dual overflows

[slant77]

For those with dual overflows do you tie in the drain lines before they enter the sump or do you run them separate into the sump?

[AquaticFins]

I don't find that it makes much of a difference, so long as the pipe you tie them together into is large enough to handle the flow without causing restriction.

Some people do run a portion of their drain flow to an external skimmer first; but that can be done either way.

Whichever is more convenient in the particular application...if you've got enough room, I don't find that it matters much.

[sucker_fish]

I have never ran dual overflows but I would think that it would be best to have them run seperate into the sump, I know that some of the sumps have 2 filter socks on them for running 2 seperate overflows. If you tied them in together you would essentially be restricted to the size pipe they are tied into. for instance two 1" overflows tied into a 1" pipe would still only give you a 1" overflow. Again im no plumber but I think this is how it would work, hopefully someone else with more knowledge about plumbing will help out.

[power boat jim]

I tied All 4 of my overflows into a single 2'' pipe. It was way easier to run 1 pipe into the basement then 4 and there is far less restriction to flow in 1 large pipe vs 4 small ones.

[slant77]

Does the water drain even. I'm looking to get even draing and some what quite.

[power boat jim]

Yes, it drains even between both overflows. I dont know what kind of set up you have but I cant think of a reason they wouldnt drain even if they are kept clean. There are a number of different ways to keep them quiet. You can look at the duraso drains or the older style foam and screen around the intake.

[skeeter_usaf]

I have two and run them seperately into socks. Works great and the flow is the same.

[jimmyj7090]

I would keep them seperate unless I had a really good reason not to. One less way to invite Mr. Murphy to rain on your reefing parade...

[zigzag1]

I would keep them separate for redundancy/fail-safe operation. Unless, you have a really good reason, like a basement setup. JMTC & GL!

[T Smith]

FWIW I ran mine seperate, along with 2 seperate returns and pumps. Just in case something happens to one you've still got some flow going on.

[aleonn]

It depends on whether you have a Durso, Herbie or other type of overflow setup. I set up a dual corner overflow tank for a friend last year, and each overflow had Durso standpipes. The left overflow drained directly into the skimmer compartment, while the right overflow was split by a "tee" into the skimmer and refugium compartments.

If you wanted to follow the Herbie setup, you'd have to plumb each main drain line together, so that you can control the drains via a ball or gate valve.

[tgb2915]

As long as you can, run them separate, that way if one clogs you still have the other to run double duty until it can be unclogged.

[bamf25]

I run mine as two separate drains, but I also run my tank as a Herbie overflow as described in the filtration section, so I want my pipes separate. In that setup one pipe is a full siphon, and the second is an emergency overflow if the primary pipe should get clogged. It is a very quiet way to set up your tank.

I see no problems with merging two pipes (or more) into one provided that you increase the single pipe in diameter to ensure full flow from both drains.

[slant77]

Thanks for the input

[Reefermandan]

I also run dual overflows (4 x 1") into a common 2" horizontal pipe behind DT which ends up in a basement sump. I am able to run a Pondmaster 4850 return wide open and not have a problem with flow.