$15 PVC Overflow

[sfsuphysics]

Becareful with those standard flow rate charts, you sure that's not the maximum flow? I had an overflow box that was hooked to 1" pvc, my pump pushed about 700gph into the tank the single overflow could not keep up.

Out of curiosity though, isn't the total amount of water that will go in restricted by the total area of your skimmer box (or in this case pvc pipe) which in your case is very small, 3.14inches worth of skimming area (times 2). Oh well guess if you dont have much of a return pump should work. It is interesting though.

 

[tboned]

I had an overflow box that was hooked to 1" pvc, my pump pushed about 700gph into the tank the single overflow could not keep up.

thats one reason I went with 2 pipes
I also restrict the return with a ball valve just incase
and if my center pipe won't handle the water flow you can split the + and run 2 different pipes

 

[Inflames]

Ã"šÃ‚½" ........................ 480 ................................... 8

I dont think so. Maximum flow rate of 1/2" pvc is around 350-400.

 

[Aquayne_wv]

Another simple overflow

Another simple overflow

This is the basic layout. This one is of 3/4" pvc. Notice how long the arm are. these help increase flow using the siphon. You can make them any size. I make one of 1 1/4" for a larger application.
These make great overflows surface extractor when you cannot drill. I used these for a pet store central system where the tanks were established and drilling was too risky

DEMOVID

 

[Aquayne_wv]

Another view of the DEMOVID overflow

Another view of the DEMOVID overflow

 

[Aquayne_wv]

Here it is on a 10 galllon

Here it is on a 10 galllon

Here it is on a 10 gallon tank. The hose insert on the end is 3/4" and a length of Corrigated circuit hose from a home health care seervice. It is the stuff used on ventilators and breathing machines

Notice how it ballances over the glass.

 

[Aquayne_wv]

More of the overflow

More of the overflow

This is the back, when the hose is added it makes it hang better.

DEMOVID

 

[Aquayne_wv]

Another Idea

Another Idea

This is a useful modification. The overflow tube is actually a little too long in this picture but you can get the idea.

I took a tee and cut off one of the legs. So now it is an open elbowed elle. This allows for the correct functioning of the unit and adds the ability to use a sponge as a prefilter. The open top is in case the sponge gets clogged and water level rises too high. The added tube is drilled for a sponge to fit over it and allow water flow. It is great for fry tanks or Seahorse tanks.

Demovid@hotmail.com

 

[Aquayne_wv]

The one thing that is missing is the anti siphon valve that is inserted in a drilled hole on top. This allows me to suck out the air bubbles that collect there. You can also run an airline from the valve to a power head so that the suction continuously pulls air bubbles out. These are very stable.

These things look great painted black. I break the gloss with pvc primer then spray with vinyl spray found in auto parts stores. Just let it cure for several days. The last one I did took a week before the smell went away. Inverts grow on it with no problem.

DEMOVID@HOTMAIL.COM

 

[tboned]

here is a link to the flow rates I used when helping a friend with his pond and fountian

Flow Rates

 

[Inflames]

Keep in mind thats for "flexible pvc".

 

[Steel_Phoenix]

I like that design a lot. Much more practical than my first attempt. I ended up taking mine apart because it was too loud. How loud is this one?

 

[werew]

Tboned,
Great thread, thanks!

Hey Aquawayne,
What size PVC would you use to get 400-500gph... what kind of setup? Setup meaning dual overflow intake pipes to one main or a single?

I like the dual overflow pipes for the following reasons:
1. Extra mounting stability (for those with curious affectionate cats that just HAVE to rub up against anything and everything).
2. Placement of intake pipes on left and right of the tank could help rid dead spots in your tank.
3. If one gets clogged, you still have the other.
4. It just looks cool... It looks more technical and complex than a single by far.

Another question:
How hard is it to get both intakes running? At the "cross" section, I thought by starting one side at a time, it might lose suction/siphon if the other side isn't pulling water too?

 

[Aquayne_wv]

I have made a couple of duals, they looked like rams horms. The problem is that the two sharing the same exit compete and can back up. I make one for my father using 3/4" so that there were overflows in each corner. It would overflow out of the top of the middle stand pipe. I think it was trapped bubbles. The problems were, 1. too small central exit pipe 2. too short units in general, if they are too short the siphon that forms is too week to keep the overflow going. Make these as ling as you can. The inside unit must be same length as outside length.

For 400 gal rate I would make one out of 1 1/4 pipe. The great thing about these is they are cheap.

BTW dont cut teeth in the stand pipe. Just get a piece of gutter guard and secure it around the pipe with a rubberband. eventually the material will take on the shape wihout the band.

I taped this project and put it on dvd with 4 more if interrested email. DEMOVID@hotmail.com

 

[Rockker]

This thing works GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS tboned!!!!

Let it flow, let it flow, let it flow.

Rockker

 

[sfsuphysics]

out of curiosity is the P/G elbow higher or lower than the input A pipe? From the picture it looks as if the bottom is lower, yet the top is higher, is this essential?

 

[tboned]

mine where about the same but P & Q need to be lower

 

[tboned]

This thing works GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS tboned!!!!

Let it flow, let it flow, let it flow.

Rockker

Not a problem


glad I could see your pretty tank

 

[swissfish]

great idea

watch out those pretzels are dangerous, one of them tried to sufficate our president

 

[sfsuphysics]

mine where about the same but P & Q need to be lower

P&Q need to be lower than the input A?