Herbie Question?

[untamed]

That was such fun that I designed another one. This is one that could be done with a single "through the bottom" bulkhead overflow drain. It is a bit wild, but I do think it would work and be safe.


(Mind you...if something blocks your only bulkhead, you've got a problem whether you've done this mod or not!)

Untamed Mod II:

[Chin_Lee]

MOD II would work quite well and in fact it will be almost identical to a toilet being flushed. The siphon would be quite strong once the flow starts to go over. If you don't put a strainer on your bulkhead, i can't see too many things that can block up a bulkhead other than a plastic bag or BIG fish.

Originally Posted by untamed

That was such fun that I designed another one. This is one that could be done with a single "through the bottom" bulkhead overflow drain. It is a bit wild, but I do think it would work and be safe.


(Mind you...if something blocks your only bulkhead, you've got a problem whether you've done this mod or not!)

Untamed Mod II:

[Phanman]

Nice work untamed. I think ill be doing this mod 2 on my build thats coming up in the next month or 2.

[Todd]

I think that this mod is limited in its ability to quiet things down because:

In order to have the 'back up' drain work, the top of it would have to be lower then the high water level in the skimmer box - in order for it to flow as water level rose. Meaning that you would have to have your water level in your overflow box lower then normal. Thus alot of the benefit to having a quiet drain would be removed because you would have a louder overflow.

[untamed]

Originally Posted by Todd

I think that this mod is limited in its ability to quiet things down because:

In order to have the 'back up' drain work, the top of it would have to be lower then the high water level in the skimmer box - in order for it to flow as water level rose. Meaning that you would have to have your water level in your overflow box lower then normal. Thus alot of the benefit to having a quiet drain would be removed because you would have a louder overflow.

That's true. If the water falls very far in your overflow box, it can make noise. Also, if the water falls too far, it can push air bubbles into your primary drain, which also causes noise. However, if you tune the Herbie to it's optimum, you would have the overflow box water level right at the emergency level. In fact, if some water trickled down the emergency that would be nearly perfect.

That would have the water line much higher than I've drawn it. Some testing would be required to get the emergency overflow at exactly the best height.

[Phanman]

so is this more like what your thinking untamed?

[albert_dao]

That mod is asking for it. Snails will block bulkhead drains left, right and center.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Phanman

so is this more like what your thinking untamed?

That looks like it will work. I agree with Albert - But I think that could be overcome by a huge strainer valve. Really no Different from using only one drain and one return.

I think that this has potential to be a really good alternative for those wanting the performance of a herbie, but only have one hole drilled and have the ability to run plumbing up the back / side of the tank. However it would be very finicky and an inferior design to a herbie for a new build.