How to setup this overflow??

[Pola0502ds]

Setting up a overflow question:

I purchased a 80 gallon rimless in mint condition but the previous owner set it up with the overflow you see in the pictures. The 2 bulkheads are 1 1/2". How would you plumb this and set up the drain? I was thinking bean animal with obviously 1 less drain and have 1 as a siphon and 1 as a emergency. What do you guys think? Then, my trigger systems sump has inputs drilled already for 1" drains. Any issue using 1" instead of 1 1/2"?

For the life of me i cant figure out what to do with the overflow box. I dont like that its smooth, i need something to keep fish out. Any ideas? With the bean animal there are elbows inside the overflow box so im trying to find screens that are 1 1/2" in diameter. Any ideas?

 

[Smo]

A drain system using a full syphon and an emergency is called a Herbie. Google it to research. You'll need an elbow to angle up vertically for the emergency drain. Do not use a strainer on it. You can find short strainers at BRS for the full syphon. This could be angled down if there is sufficient depth or you might just be able to come straight in if you have enough water depth over it so it doesn't suck air.
On the way down to the sump reduce to 1 inch line. You could also use reducers on both sides of the overflow bulkheads. You will get plenty of flow thru a 1 inch full syphon on your 80 gallon tank. I would target no more than 450-600 gallons per hour thru the sump. Generate the majority of flow with a couple of power heads in the DT.
A straight overflow is actually very good at skimming the surface water. You will need to do something to keep live stock from going over the edge. You could fashion a cover out of heavy but flexible mesh available at many hobby stores. I believe it is made of nylon.

 

[Pola0502ds]

Thank you.

Im thinking im going to get some black arcylic, 1/8" thick and make a weir and glue it to the glass. Thats one idea. I also thought if what you recommended.

By they way, i cant find 1 1/2" screens at BRS?

 

[Smo]

Just be careful not to create too much of a restriction on your overflow and think about what happens if it should get partially blocked.
1 1/2" bulkhead strainer SKU: 209096 at BRS.