single drain "durso", a two drain "Herbie", and a three drain "Bean Animal" style of overflows. Please know that these were all named for the people that developed them. Bean Animal is active here on R2R if you need help:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/cont...jabGaI45ZERFBYUX3UtvshUvGy7qibPy-w4lJlCOgKO7y

Good luck!
 
Where does the water level in the overflow sit compared to the display?

If the water is lower than the display and stable (gas exchange and surface skimming 😀), and the top air vent on the durso is exposed, you should be good to go!

Any weird noises from the pipe currently?
It’s currently about a quarter to a half inch below the display tank. If I shut the return pump off and drain some water from the side return where the drain is, should the standing water sit just below the spout for the Durso?
20260803_121525_F9221B54-7361-41AC-90E1-173251F38223.png
 

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