$15 PVC Overflow

[tiburone9162003]

 

[beex215]

the original idea was not the one i built but when i saw a pvc overflow years ago i knew i would build one. it only took about 2 years for me to actually do it though. i wish i have done it sooner. i dont think im ever gonna buy filters anymore. im just going to get water pumps.

 

[TheFishMan65]

Do you have a link to the original discussion? I really don't think that will work well (for the reasons mentioned above) and would like to read the original design thread.

 

[Rhodes19]

Ok, a couple of questions before I try this over the weekend. Can both sides of the overflow (left and right) use the same measurements (lengths of pvc) or do they need to be different lengths as indicated in the original diagram. Ie, A=5", and N=7.75"?

PLANS W/SIZES

The next question is, does lowering the cross sections where P and Q connect make the system flow better/faster or should I keep it at its original design level? Thanks for any input.

 

[RocketEngineer]

I built one with both arms the same length. The original design interlaced the arms which is why they are different lengths.

Lowering the cross would help with flow as it causes the water to have more momentum going through the siphon. Just make B, F, I and M the same level and that the cross is above these by 1-2" (socket to socket distance should be enough) so you don't risk loosing siphon.

RocketEngineer

 

[Rhodes19]

I built one with both arms the same length. The original design interlaced the arms which is why they are different lengths.

Lowering the cross would help with flow as it causes the water to have more momentum going through the siphon. Just make B, F, I and M the same level and that the cross is above these by 1-2" (socket to socket distance should be enough) so you don't risk loosing siphon.

RocketEngineer

Hi RocketEngineer,

Thanks, I appreciate the info. That makes a lot more sense and easier to build. I'm going to work on it this weekend and see if I can get it up and running by Sunday (want to paint it).

 

[othercents]

Can you make this self priming if you placed the hose on the end of the check valve into the return pipe from the sump? Something simular to the Mame overflow from Japan.

I'm thinking about placing 2" of the check valve hose into the return pipe. This should cause the water flow from the pump to pull the air out of the PVC pip consistently. See attached picture (sorry for the crudeness of the picture).

David

 

[Rhodes19]

Ok, its taken me longer to make this than I thought. I've had to work on it as time allowed. I'm hoping to finish it this weekend (we'll see ) This is what I have so far. I think I got carried away with the painting though.

Oh, which way do the check valves go? Arrow up or arrow down

 

[1st timer]

Rhodes just blow through it...air will only go in one way. I have just tested my 1 sided version, i used 3/4" and for the down I used 1 1/4" , it won't keep up with a rio 800 running through 5 ft of flex hose.
My T is about 8" below level of my interior u tube. I don't know what gives this pump only good for 211GPH...
By the way i haven't installed check valve yet either, just siphoned til water came out of my open upright. On the upside it did restart after 10 minutes of sitting, just slower than molasses.

 

[woer5]

omg

 

[Rhodes19]

Rhodes just blow through it...air will only go in one way. I have just tested my 1 sided version, i used 3/4" and for the down I used 1 1/4" , it won't keep up with a rio 800 running through 5 ft of flex hose.
My T is about 8" below level of my interior u tube. I don't know what gives this pump only good for 211GPH...
By the way i haven't installed check valve yet either, just siphoned til water came out of my open upright. On the upside it did restart after 10 minutes of sitting, just slower than molasses.

Ops, I'm sorry. I missed your post. I got the valve figured out but had a hard time with them so I replaced them with a screw valve and that worked. It worked ok and restarted several times after I turned the power off but it was close. There was a lot of noise in the sump so I think the pump was to much for it. The last time I turned it off and then back on, I did get a flood (small on). Its back in the garage for now. When I get time, I'll play with it again.

 

[Mikeeeee]

Think I will give this a shot!

 

[JesterGrin_1]

Some Great Information in this thread.

I thought I would bring it back up to see if there are any updates or newer designs?

I am thinking of doing this for my tank and have a MAG 9.5 for a return. Any thoughts of a design and plumbing size to accomplish this?

Thank You.

 

[JesterGrin_1]

WOW I guess the PVC Over Flow went the way of the Doe Doe Bird.

 

[TheFishMan65]

I think the big issue is not enough length for good surface skimming.

 

[JesterGrin_1]

Double Post.

 

[JesterGrin_1]

Will Two 1" PVC Over Flows work well with a Mag 9.5 Return Pump? This will be for my little 6 foot 125 gallon tank.

Oh and I decided to build two separate 1" PVC Over Flows instead of joining them into one drain line. I just figure if you are going to have two so you have an extra in case one clogs how can it help to have both going to the same drain if it clogs.

 

[JesterGrin_1]

BUMP Please for information?

As in is the 1" enough or should I go with 1.5"


Thank You

 

[JesterGrin_1]

Ok I give lol.

I am heading back to exchange the 1" PVC for 1.5" PVC.

 

[TheFishMan65]

IMHO you won't have enough surface skimming. With a 1.5 inch diameter pipe you have less than 5 inches of length for surface skimming.