Internal overflow placement and drain/return size question

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I always put my overfows to the sump on one end of the tank, and pump returns on the opposite end. And in the sump, the pump opposite from where water from the tank enters, to provide enough contact time with media in between, heaters and such.
My cichlids have mostly been riverine, and I try to replicate that kind of linear flow type environment.
And although I try to have the drain pipes 1.5" (or there about), my returns from the sump are usually 1/2" or 3/4". I like the way the constriction adds pressure creating lots of turbulence, and will sometimes add venturi tubes to the returns for even more agitation.
Having the overflows on one end also make easy access for maintenance.
Here's an example of flow entering the tank on one end.

and the way the flow effects the entire tank, the overfows are on the right.

Here is another example of a 100 gal with venturi tube with flow entering one end, overflow opposite.

When using the tubes one must always be vigilant to keep any debris from plugging the aperture. I always keep an old coat hanger behind the tank, to regularly ream out the tube.
 
Thx duanes. That was what i was kind of thinking with putting the over flows in the corners (2)

Im going to end up with the return pipes coming back out of the overflows (herbie)
 
Correct me I have not used coast to coast skimmers but you cannot push the tank right to the wall because your pipes are coming off the back now. I have a 40" long trapezoid overflow centered on the back wall of my tank 2-2" drains and 2-1" returns. Not sure what size hole for the bulkheads though
 
Coast-to-coast means you can do Beanimal! And that's elite.
 
:) Beanimal, man. Look into that. :)
 
Been reading up on the coast to coast bean animal. Sounds like the herbie method with an added safety feature in the channel pipe.
 
Yep. But the beanimal never needs adjusting. The third pipe does that for you automatically. I love automatic. :)
 
jsodwi said:
Correct me I have not used coast to coast skimmers but you cannot push the tank right to the wall because your pipes are coming off the back now. I have a 40" long trapezoid overflow centered on the back wall of my tank 2-2" drains and 2-1" returns. Not sure what size hole for the bulkheads though
Click to expand...

The coast-to-coast (ctc) merely serves to "channel" tank surface water into the (internal) overflow. Having a ctc does not dictate needing to having any plumbing on the back of your tank. The drain pipes (and potentially returns) can come through the actual overflow(s) if you drill the tank. My suggestion for ctc was with the assumption it would be custom, so drilling for internal overflows would likely be a possibility.

Also, I don't think the ctc dictates whether you can or cannot have a BeanAnimal or Herbie. As long as you have the room for the plumbing (in the overflow), either is possible. For me, the best option was to have an internal overflow on one end. I could have gone with either, but ended going with Herbie since it provided a bit more room for still have 3 stand pipes, plus the return plumbing going up through the overflow. I have somewhat of a hybrid as I have Herbie, but a third, completely dry stand-by as well - hence 3 standpipes.
 
I'd say in one year, I probably adjust my gate valve about 6 times max. But that's just me being OCD, and not because it's noisy from draining or not functioning...LOL
 
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