Stockman Standpipe versus Dorso Standpipe

[Razor]

I'm looking into building a standpipe for my 155 bowfront and wanted to know if anyone had a prference towards the stockman design versus the dorso design?

A little info: the tank is a standard 155 bowfront with two overflow boxes. Both boxes have plenty of room for either design of standpipe, so space is not a concern. I would prefer to keep the water level in the boxes as low as possible.

Thanks.

 

[liquid]

Both work well.

Shane

 

[Expos Forever]

I would prefer to keep the water level in the boxes as low as possible.

Any particular reason? Keeping the level high in your overflows will help quiet them down (water doesn't fall far) and allows them to become mini-refugiums.

IMO the Durso is easier to assemble (less tools required).

 

[Anonymous]

From what I can remember both work well. The stockman will take up less space in the overflow, but it is a bit more work to put together. The purpose of either is to keep the level high to stop the waterfall souns and quite the intake to stop the slirp. I use the dursu and keep my water about 1 inch below the bottom of the teeth. I have partially filled my overflow with rubble so it does make for a nice mini fuge. I have enough pods to keep my mandarin happy.

 

[Razor]

The overflows on my tank are designed to minimize the waterfall. They're designed with a lip which forces the water to flow down the walls of the box rather then jet out and crash like a waterfall. Therefore, the waterfall effect is not a concern just the slurping sound. I'm running a mud system, so there should be plenty of pods etc. in the sump without needing additional refugs. Just wondering which design (stockman or dorso) works better and requires less maintenance and cleaning.

 

[NewMan]

sorry for my limited knowledge...what is a 'stockman' design? :wink:

is this 'stockman' design?

 

[Anonymous]

Yes it is. It requires a bit more work than a Durso. You have to simply make a cut in PVC, or drill a few more holes. Otherwise, they are identical in use and are utilizing the same exact principle.

FWIW, the air silencer on top of the standpipe in the diagram isn't absolutely necessary. It will run pretty much just as silently with a simple 3/16" hole.

 

[Anonymous]

From what I can remember both work well. The stockman will take up less space in the overflow, but it is a bit more work to put together. The purpose of either is to keep the level high to stop the waterfall souns and quite the intake to stop the slirp. I use the dursu and keep my water about 1 inch below the bottom of the teeth. I have partially filled my overflow with rubble so it does make for a nice mini fuge. I have enough pods to keep my mandarin happy.

I've thought about adding some sand or rubble also but I am afraid that if I have a problem, it will be difficult to fix with the sand in the way. How much sand do you have in there? Any pics?

Thanks!

Ace

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry ace I did not get a pic of that. I do not have a measurable amount of sand. Just what gets washed over when I am doning other things. What I have is a mix of live rock rubble, coral skelitons and broken oyster shells.

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry ace I did not get a pic of that. I do not have a measurable amount of sand. Just what gets washed over when I am doning other things. What I have is a mix of live rock rubble, coral skelitons and broken oyster shells.

No problem, Wazz. I kind of like the idea. Anyone using this space like this?

 

[Razor]

Does anyone know if one design is more likely to get clogged versus the other (Dorso versus Stockman)?

 

[Anonymous]

As long as the holes or slots in the stockman design are larger then they run about the same changes on clogging.

 

[Anonymous]

I have this irrational fear that a Valonia bubble is going to grow in the middle of the pipe and I won't realize it until I have a carpet soaked in saltwater.

 

[Razor]

I think that the flow in the pipe is too great for a bubble to grow inside of it. Plus, if it were to "grow" you would notice a decline of flow prior to a complete stoppage and therefore a flood.

My concern would be a snail or something of similar size being sucked in and instantly clogging the pipe.

 

[Anonymous]

I have this irrational fear that a Valonia bubble is going to grow in the middle of the pipe and I won't realize it until I have a carpet soaked in saltwater.

I would think it would be dark in the middle of the standpipe, too dark for valonia.

Although for a minute there I was curing you for giving me an new irrational tank fear.

 

[Anonymous]

To the best of my knowledge no algae will grow in the dark. A more appropriate worry would be a big turbo snail deciding to go exploring the stand pipe and get stuck.

 

[Anonymous]

I think that the flow in the pipe is too great for a bubble to grow inside of it. Plus, if it were to "grow" you would notice a decline of flow prior to a complete stoppage and therefore a flood.

My concern would be a snail or something of similar size being sucked in and instantly clogging the pipe.

That's why it's an irrational fear.

 

[reefland]

Does anyone know if one design is more likely to get clogged versus the other (Dorso versus Stockman)?

Ahem.. That's "Durso" :wink:

 

[reefland]

I have this irrational fear that a Valonia bubble is going to grow in the middle of the pipe and I won't realize it until I have a carpet soaked in saltwater.

The fear should not be that it grows in the pipe. The PVC pipe is likely thick enough to prevent it. The risk is just that it grows in the overflow chamber -- which is exposed to the lighting above it.

I had it happen twice. The other standpipe was able to handle the increased flow. Neither time did the tank overflow but the center glass was under water. That was with an Iwaki MD70RLT return pump.

You could build something to strain the water. But to me that means items that would normally pass to the sump will now start to plug the strainer -- of which puts you at higher risk.

As part of my weekly maintenance I just inspected the overflow for valonia bubbles and removed them.

 

[Razor]

Pardon me reefland, I stand corrected.

Looks like the expert has decided to add his knowledge to the group, welcome.

Could you solve the problem you mentioned by shielding the overflow from light? For example, placing a piece of plexiglass or some other type of material above the overflow and painting it to prevent light penetration. This would prevent light from entering the overflow, but would also not hinder the flow of water.