Any one use the "Herbie" overflow method?

[j_chicago]

Anyone here use the Herbie overflow method from RC on their tank? Planning on drilling the tank next weekend or so and need to figure out how to plumb it before hand.

Its a 65g tank. I'm using a Mag-drive 9.5 return pump, One inch PVC return line which will be T'ed to two 1/2" inch into the tank. Between the height and elbows I figure it will be between 600-700 gph after head loss.

I'm not sure if a 1" drain will be big enough or I should go with a 1 1/2", so any advice on that? Also not sure how to build a overflow box, was planning on cutting a 6" PVC in half and silconing that to the back wall, but Home Depot doesn't carry PVC over 4" and don't think that will be big enough to fit to drain pipes and the fittings.

As usually, Thanks in advance,
Jason

 

[Amphiprion]

I have been using that method for close to 10 years. I find it funny that things that have been around suddenly end up with names after someone publicizes it. I wasn't the first to use it, either. Anyway, it works well and eliminates a standpipe. Also, if you are directly feeding a skimmer, it is the best way to get all the flow you need without air bubbles. Beyond that, it is absolutely silent and very tunable. A 1" drain is plenty. As far as the overflow box is concerned, why not just get a sheet of glass cut and notched and silicone it? The same could be said with a box-shaped piece of acrylic.

 

[j_chicago]

Thanks for the reply Amphiprion,

Yeah, guess the "Herbie" method is just a generic name for it due to the internet, and the size of RC, allowed for that name to become generic. But that's neither here nor there.

I'm not direct feeding a skimmer, as of now, the drain pipe will be split between the skimmer department and the refug areas of the sump, with the return pump being in the center section.

After reading more last night, I think I'll be using a quartered piece of PVC as a coast-to-coast overflow, with one bulkhead with a downward facing PVC elbow and a second bulkhead with an upward facing elbow as an emergency drain. Like the other user at RC "BeanAnimal" posted about only with out the third Durso standpipe. I kinda figure why have 2 fail-safes. The third pipe, I think, will just add more tuning issues and more piping with very little benefit (I say that now, but after I flood my apartment, and my landlord's, downstairs, I'll be singing a different song).

Anymore feedback?

 

[j_chicago]

So no one but amp has any experience?