Nice Cheap DIY Overflow

does the flow start again after a power cut? seen as the part where it goes to the sump is lower than the tank water, i just thought it might just empty itself.

 

WOW what a great topic i think i'm going to make one out of 1/2 inch PVC for my 5.5g how much flow do u think i'll get??

i was also thinking if u added this to the intake part of the overflow it would stop the noise and swirling issues http://www.3reef.com/forums/attachments/i-made/6487d1172031612-diy-overflow-design-232197550.jpg

 

I built one this weekend with 3/4" PVC - Set it up on a 10g with a quietone 1200 (296gh) in a 5.5g sump / fuge.

Not sure if I primed it well enough though - The drain "surges" and bubbles like crazy (using 3/4" braided tubing) - This, in turn results in my pump darn near sucking the return overflow chamber dry.

I have 1) sucked water out the top "U" via the one way and 2) out of the vent stack as well - The system responds with a better flow, but then ends up doing the same thing again (surging/bubbling) shortly thereafter.

If it matters, the quietone has about 3.5" head (height + plumbing) - It should be able to keep up with the overflow though. I tested my system with an overflow box rated at 600gph and the pump was fine.

Suggestions?

 

I built mine out of 1 in. for a 55 and it works perfectly. Just follow the directions exactly and it will work. as for keeping up with the overflow, you have it backwards. The overflow needs to keep up with the pump.

 

So bumping it up to 1" might help?

 

I would first try: making sure air can not get in any way. make sure all of your connections are well glued and if you have a valve at te top it is really glued in. I dont know if this will help but I made my vent extra big. it extends 2 in or so past the top of all of the tubes. If you are still having trouble PM me. hope this helps! Ps what is braided tubing. Is it flexible cause that could be your problem, they (like mine) are made out of rigid PVC

 

hi KT

Everything is glued in very solid - Braided tubing is vinyl (flexible) tubing that is re-enforced internally with a cris cross "threading" - I have a few connectors and some 3/4" pipe leftover - I'll try making the drain from rigid pipe all the way down to the sump before recreating the whole thing from 1"

Thanks for your opinions!

 

Sure. Let me know if that works. I really didnt use exact measurements with mine just made to fit my tank. Good Luck!

 

It looks good so far

Well I almost got mine done...I need to change the output tube to a 1", I'm putting this on a 20L so I thought I'd try a 5/8 output (no go) I also need to install the vent for the air line I wanted to see if priming it would be really that bad without, it's going in today along with the 1"...Here's some pics.



Sorry the photos are about 400+kb to big, I'll try to fix that and repost.

Ron

 

IMO the airline check valve is very nice to have, cause it speeds things up, ! Looking forward to your pics!