can someone give me advice on setting up a herbie overflow

megs_clark · #1 08-14-2009, 06:10 PM

Hi, Thanks for all the great advice, im just trying to track down a local drill bit (trying to get around waiting for the shipping) Seems easy to find 1 1/2 inch bits and 2" bits but can not find a 1 3/4 inch that i need for a one inch bulkhead. When i track one down i will be sure to use all your advice. Thanks for all the replys! Do you think i could drill with a 1 1/2 inch bit and use a diamond coated dremel to make it fit a 1" bulkhead? Or is that to risky

hillegom · #2 08-14-2009, 08:16 PM

I would drill the proper size hole. Did you try tomas skinner?

mark · #3 08-14-2009, 09:07 PM

just a heads up, when I replaced my return pump I had to replace the bulkhead.

I ended up buying 3 different sized 1.5" bulkheads until I found one that would fit the hole.

Myka · #4 08-14-2009, 11:50 PM

BRS has drill bits for 1 3/4".

mike31154 · #5 08-15-2009, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megs_clark

Hi, Thanks for all the great advice, im just trying to track down a local drill bit (trying to get around waiting for the shipping) Seems easy to find 1 1/2 inch bits and 2" bits but can not find a 1 3/4 inch that i need for a one inch bulkhead. When i track one down i will be sure to use all your advice. Thanks for all the replys! Do you think i could drill with a 1 1/2 inch bit and use a diamond coated dremel to make it fit a 1" bulkhead? Or is that to risky

I've used a variable speed drill with a round grinding stone to smooth out and open the hole a little after drilling. It will work but I had a couple of small slips and put several minor scratches on the glass around the hole. No biggy since it's a sump I was drilling, but you're better off being patient and getting the proper size bit.

megs_clark · #6 08-15-2009, 12:43 AM

Ill wait, lol, was eagger to get a go on it this weekend, but ill hold off and order from that bulk reef suply.

megs_clark · #7 08-29-2009, 09:53 PM

Well yesterday the hole saws came, and this morning we drilled two holes on the back corner for the drain. We were going to drill two more holes for the return but it took a long time to drill the first two so we decided to stick with going over the top for the returns. Were pritty much going to go exactly as Marks diagram showes but will probably put in two returns? Havnt really decided. Right now im off to get some glass cut for the overflow, Getting more excited, thanks again for all the advice

fishytime · #8 08-15-2009, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megs_clark

And Fishytime, great tank. Im only half way through your thread and it looks amazing!

Thanks for comp Megs....you can drill the hole small and then use the edge of the bit to "ream" hole bigger(I had to do that once....not fun but it works)...

Quote:

Originally Posted by untamed

Just a couple of additional thoughts regarding this diagram...

1) The primary drain line (the one with the ball/gate valve) is shown in this diagram to have a tall standpipe up inside the overflow box. That pipe isn't necessary. In fact, I don't think it is a good idea. Optimally, the water level in the overflow box operates at some point which is ABOVE the primary drain, yet BELOW the emergency drain. In this diagram these two drains are very close in height, providing little room to operate.

Further, if there isn't enough water depth directly above the primary drain, then it tends to form a vortex and suck air down...which defeats the entire purpose of the design.

There is a happy medium there....some people just screw a strainer fitting into the bulkhead.....I wouldnt recommend that either....you need to be able to reach it,to unscrew it, to clean it every once in a while....I have mine a little over half way up the overflow box.