Air in overflow.

This is probably something that other people have done but I figgured I'd share it anyway.
I have the hang on overflow that is all acrylic and doesn't have the U tubes. Well, every day I would have a little air trapped in the Wier or syphon protion of the overflow and would have to suck on the little tube to get the air out. Yesterday I put a 5 foot piece of air line on the little nipple and started a syphon all the way thru it, then put the other end down in my sump. It trickles a small amount of water out and it pulls any air out of the overflow that may get in there.
Hope this helps someone.

 

Be careful with that setup. In a power outage, that airline siphon you setup will continue to run and suck all the water from the weir and the overflow box that site inside your tank - eventually breaking your siphon.

Then when the power returns, your return pump will kick on - and your tank will overflow.

Your better off using an aqualifter pump - which will also shut off in the event of a power failure.

Z

 

I knew there was a reason that this was to easy to be a good fix.
I was looking at the aqua lifter then I thought about hooking it to the air siphon from a powerhead but it didn't have enough pull to suck the air out of the wier.

Karma to you for setting me straight!

 

No problem.

For what's it's worth - I've used the air venturi on a MJ 1200 to maintain the siphon for 2 U tubes on my 2 overflows. It works - but I eventually switched to an aqua lifter instead (more reliable).

Z

 

I guess the powerhead I had didn't have enough pull. I think it is a 200 or so GPM. I'll start looking for a aqua lifter. Thanks again!

 

Definitely use an Aqualifter, it really helps. I have one on my CPR overflow and have never had a problem with broken siphons. Don't forget to put the prefilter inline with the Aqualifter though. If the pump gets clogged, you will be in the same bind as if it weren't even there. I had a close call once, before using the prefilter.
Tom Aquatics Aqua Lifter?Dosing Pump, Accessories > Overflow Box > Saltwater Aquarium Supplies