Overflow drains design... how often can they get blocked?

[lost_at_sea]

Hey All - so i'm in the final design phases of my 90g about to get it drilled w/ Overflow etc.

I was all set to run a fairly simple Dorso overflow in the back Center of my tank until I read an amazing article, I think hookup posted it (http://www.beananimal.com/projects/silent-and-fail-safe-aquarium-overflow-system.aspx) with a coast to coast failsafe w/ 3 drains.

That design is absolutely amazing and makes 100% perfect sense to prevent ANY type of flooding.

Now I realize the benefits of a C2C overflow but I think it maybe overkill for my system, however the 'failsafe' is very reassuring and had me thinking.

Now the question is how often can a 1.5' drain get blocked by something in the tank?  Can't we just install an egg crate over the overflow to stop anything 'that big' from getting into the piping?

I'd love to implement that design but it'll cost a fair bit more and I think it might be overkill for my needs.... however murphy's law says i'll make another post on this thread in 1yr talking about my massive flood.

thoughts?

Thanks!

Brad

[sniggir]

yes the initial cost may be a little more but... the extra 150 -200 versus the damages to your house are not even close 3 holes is overkill but 2 with a cost 2 cost is a great idea the benifits far out way the neg.

just my 2 cents

and the cost of the c2c is neglagable as well if you try and do it your self, and install the overflow.

if you would like some info on drilling tanks I am more than happy to give out advice, and I am sure that there are lots that can help you with the proper way to install your overflow

[Hookup]

It's impossible to say how often this happens... People do not always post on-line when this kind of stuff happens, for many reaons, as welll, some people are just born on a bed of 4 leafed colvers...

I have a 1 hole design on my current tank... I sleep soundly.

In the new system I'll have 3 holes as per that article...  I'll sleep soundly.

2 holes vs 3 is a long and ponitless debate...  the 3rd hole / line is a backup...  Clearly extra, but some people (my self included) love redundancy redundancy.

It's hard to give any useful advise.  If you never flood, then $200 is wasted... if you flood and didn't spend the $200, you'll think that it would have been a bargin.  So your question is perfect, but impossible to answer.  All I, or anyone I think, could do is quote horror stories to scare you...

The more "maintenance" you do, the more likely you'll find problems before they happen... but you simply cannot avoid a large snail walking into your return pipe and restricting the flow... 

- this is probably the most useless post i've made today, but the day is young...

[lost_at_sea]

HAHA thanks no it was probably exactly what I was expecting / hoping to read.

I'm also am a huge supporter of the Redundancy Department of Redundancy

I think for this plan I'll move forward with the central overflow and 1 drain, but as you said... any future build that I primarily DIY i'll implement this 3 pipe method.

Wouldn't it make sense, or perhaps this is common practice to place Egg Crate or something similar to prevent anything larger then a dime getting into the Overflow box and potentially blocking the drain?  I hate to say it but I'd rather sacrifice a few snails and potentially a jumping fish to avoid a 100% blocked pipe > flood at 2am.

All I can also say is I've learned so much off this (and a few others) sites in the last few months while planning this so thanks to all.

Looking forward to getting the tank in the next few weeks and applying some of this 'knowledge' into real life pain and suffering   Will definitely document and start a thread on here when it all starts.

[salvini55]

Just put a screen over it like you said "egg crate". End of worries 

[Hookup]

I do not think you'll have problems, just keep a monthly eye on the algae buildup or anything that could clog it up and you'll be avoiding 90% of the possible issues...   I also have a screen (of sorts) that protects my down-flow pipe on my current setup, i think it's the common solution/recommendation...