Reef tank plumbing ?

[crseahorse]

I've just purchased a typical reef ready 120 gallon with dual over flow boxes that has dual pipes in each box . One pipe is the return the other is a drain . I've read that many people don't like this stock set up and go with something safer and quieter . But how ? Any diagrams available ? Thanks for your guys help .

 

[Va_Reef]

Id google the herbie method, I think that is what you're thinking of.

 

[justingraham]

http://gmacreef.com/herbie-overflow-reef-tank-plumbing-method-basics/

 

[Reefnewb]

I have a 180g marineland with the dual overflows with 4 holes. I use 2 as full siphon drains one emergency (herbie style), and one hole as a return. Both the full siphons connect to each other to go into my sump. Then the emergency goes into the second port on my sump.

 

[crseahorse]

Thanks reefnewb !
That's what i was thinking of trying . Is the full siphon just straight pipes with a filter on the end or are they bent like a durso style ? Do you use valves on the two full siphon drains to adjust flow/air flow ? Is it quite ?

 

[Reefnewb]

Yup both the full siphion and the emergency are straight pipes. The full siphion has a valve on it to restrict the flow to quiet it down... since the two full sipions are connected I just use one valve. My one full siphion are 3/4 then they connect into a 1.5" spears gate valve using a T and reducers.

 

[Reefnewb]

Oh forgot to answer your last message... it is the quietest overflow iv ever had. You have to play with the water height in the overflow box by adjusting the valve but once that's dialed in it is DEAD silent! So silent that the loudest thing on my tank is the air intake on my reef octopus skimmer! I'm truly amazed.

 

[crseahorse]

Thanks a lot ! I'm going to try it this week !

 

[Reefnewb]

Thanks a lot ! I'm going to try it this week !

No problem! If you have any more questions let me know!

 

[chaoha]

Another choice would be the Bean Animal. My 75 came with a Herbie and I'm happy with it. I've heard that the Bean Animal is as quiet but better overflow protection. You can google that as well