Difference between 1.5" and 2" drain in overflow

[sphelps]

Durso standpipes should be one size bigger than the drain to work properly, so if you're using 1.5" pipe for the drain, your durso standpipe should be 2". This should fix your problem.

FYI many plumbing stores will sell PVC pipe by the foot.

[christyf5]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Durso standpipes should be one size bigger than the drain to work properly, so if you're using 1.5" pipe for the drain, your durso standpipe should be 2". This should fix your problem.

FYI many plumbing stores will sell PVC pipe by the foot.

Unfortunately we don't have many plumbing stores. We have Home Hardware. Home Depot doesn't sell it (they only sell the type for irrigation, tons of holes in it) and I'm not sure about Rona, they seem more like a "I need to hang a picture, do you have nails and an apartment sized hammer?" type of store, either that or we have a mini-Rona

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by christyf5

Unfortunately we don't have many plumbing stores. We have Home Hardware. Home Depot doesn't sell it (they only sell the type for irrigation, tons of holes in it) and I'm not sure about Rona, they seem more like a "I need to hang a picture, do you have nails and an apartment sized hammer?" type of store, either that or we have a mini-Rona

Well either way you should be using a 2" standpipe to match your 1.5" drain. You could always use 2" ABS which may be easier to find in your area, it also typically comes in 4 foot lengths.

[christyf5]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Well either way you should be using a 2" standpipe to match your 1.5" drain. You could always use 2" ABS which may be easier to find in your area, it also typically comes in 4 foot lengths.

Oh I always thought ABS was bad?

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by christyf5

Oh I always thought ABS was bad?

No, that's a common myth. ABS is completely potable and safe for aquariums. ABS is used in drains because it has a higher resistance to chemicals. Also most of the plastic parts already in your aquarium like pumps and magnet cleaners are made from ABS.

[christyf5]

Oh! Well thats great info!

So I'm at a bit of a loss with the photo you posted of the single herbie. Why does it have 1.25" pipe in it? Does the 1.25" pipe go all the way through, how is it affixed in the 2" pipe? And whats going on with the gate valve?

Sorry for all the questions, apparently I need more caffeine

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by christyf5

So I'm at a bit of a loss with the photo you posted of the single herbie. Why does it have 1.25" pipe in it? Does the 1.25" pipe go all the way through, how is it affixed in the 2" pipe? And whats going on with the gate valve?

The 1.25" pipe goes all the way through (it's one piece) and acts as the secondary or back up drain. It's supported inside the 2" pipe by the bushing.

The primary drain is created by the 2" pipe. Water flows in between the 2" and 1.25" pipe and then through the gate valve. The gate valve is used to match the flow rate to the return pump and adjust the water level in the overflow box to just below the top of the 1.25" pipe. It's just like a standard herbie but the back up drain is inside the primary.

Make sense?

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by christyf5

Oh I always thought ABS was bad?

Christy, we went throught this 10 years ago......

Steve

[banditpowdercoat]

Durso's will allways make some noise but ya if pipe is to small, it will make more noise.

I will never do another tank unless it's Herbie style. In fact, Combine them for 3 drains. 1 Herbie gate valved, another Durso, full open to take the excess the gate valved one doesn't and a Emergency line.

I want to change my tank now, but I can't get behind it to re-plumb my drains

[Seth81]

Originally Posted by banditpowdercoat

Durso's will allways make some noise but ya if pipe is to small, it will make more noise.

I will never do another tank unless it's Herbie style. In fact, Combine them for 3 drains. 1 Herbie gate valved, another Durso, full open to take the excess the gate valved one doesn't and a Emergency line.

I want to change my tank now, but I can't get behind it to re-plumb my drains

If you do go Herbie, just don't do what I did... see my post in DIY "Herbie design fail"