Standpipe vs. Overflow

[Mac1]

Wrapping up my new tank design. Overflow holes will be in the back glass. Trying to decide between using 90-elbows and making standpipes, or creating some overflow boxes to glue onto the glass.
Pro's? Con's? Opinion's?
Thanks.

- Mac

 

[ChrisRD]

I wasn't sure how to vote (so I didn't) because I did both.

Scroll down in this thread to see a pic of what I did with my 50.

 

[Garry thomas]

Overflows ( weir's) a lot quieter than stand pipes. plus with an overflow you can utilise some form of mechanical filtration, floss ect
GT s wales

 

[ReefLion]

One advantage to a box overflow is more surface skimming, which is good for several reasons.

A second advantage is that you can build a quiet standpipe and not see all the plumbing.

I'm assuming you're talking about an internal overflow as opposed to a siphon.

Tim

 

[SPC]

My 180 is similar to Wolfman's design. My overflow boxes are full size (like a normal reef ready) but the tank is drilled at the top back. As already pointed out, boxes are going to give you better skimming.
Steve

 

[LFS42]

This is one of those do as I say, not as I do situations.
I like box overflows, but have all standpipes.

 

[Ken2001]

For those of you that use internal overflows, do you have internal standpipes within the overflow (durso, etc)? Curious, since I'm in the design stage of my 150, which I'll be having drilled soon. For those that don't use standpipes within the internal overflow, how bad is the noise?

Best regards,

Ken

PS - Mac, I hope you don't mind me plugging my question into your thread...

 

[King Jason]

For those of you that use internal overflows, do you have internal standpipes within the overflow (durso, etc)?

Most defiantly, a durso on both of mine.

 

[teeljay]

nothing come close to a durso, I have them on both overflows and could not be happier!

 

[ChrisRD]

Mac:

I went with the setup I did because it was the only way I could think of to get surface skimming and a silent overflow (modified version of Rich Durso's Standpipe) with a bulkhead through the back glass (bottom is tempered). I had the tank drilled near the top because I wanted to limit the amount of space the internal box would take up (small enough tank as it is!! :wink: ). Personally, I don't particularly like the pre-drilled setups and I'll probably do this again on my next (larger) tank. I've recently added a lid to keep the snails out...

 

[ReefLion]

I also use a modified Durso standpipe design within an internal box.

Tim

 

[Mac1]

I wasn't sure how to vote (so I didn't) because I did both.

Scroll down in this thread to see a pic of what I did with my 50.

Damn, I think I know what I want to do now! Those are all the same reason's, I don't want a standard reef-ready. I'm a little worried about the flow, I plan to move 3000gph through 4 of these puppy's. It should be 1.5" plumbing however, so I'm hopeful that it can handle it.

- Mac

 

[ChrisRD]

Damn, I think I know what I want to do now! Those are all the same reason's, I don't want a standard reef-ready. I'm a little worried about the flow, I plan to move 3000gph through 4 of these puppy's. It should be 1.5" plumbing however, so I'm hopeful that it can handle it.

I have about 400-500 GPH going through a 1" with no problems. I'd say the 1.5" would have about double the capacity (possibly more), so you should be fine (3000 GPH / 4 = 750 GPH each).

 

[Garry thomas]

Hello mac ill give you a bit of insight, my tank measures 11ft i have 2x box corner overflows (weirs in britain ) 9inchs x 9inchs in the tank, with the 50mm holes in the double base( 2x15mm) i have 3 pumps refreshing the tank from the sump! they are
1x ocean runner @ 6500ltr's hr
2x Eheim 1060's @ 2280 ltr's hr
Giving me a total turnover of of 11,060 a hr but losing a bit with the head height, and the overflows are totally quiet. a friend of mine has standpipes and he and myself find them noisy..... GURGLE..GURGLE. hope i'v helped?

 

[Mac1]

Thanks Garry. You've got the "Dusro" style standpipes? Or traditional Overflow boxes?

Hey Wolfman, dunno if I asked you this Before, but where in Upstate?

- Mac

 

[ChrisRD]

Hey Wolfman, dunno if I asked you this Before, but where in Upstate?

Sent you a PM Mac...