Bulkhead sizing question (drains and returns)

[sjones]

Hi, I have a 100G tank (40x24x24) made with 1/2inch glass.
I need to cut holes for the water flow. I'd like a Herbie style overflow through bottom, and two return holes in the upper corners.

I'm not sure what size bulkheads I'm going to want for long term success of a SPS reef.

I originally was thinking of two 1" for the drains and two 3/4" for the returns, but now I'm wondering if I should I be thinking bigger 1.5" for the drains and 1" for the returns?

I don't want to be cut short on flowrate now or in the future.

Any thoughts or advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[uncleof6]

Originally Posted by sjones

Hi, I have a 100G tank (40x24x24) made with 1/2inch glass.
I need to cut holes for the water flow. I'd like a Herbie style overflow through bottom, and two return holes in the upper corners.

I'm not sure what size bulkheads I'm going to want for long term success of a SPS reef.

I originally was thinking of two 1" for the drains and two 3/4" for the returns, but now I'm wondering if I should I be thinking bigger 1.5" for the drains and 1" for the returns?

I don't want to be cut short on flowrate now or in the future.

Any thoughts or advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Herbie is not quite stable. With a drill able tank, you are better off doing a "BeanAnimal" system, one more hole, and rock stable, and silent.

Assuming a flow rate (actual at the tank) of 1000 gph, 1" plumbing is all you need, however with a BeanAnimal system, you would want the open channel to be at least 1.25".

What you need for the returns, depends on the pump, but I don't like putting the returns through the back, rather over the top. Depends on exactly what you are doing with the rest though.

[sjones]

Okay BeanAnimal it is. Perhaps I should incorporate a cost-to-cost weir as well? Thanks!

[uncleof6]

Originally Posted by sjones

Okay BeanAnimal it is. Perhaps I should incorporate a cost-to-cost weir as well? Thanks!

You need ask? Certainly.

[sjones]

I really like and agree with the concept of a cost-to-cost weir, but I'd be forced to have an internal version and I heard they cause unsightly shadows at the bottom of the tank. I don't know this for sure, but that's what I heard anyway....

Can you confirm or deny?

[uncleof6]

To an extent yes, but with creative rock work (should not have rocks that close to the back of the tank anyway) the affects can be minimized. The benefit outweighs the slight distraction.

[ironman187]

How is the Herbie method unstable? It's much simpler than the Bean method, and easier to adjust.

[uncleof6]

Originally Posted by ironman187

How is the Herbie method unstable? It's much simpler than the Bean method, and easier to adjust.

We went through this a year or so ago. Pump output can vary, or flow rates can vary, from time to time. In this particular case, the pump out put was varying, and the herbie was unable to adjust to the changes, however, there are a variety of reasons, for the flow rate to change. Beans system is NOT more complex, just adds an open channel, to compensate for the variations in flow rate, and is every bit as easy to adjust. People tend to make it seem more complicated than it really is; most problems/complications with Bean's system, are it is simply not built right.

Bean's system, does not lend itself well, to dual corner overflows, though it can be done. But with a blank slate, it is the option of choice.

[ironman187]

Originally Posted by uncleof6

We went through this a year or so ago. Pump output can vary, or flow rates can vary, from time to time. In this particular case, the pump out put was varying, and the herbie was unable to adjust to the changes, however, there are a variety of reasons, for the flow rate to change. Beans system is NOT more complex, just adds an open channel, to compensate for the variations in flow rate, and is every bit as easy to adjust. People tend to make it seem more complicated than it really is; most problems/complications with Bean's system, are it is simply not built right.

Bean's system, does not lend itself well, to dual corner overflows, though it can be done. But with a blank slate, it is the option of choice.

Which is why I chose the Herbie, simple, effective, failsafe, and I don't know anybody who has had to touch it in the years they have had it running, even if they did, it's just a fraction of a turn away from perfection.

[uncleof6]

Originally Posted by ironman187

Which is why I chose the Herbie, simple, effective, failsafe, and I don't know anybody who has had to touch it in the years they have had it running, even if they did, it's just a fraction of a turn away from perfection.

However, people make the same construction errors with the herbie system as well. Or try to hybrid it, and short circuit the fail safe.

Bean's you don't have to turn a fraction, it self adjusts, and adds a second level of fail safe. Those of us that have been running these things for years, appreciate these features, as many of us have been through the failure scenarios, and headaches.

It is good that you share your success with the "herbie" system, as in some situations, I recommend it.

[ironman187]

Originally Posted by uncleof6

However, people make the same construction errors with the herbie system as well. Or try to hybrid it, and short circuit the fail safe.

Bean's you don't have to turn a fraction, it self adjusts, and adds a second level of fail safe. Those of us that have been running these things for years, appreciate these features, as many of us have been through the failure scenarios, and headaches.

It is good that you share your success with the "herbie" system, as in some situations, I recommend it.

Since it is much simpler to construct, I find that hard to believe.

Anyway, I'm not saying the Bean drain system is in any way bad, in fact it's rather ingenious, but the Herbie method is just as stable. If your pump is slowing down over time, you need to clean it. You should clean it yearly anyway, if not sooner.