Where to drill holes?

bix · 05/15/2010, 03:59 PM

I ordered a 1500gph overflow and return kit from glass-holes.com and am just considering my options.

I'm going to be putting the overflow in the middle top of the back of the tank. The thing I am not sure of is where I should drill my return(s)?

I was originally thinking 1 return, but then realized I could probably get better flow if I split the line coming from the pump and having 2 returns.

So now I'm thinking 2 returns, one in each back corner, about 1" down from the water line. I'm just wondering what people on here would recommend and have done in the past.

If I put the returns too far down the tank, and my pump fails, does the pump have something built in that would block the water from coming back down the line? Or would all of the water that is above the return lines come back into my sump?

Thanks!!

Shard · 05/15/2010, 07:00 PM

All of the water above the returns will return to your sump. It will drain. Make sure you get this.

I would recommend putting the returns at your water line, and then using loc-line to direct the flow a little bit lower.

Also remember, the return loc-line should be drilled to stop it from siphoning back down to the sump also.

ReefRatForums · 05/15/2010, 07:11 PM

If you want to place your returns lower in your tank you can put a check valve on the line but people say they are not always dependable but i have my returns at the bottom of my tank witha check valve and every time the power cuts it holds just fine. David saxbys tank has the returns on the bottom thats how i got the idea.

muttley000 · 05/15/2010, 07:13 PM

Don't trust a check valve, and make sure you are at least the diameter of the hole you are drilling away from the edge.

Shard · 05/15/2010, 07:13 PM

I would not trust check valves either. I just tend to have a more conservative/cautious approach to setup. Its a reason why I never use siphon overflows... possibilities of flooding

bix · 05/15/2010, 08:25 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys!

I'm still trying to figure out the return kit to be honest, a little embarassing but I don't really get how the pieces fit together, particularily the loc-line.

I like the idea of having it at the water line and pointing it down.

EDIT: After googling loc-line it all makes sense now. Sometimes the most obvious things are the hardest for me to get??

Thanks again everyone!!!!!!!!

05/15/2010, 03:59 PM	#1
bix Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 88	Where to drill holes? I ordered a 1500gph overflow and return kit from glass-holes.com and am just considering my options. I'm going to be putting the overflow in the middle top of the back of the tank. The thing I am not sure of is where I should drill my return(s)? I was originally thinking 1 return, but then realized I could probably get better flow if I split the line coming from the pump and having 2 returns. So now I'm thinking 2 returns, one in each back corner, about 1" down from the water line. I'm just wondering what people on here would recommend and have done in the past. If I put the returns too far down the tank, and my pump fails, does the pump have something built in that would block the water from coming back down the line? Or would all of the water that is above the return lines come back into my sump? Thanks!!

05/15/2010, 07:00 PM	#2
Shard Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Valdosta, GA Posts: 624	All of the water above the returns will return to your sump. It will drain. Make sure you get this. I would recommend putting the returns at your water line, and then using loc-line to direct the flow a little bit lower. Also remember, the return loc-line should be drilled to stop it from siphoning back down to the sump also. __________________ University: Biology M.S. - 2012, M.D. 2015 Tanks: (2) 28g Nanocube 150w MH HQI - 18w Actinic CF 29g Blue Spotted Jawfish Tank

05/15/2010, 07:13 PM	#5
Shard Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Valdosta, GA Posts: 624	I would not trust check valves either. I just tend to have a more conservative/cautious approach to setup. Its a reason why I never use siphon overflows... possibilities of flooding __________________ University: Biology M.S. - 2012, M.D. 2015 Tanks: (2) 28g Nanocube 150w MH HQI - 18w Actinic CF 29g Blue Spotted Jawfish Tank

05/15/2010, 08:25 PM	#6
bix Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 88	Thanks for the feedback guys! I'm still trying to figure out the return kit to be honest, a little embarassing but I don't really get how the pieces fit together, particularily the loc-line. I like the idea of having it at the water line and pointing it down. EDIT: After googling loc-line it all makes sense now. Sometimes the most obvious things are the hardest for me to get?? Thanks again everyone!!!!!!!! Last edited by bix; 05/15/2010 at 08:31 PM.

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05/15/2010, 07:11 PM	#3
ReefRatForums Moved On Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7	If you want to place your returns lower in your tank you can put a check valve on the line but people say they are not always dependable but i have my returns at the bottom of my tank witha check valve and every time the power cuts it holds just fine. David saxbys tank has the returns on the bottom thats how i got the idea.

05/15/2010, 07:13 PM	#4
muttley000 MTS Sufferer! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 1,926	Don't trust a check valve, and make sure you are at least the diameter of the hole you are drilling away from the edge.