diy pvc overflow

I did mine as a hook with a t that had pipes each direction with end caps. The pipes had slots cut in them I got great flow but, I was constantly pranking with it to keep them balanced. I used a cresant wrench to be able to barely tweek the cut off valve. I would get it set to where they stayed the same then come home 3 days later and tank had over flowed. Thats when i spent that 60 bucks lots easier than the aggravation of cleaning carpet.

 

I just built a DIY PVC overflow. Mine is two 3/4" overflows feeding a 1" downpipe. I'm getting 700GPH.

My sig has a link to my build thread with more pics.

Pics:

 

maybe it isnt worth taking the risk of diy

 

I made this really easy. It's not that hard at all, I would just spend the money on the replacement U-tube from a standard overflow. If I remember correct this cost under 20$
http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/acrylic-diy-overflow-102067.html

 

This thread has been moved to the DIY Forum

 

It depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

If you are just trying to save money, it's usually cheaper to buy something pre-made, although it doesn't seem that way upfront. If you don't have the tools or if it's the first time trying to DIY something, the costs add up a lot quicker.

I spent a little more with my PVC overflow than a pre-made, but I also have other things I want to incorporate into my build later on that make the DIY cheaper in the long run.

Also, if you enjoy projects, DIY is more fun! It may be worth the bit of extra cost to learn something new.

 

If you just jump into it with out looking into what your doing I agree, but if I can make a overflow for way cheaper than buying one anyone can. It's not hard to brake acrylic. While the scraping tool in nice, you can use a knife from around the house, so you don't really need to buy any tools at all, just the acrylic and the acrylic weld. I can build just about any over flow I want for around 30$. I'm pretty happy any time I pay 1/2 price.

 

Why not go with a simple gravity fed overflow? Just a bulkhead and an overflow box is all you really need. No need to worry about losing siphons or adjust flow rate (maybe just the return) but it is really simple.

I haven't dared go with a siphon overflow since I don't want to risk losing power and the siphon continues to flood the sump, or lose of siphon to overflow the display, then resulting in a flood.

 

Here is my version of a super cheap overflow. No siphon to break, snails can't get stuck in it, fish can't jump in it. Cut a slot down the middle of a piece of PVC, glue on an end cap and Krylon it black. I don't glue it into the bulkhead, it's just pushed in, in case I need to widen the slot slightly for flow. This one is on the growout tank. It's not super quiet, but it is super cheap.

 

If the siphon breaks when the power goes out, or overflows the sump, it is not designed properly.