Buying Glass Holes kit tonight, have a question first. Need help

91mini · 03/25/2012, 06:48 PM

I am about to purchase an 1500GPH overflow kit and a 3/4 return kit from Glass Holes. I am not going to be purchasing the pump right now because I want to get these holes drilled and then move on to the fuge, skimmer, and pump sometime within the next month.

What size (GPH) pump would you recommend. The plumbing for this pump will be split to (2) 3/4" return lines that will run to the left and right of the overflow box. I am worried because the 3/4" returns are recommended for 1140gph.

Will purchasing a 1500 GPH overflow box and a return pump rated for under 1200GPH matter?

91mini · 03/25/2012, 06:58 PM

Also it's asking me if I want an Ell instead of a street ell. What is the difference?

kriv4o · 03/25/2012, 06:59 PM

I have their 700 GPH overflow and two 3/4 returns. My return pump is mag7 which after the head loss and teeming off to feed my GFO and GAC reactors is pushing nowhere near 700 GPH.
I believe that the rule of thumb is that your return should push less than the overflow can handle.

synrg · 03/25/2012, 07:01 PM

I'm having Miracles build me a tank and I'm using this exact overflow. Not sure the size of your tank, but mine is 100g and I will be using an Eheim 1262 as my return pump. Mine will also be split to two 3/4" returns so I should have about 350gph running through each return and about 700gph running through the glass holes 1500gph overflow. The 1500gph is the maximum that glass holes recommends. You should be fine with anything less, but not more. Actually many people prefer to be on the conservative side and have an overflow that can handle twice the flow that they are running through it in case a snail or something else obstructs one of the drains. I recommend you get there lid for it too to help prevent any unwanted critters making their way into the overflow and sump and also it will help block light and reduce unwanted algae. Hope this all makes sense.

91mini · 03/25/2012, 07:02 PM

Sorry. 100 gallon tank

synrg · 03/25/2012, 07:07 PM

If I remember correctly you have an option to get standard length threads or longer threads on your elbow bulkhead. If your glass is 3/4" then you need the longer. If not then the shorter is fine.

91mini · 03/25/2012, 07:13 PM

Thanks. That helps a lot.

I have made my purchase. Can't wait to get the tank drilled. I've watched tons of videos and read a lot of articles and believe that my glass is not tempered and will give this a try.

synrg · 03/25/2012, 07:24 PM

When positioning the overflow and figuring out your desired water level, keep in mind that with your pump on assuming you will be running about 750gph through it, your water level will rise about half way (5/8") up the teeth.

91mini · 03/25/2012, 08:22 PM

Thanks for the advice. I will probably have more questions when the kit arrives. I am researching everything 20 times before moving forward with every piece of equipment. I want this to be done right. I think that's the only reason my nano has survived for 1 year so far. So many doubters too.

Loving the hobby though. 1 year and I still stare at my nano every night.

Triton_Z · 03/25/2012, 08:30 PM

I use the Gl*******s 1500gph box with a Mag 12 on my 80 gallon and works well. I use a 1 inch single return, but if you are placing the overflow box in the center, you could run one 1" return and then split and reduce to 3/4 as you get closer to the top of the tank.

I have found the Danner Mag Drive pumps to be reliable and easy to maintain. The existing one on the 80 gallon is very old and keeps going strong. Check out Dr Fosters and Smith for pricing.

03/25/2012, 06:48 PM	#1
91mini Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 278	Buying Glass Holes kit tonight, have a question first. Need help I am about to purchase an 1500GPH overflow kit and a 3/4 return kit from Glass Holes. I am not going to be purchasing the pump right now because I want to get these holes drilled and then move on to the fuge, skimmer, and pump sometime within the next month. What size (GPH) pump would you recommend. The plumbing for this pump will be split to (2) 3/4" return lines that will run to the left and right of the overflow box. I am worried because the 3/4" returns are recommended for 1140gph. Will purchasing a 1500 GPH overflow box and a return pump rated for under 1200GPH matter?

03/25/2012, 06:59 PM	#3
kriv4o Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Ocean Pines, MD Posts: 509	I have their 700 GPH overflow and two 3/4 returns. My return pump is mag7 which after the head loss and teeming off to feed my GFO and GAC reactors is pushing nowhere near 700 GPH. I believe that the rule of thumb is that your return should push less than the overflow can handle. __________________ 40b DT, with a 20l DIY sump 10g clam lagoon plumbed together with^ 10g stand alone NANO, JBJ 24g NanoCube rescue project

03/25/2012, 08:30 PM	#10
Triton_Z Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 376	I use the Gl*******s 1500gph box with a Mag 12 on my 80 gallon and works well. I use a 1 inch single return, but if you are placing the overflow box in the center, you could run one 1" return and then split and reduce to 3/4 as you get closer to the top of the tank. I have found the Danner Mag Drive pumps to be reliable and easy to maintain. The existing one on the 80 gallon is very old and keeps going strong. Check out Dr Fosters and Smith for pricing. __________________ Dan

03/25/2012, 06:58 PM	#2
91mini Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 278	Also it's asking me if I want an Ell instead of a street ell. What is the difference?

03/25/2012, 07:01 PM	#4
synrg Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 80	I'm having Miracles build me a tank and I'm using this exact overflow. Not sure the size of your tank, but mine is 100g and I will be using an Eheim 1262 as my return pump. Mine will also be split to two 3/4" returns so I should have about 350gph running through each return and about 700gph running through the glass holes 1500gph overflow. The 1500gph is the maximum that glass holes recommends. You should be fine with anything less, but not more. Actually many people prefer to be on the conservative side and have an overflow that can handle twice the flow that they are running through it in case a snail or something else obstructs one of the drains. I recommend you get there lid for it too to help prevent any unwanted critters making their way into the overflow and sump and also it will help block light and reduce unwanted algae. Hope this all makes sense.

03/25/2012, 07:02 PM	#5
91mini Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 278	Sorry. 100 gallon tank

03/25/2012, 07:07 PM	#6
synrg Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 80	If I remember correctly you have an option to get standard length threads or longer threads on your elbow bulkhead. If your glass is 3/4" then you need the longer. If not then the shorter is fine.

03/25/2012, 07:13 PM	#7
91mini Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 278	Thanks. That helps a lot. I have made my purchase. Can't wait to get the tank drilled. I've watched tons of videos and read a lot of articles and believe that my glass is not tempered and will give this a try.

03/25/2012, 07:24 PM	#8
synrg Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 80	When positioning the overflow and figuring out your desired water level, keep in mind that with your pump on assuming you will be running about 750gph through it, your water level will rise about half way (5/8") up the teeth.

03/25/2012, 08:22 PM	#9
91mini Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 278	Thanks for the advice. I will probably have more questions when the kit arrives. I am researching everything 20 times before moving forward with every piece of equipment. I want this to be done right. I think that's the only reason my nano has survived for 1 year so far. So many doubters too. Loving the hobby though. 1 year and I still stare at my nano every night.