Plumbing Question

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I'm planning my plumbing out and want to make sure I'm doing this correctly. I have the Eshopps Eclipse L which has 3 drains. (1 main, 1.. safety? 1 emergency). So my plan in Gate valve on main return and maybe ball valves on the other two? (need your opinions on this). For the return, I'll have a T with a gate on the main return and on the other a ball valve (easy water changes).
Is this right?

I didn't buy anything yet but I'd love to know if I need a gate valve in both Return and Main drain line. They're pretty pricey :/.

Also, I understand I should use unions whenever I can!
Thank You!

 

[chefjpaul]

I've never put a valve on a drain.
I control the flow from the return via dc pump or valve.

Unless its T- off for a scrubber or something, but then only after that T.

 

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Oh makes sense. Since it can only drain so much.. so maybe just a ball in case i need to close it? For some reason. Or is that unnecessary too

 

[jsker]

I you use any valve to with a gate. The gate valves gives so much more control ;) Had ball valves and changed them out and I am much happier that I did

 

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I you use any valve to with a gate. The gate valves gives so much more control ;) Had ball valves and changed them out and I am much happier that I did

On the drains?

 

[Jimbo662]

+1 on a gate valve on your main drain. That way you can match it to the flow of your pump (unless it's over-rated for your size tank) and leave the emergency drain completely unobstructed.

 

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+1 on a gate valve on your main drain. That way you can match it to the flow of your pump (unless it's over-rated for your size tank) and leave the emergency drain completely unobstructed.

My overflow is way overkill for my tank. Eclipse L is rated for 100-150 but im using it on a 40b. Does that mean I don't need a valve on any of the drains?

 

[Jimbo662]

Yes, you'll want to dial the drain in otherwise it'll suck too much water in and cause loud draining noises. You'd want to adjust the valve so that the same amount of water that's going into the tank is going down the drain.

 

[a6walter1]

Ideally you would plumb the drains as follows: Drain 1's standpipe is the lowest of the drain pipes and will have a valve between the drain and the sump to create a full siphon. The second drain will have a standpipe that is slightly taller than the first (at least a couple of inches so you dont get drain 1 sucking air) and it will set the water level in your overflow box and should have a slight trickle of water going down it (slight trickle will be set using the valve on the main drain). The third is the "emergency" drain, so if the first two fail, the water can still drain. The third standpipe should be higher than both of the others.

 

[Jimbo662]

Here's a pic of mine.

 

[Jimbo662]

I also use the herbie drain method. To me it's the easiest to set up and completely silent.

 

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Ah. Got it.. so gate valve for return and main drain to control the entire circulation flow. Ok Thank You

 

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Could you take a picture of your overflow please? Not 100% on how to set up the other 2. I was thinking of doing bean method?

 

[Jimbo662]

I would only put a valve on the return if the pump is going to be pushing too much water. Here's I pick from google for the herbie.

 

[a6walter1]

The above picture is great! The third drain would sit above that water line, acting as the emergency drain.

Yes, valve on return and drain is perfect. That way you can control flow on return and set drain to have full siphon.

This method of plumbing is called "Herbie" and it runs completely silent.

 

[jsker]

On the drains?

I just have one and that is on the overflow down by the sump

 

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So if I got this right, main drain is tuned to have just enough drain that the 2nd drains with air flowing through. And 3rd is just emergency.

 

[blank]

I think I get it! Thank You Everyone for the awesome help!

 

[a6walter1]

Yep, you are totally correct! The second drain should have just a trickle of water.

 

[john.m.cole3]

When you have a gate valve on the main drain/full siphon, then a partial siphon on the 2nd w/ the internal pipe set higher than the full siphon in the ovrflow, and a emergency that is set higher than that in the box and it drains above water level in the sump, it is called a Bean Animal style overflow and the best and safest you can do for your tank. You are on track my friend!