Herbie method for a 40 gal?

[djryan2000]

I want to install an overflow with the herbie method in my 40 gal but an associate at my LFS said a tank so small probably can’t handle being drilled twice. Do you guys agree? He recommended the Eclipse S overflow box that they sell. I’m concerned about something like a snail clogging it and the tank overflowing.


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[ThRoewer]

I have a number of 40B with eshops' overflow boxes and they work quite well. Though if I would start over I would probably rather go with the medium than the small. But I'm generating all flow in those tanks with the return pump since it's an anemone/anemonefish system I don't want powerhead pumps in those tanks.

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[mcgyvr]

They would be wrong...
Ive drilled a 40g for a bean drain (3 holes) without issue..

[djryan2000]

Originally Posted by ThRoewer

I have a number of 40B with eshops' overflow boxes and they work quite well. Though if I would start over I would probably rather go with the medium than the small. But I'm generating all flow in those tanks with the return pump since it's an anemone/anemonefish system I don't want powerhead pumps in those tanks.

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Thank you. Could you link me to the one you use?


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[ThRoewer]

Originally Posted by djryan2000

Thank you. Could you link me to the one you use?


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http://www.eshopps.com/products/over...xes/eclipse-s/

[djryan2000]

Originally Posted by ThRoewer

http://www.eshopps.com/products/over...xes/eclipse-s/

Whoops. I didn’t reas your message correctly. That’s the one I have - I bought it from my LFS. My concern is the drain from the tank getting clogged and then the tank spilling over with water - do you think I could put one on each side to combat this? Maybe put one a little higher to have something similar to herbie?


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[ThRoewer]

I don't think it is likely that the tank side gets suddenly clogged. Any snail small enough to go into the tank side of the overflow is also small enough to pass through all of the pipes. If you want to be on the safe side put a cover on the tank side box.
You could also go with the large box that has 2 pass-throughs and 3 drains.

[gonpostal]

I drilled 3 holes in my 40 breeder for a herbie overflow, it was the first time I ever drilled a tank (if that makes a difference). It looks like you've already bought an overflow, but if you're thinking about drilling it in the future it can absolutely be done.

[djryan2000]

Originally Posted by ThRoewer

I don't think it is likely that the tank side gets suddenly clogged. Any snail small enough to go into the tank side of the overflow is also small enough to pass through all of the pipes. If you want to be on the safe side put a cover on the tank side box.
You could also go with the large box that has 2 pass-throughs and 3 drains.

That’s a good idea. How loud is the overflow? The tank will be in my bedroom and I’m also concerned about noise level.


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[djryan2000]

Originally Posted by gonpostal

I drilled 3 holes in my 40 breeder for a herbie overflow, it was the first time I ever drilled a tank (if that makes a difference). It looks like you've already bought an overflow, but if you're thinking about drilling it in the future it can absolutely be done.

What overflow box did you purchase? I’m willing to buy another one and sell the current one if it offers peace of mind and is much quieter.


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[gonpostal]

I ordered this one. I made it work but if I had to do it over I would get one that was a little bigger. At 8.25" wide, the one in the link was JUST wide enough to fit 3 holes for .75" bulkheads, but it's only 1.75" deep, which made it hard to fit elbows inside (had to grind them down a LOT). If you're going to put elbows inside, I'd recommend something a little deeper (maybe 2.5-3"), and a little wider so you have some wiggle room.

[djryan2000]

Originally Posted by gonpostal

I ordered this one. I made it work but if I had to do it over I would get one that was a little bigger. At 8.25" wide, the one in the link was JUST wide enough to fit 3 holes for .75" bulkheads, but it's only 1.75" deep, which made it hard to fit elbows inside (had to grind them down a LOT). If you're going to put elbows inside, I'd recommend something a little deeper (maybe 2.5-3"), and a little wider so you have some wiggle room.

Thank you! Do you know of any articles or videos that are particularly useful for drilling or plumbing? I’m not even sure why elbows would be used so I need some help


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[gonpostal]

Here's a pretty good video on how to drill a tank. Just keep it wet, take your time and don't put a lot pressure on the drill and you'll be fine. This is how I have mine plumbed (the Bean Animal), IMO you really only need a valve on the main siphon (the one on the left in the video) and not the other 2. This is the Herbie method which uses 2 drains instead of 3.

[djryan2000]

Originally Posted by gonpostal

Here's a pretty good video on how to drill a tank. Just keep it wet, take your time and don't put a lot pressure on the drill and you'll be fine. This is how I have mine plumbed (the Bean Animal), IMO you really only need a valve on the main siphon (the one on the left in the video) and not the other 2. This is the Herbie method which uses 2 drains instead of 3.

Thank you!!


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[on the spot]

Originally Posted by djryan2000

I’m concerned about something like a snail clogging it and the tank overflowing.

As others have said this is unlikely. A virtual zero possibility.

But lets say it happens. A divided sump under the stand would have a very small reservoir in the return section. This would run dry long before overflowing the tank.

You can calculate the volume it would take to flood the tank from the airspace between the top of the tank and the water surface while the tank is running. subtract the volume of the return section, and you have the maximum volume of your top off container and still not flood.

HTH

[djryan2000]

Originally Posted by on the spot

As others have said this is unlikely. A virtual zero possibility.



But lets say it happens. A divided sump under the stand would have a very small reservoir in the return section. This would run dry long before overflowing the tank.



You can calculate the volume it would take to flood the tank from the airspace between the top of the tank and the water surface while the tank is running. subtract the volume of the return section, and you have the maximum volume of your top off container and still not flood.



HTH

Thank you! I didn’t know that. Is the purpose of the herbie method just to reduce sound? I see people on YouTube saying it’s safer In case a drain is clogged and quieter - is this overhyped too?


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[on the spot]

A siphon drain is very quiet, yes.

It also offers a backup plan over the standard single drain most new tanks come with. Over hyped might not be the thing - compared to Kia commercials.

It's just better than a single drain.

HTH

[djryan2000]

Originally Posted by on the spot

A siphon drain is very quiet, yes.



It also offers a backup plan over the standard single drain most new tanks come with. Over hyped might not be the thing - compared to Kia commercials.



It's just better than a single drain.



HTH

Got it. Thank you for your help!


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