Hi all. I recently was gifted an acrylic aquarium that I'm hoping to set up as a reef tank. The aquarium has dual overflows (one in each corner), but inside each of the overflows there is only one single hole at the bottom of the tank w/ a 2" diameter. I'm used to seeing two holes inside each overflow. Why is there only a single hole in each overflow? Also there is an additional hole (hole #3) on the bottom of the tank located in the middle of the tank towards the back wall. This third hole is currently plugged, but there is no overflow/box hiding it so its just kind of in the middle of the tank. Does anyone have any clue on how this tank is supposed to be plumbed?
New Tank - Confused on plumbing
- Thread starter Brenn4423
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First, #WelcometoR2R!!! We're glad you're here!
It sounds like the tank may have originally designed for some type of closed loop system and then the tank was modified for use with a sump (consider to be a more traditional open loop system). One way to plumb the drains in the current configuration is to take a Herbie overflow approach. Usually the two drains are next to each other, but the concept still works with one pipe on one side and the other pipe on the other.
Here is a link to an article with graphics that explains more about a Herbie overflow:
blog.marinedepot.com
Good luck and let us know if you have more questions!
It sounds like the tank may have originally designed for some type of closed loop system and then the tank was modified for use with a sump (consider to be a more traditional open loop system). One way to plumb the drains in the current configuration is to take a Herbie overflow approach. Usually the two drains are next to each other, but the concept still works with one pipe on one side and the other pipe on the other.
Here is a link to an article with graphics that explains more about a Herbie overflow:
Overflow Boxes and Drain Styles - Durso, Herbie, and Bean Animal
Decide which of the three most common types of drains and overflow boxes is right for you and your tank.
blog.marinedepot.com
Good luck and let us know if you have more questions!
Silent
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They could have used the 2 overflow as drains. 1 for each side of the tank and the middle hole used for the return. The return being in the middle of the tank probably had a "Y" on it so water would be pushed from the middle to the sides.
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