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01/16/2019, 10:52 AM | #1 |
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drain lines, a complete summary
I'd like to see a reasonably comprehensive reference source for the different drain lines/systems typically used in the hobby, along with the pros and cons of them, and how/where they are typically used. I think it could be helpful for someone looking to troubleshoot an existing drain setup, improve/overhaul an existing system, or someone looking at their options for a new system.
I couldn't find anything like this, but thought it might be helpful to get some of this information all in 1 place. It has the potential to pretty substantial, so I expect (hope) that it will grow and evolve, kinda like a wikipedia page, as people add their own experiences, hacks, etc. I'll start with the little bit that I know, but since I'm looking to learn more than contribute, I'll leave most of it to the experts. Siphon drain line
Open Channel drain line
OK, I turn it over to all of you... please run with it. If most of this is seen as common knowledge across the hobby, then just let this thread disappear down through the pages.
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Jackson - All advice I give is based on my first hand experience. YMMV. Current Tank Info: 38g (mostly LPS) with a 20g sump/fuge and all the other standard goodies |
01/16/2019, 10:53 AM | #2 |
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One of the things I'd like to see come from this thread is how people have addressed/solved some of the cons with these...
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Jackson - All advice I give is based on my first hand experience. YMMV. Current Tank Info: 38g (mostly LPS) with a 20g sump/fuge and all the other standard goodies |
01/16/2019, 12:44 PM | #3 |
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To avoid the waterfall effect in an overflow box I placed a piece of thin ABS with a reverse bend (backwards away from the teeth), in the shape of the box supported by the back ends leaving about 1/8 -1/4" space @ the bottom so the water flows against the box.
You have to fiddle some to make it right but it does work.
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250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps. |
01/16/2019, 01:35 PM | #4 | |
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Quote:
Plan properly and you maintain the potential for "silence"
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01/16/2019, 02:08 PM | #5 |
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That brings up a good point... There are 3 primary sources of noise in a drain system. Some are more common with certain systems/drain lines, some are not.
(1) water flowing into the overflow box (through bulkheads, over weirs, etc) (2) water entering the drain pipe(s), most commonly a slurping or gurgling sound (3) water exiting the drain pipe/entering the sump, usually splashing All 3 are largely preventable/fixable.
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Jackson - All advice I give is based on my first hand experience. YMMV. Current Tank Info: 38g (mostly LPS) with a 20g sump/fuge and all the other standard goodies |
01/16/2019, 02:12 PM | #6 |
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And that segues into a question I have regarding a problem I'm currently battling.
What's the best way to deal with splashing and bubbles coming from an open drain line as water enters my sump? It's my primary drain, so reducing flow wouldn't be my first choice. Since "best" can be relative, let me rephrase... what are some ways to reduce/minimize the splashing of water as it enters my sump from an open (water/air mix) drain line? I've seen drummereefs bubble killer... but are there other solutions? http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...postcount=1351
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Jackson - All advice I give is based on my first hand experience. YMMV. Current Tank Info: 38g (mostly LPS) with a 20g sump/fuge and all the other standard goodies |
01/16/2019, 02:17 PM | #7 | |
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Quote:
I did see someone recently recommend putting a tee fitting horizontally on the drain line right at the water level in the sump as a means to letting the bubbles escape and help with the splashing.
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Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers |
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