Thoughts on my plumbing plans for new 180g

[AquaVaj]

Probably should have asked this before I ordered all the parts but thought I'll ask before I start cutting and gluing. The tank has a center overflow with 3 holes drilled. 1 for a 1.5" bulkhead and 2 for 3/4" bulkheads. There are also a hole on each corner of the back eurobrace for 3/4" bulkheads. Sounds like a bean animal setup would be ideal (1.5" main, 3/4" e-drains and eurobraced 3/4" for returns but I didn't want pvc visible since it'll be open top. So I'm going dual drains (full siphon) with the 2 3/4" and the return through the 1.5". I know the 2 drains doesn't really qualify as having an emergency drain but I figured having 2 is better than 1.

What do you guys think?

 

[BeanMachine]

My thought would be that something could easily get stuck in a 3/4" drain. Why not use one of the 3/4" holes for the return? Are you planning to drill the overflow for the return outlets or are they going up and over the weir?

 

[Goober]

Sounds like you already have separate returns setup. I would use the 1.5 drain with a gate valve and the 3/4 for secondary and 3rd for emergency.

 

[AquaVaj]

My thought would be that something could easily get stuck in a 3/4" drain. Why not use one of the 3/4" holes for the return? Are you planning to drill the overflow for the return outlets or are they going up and over the weir?

I think the manufacturer intended the drain to be on the 1.5" and the return on the 2x 3/4" or through the eurobrace holes if preferred. There's already 3/4" holes cut out in the overflow for the loclines. This way would mean only a single drain but second thought it might be ok since it's 1.5" and would take quite a bit to clog something that big.

 

[AquaVaj]

Sounds like you already have separate returns setup. I would use the 1.5 drain with a gate valve and the 3/4 for secondary and 3rd for emergency.

That would be the ideal setup but the tank is going to be open top so I don't want pvc visible going over the top of the tank into the holes in the eurobrace.

 

[pirate2876]

Why not just run it as it was intended? I'm not sure running two 3/4 drains is any better, and with a bean drain your going to have to put pipe in those bheads which is going to reduce more flow.

The holes in the eurobrace are likely holes for powerhead cords.

 

[BeanMachine]

You could split the return line within the overflow box (with a wye) that way you only have to use one of the 3/4" bulkheads. My last tank was plumbed that way. It was a challenge to make everything fit but it should be doable. Primary drain on the 1.5 and the secondary on the other 3/4". Or just a standard durso stand pipe and use both 3/4" holes for your dual returns.