DIY Overflow

nighttimenick

Starting over
I am thinking of making an overfow like the pic for my 55gal. I am going to add a sump and do away with the hob emperor 400. I took the bio wheels off a month and a half ago, the pads out for live rock rubble. It has lowered my nitrates and thing look better. I only have 3/4in pipe will this do ok or do I need to go with 1in? I am thinking of 400 to 600 gal flow. What do you think? http://reefcentral.com/forums/member.php?action=getinfo&userid=165434
 
I'm assuming you are talking about the PVC overflow for non-drilled tanks? If you're talking about the first picture in that post, there's a lot of better ways to accomplish it.

Assuming it's the PVC overflow...other than the amount of pipe you'll have in the tank and a small overflow area for surface skimming, the basic design and principles would work. That said:

1) If you're hoping to push 400 to 600 gph through it, I think you'll definitely need 1" pipe. That's really just a guess though from the set-ups I've had.

2) Any kind of siphon based overflow makes me incredibly nervous because it seems like they will inevitably fail.

3) Most 55 gallons are tempered glass on all sides, so other than a siphon overflow your options are pretty limited.


Honestly, if you still think you'll be staying with the hobby after 10+ months, I'd just stick with your set-up the way it is and keep your eye open for a used 90 gallon. You can probably pick one up for a good price, you'll be able to get gravity-fed overflows (or can drill it and install them), and that extra 6 inches front-to-back will allow you to do things with your rock work that you just can't hope to accomplish in a 55. I started with a freshwater converted 55. The switch to a 90 was the best move I ever made in reefing.
 
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I am talking about the PVC overflow. I know the other (middle of the tank) would not do what I want and I dont think it would be any good . I have no desire to drill my 55. I just want to get more flow through more live rock! It looks like it is doing a good job with a little rubble. Ya know the old saying (the bigger the better). I am also thinking of doing the foam thing around it to make it look like a rock. I have these thing already not being used. This away I can kill two birds with one stone. ( Honey Do clean up list) !!! I do want to go bigger when I can find a deal ( I can afford )
 
Rick, I like the overflow idea there. and I agree with Brian, move up to 90 at the 1st chance you get. BUT!....in the mean time, this would be a neat learning experience for your whole family. I would do it just to prove to myself that I "could" :)
Good Luck!

Norman
 
I suppose personally I do not like the astectic apeal of the PVC in the tank. It also looks to take quite a bit of room as well.

One thing I do really like with the more store bought designs are the surface skimming ( surface film ) actions of the buckets. Also you are always bound to have the dare devil fish that like to play near the intake/overflow and with just a hole there for the drain if a fish gets in there it is a goner where with the bucket design if they get in the bucket they have a chance to get back out.

This would also be a concern with snails pluging up the pvc and bringing the flood on your floor.

Although yes you are saving money with doing the PVC overflow ( what maybe $20 cost ) , compared to the cost of a single or dual over flow box , Just the saftey issues to your live stock and your flooring pay for them self.

I see over flow boxes in the FS section quite frequently ranging from $30-$120 that will give you the options you want with the features that will work even when you upgrade your tank as well.

Either way good luck in your search !

Steve
 
What if at the intake, instead of just an open pipe. Put a tee and cut groves in the pipe about a 1/8 in and angle them a little up. Like the groves in an overflow box. Cap the end of course. Would that give some surface skimming or does it need to be deeper like the box to get the water to turn. It is just something I am thinking about because I have these things around. (_|_|_|_|_|_) Like this!
 
The number one thing I would worry about is air getting into the pipe and causing you to lose your siphon...
 
I glued a small piece of eggcrate to the opening of my durso stand pipe to keep all but the little guys out of the pipe.

Norman
 
165434overflow-med.gif


You're wanting to build this, right?

Yeah, they can work and 3/4" should handle 400gph, but I'd go with 1" for a safety margin or any higher flow. It'll be about as reliable as a CPR overflow box (not very) and probably won't hang very stable on the tank wall. If it's just something "to get by" until you can find a deal on a used RR tank but are set on putting in a sump or refugium now then why not? I'd just keep an eye on it, and a $15 aqualifter pump to keep it primed will be worth the cost. A good HOB overflow like a LifeReef is the best solution if you cannot drill or change tanks anytime soon, but the cost will literally be about half as much as a RR 90g. Tanks are cheap considering all the stuff we put on them. As for adding a sump, take into consideration what size tank you'd like to replace your 55g. Bigger is better (to an extent) with sumps. More water volume translates to better stability. And more simple volume of the container translates to better options regarding what equipment will physically fit inside it. Last, I'd recommend a smaller pump (in the 200g @ 4' range, Mag 3, Eheim 1250, etc.) if you go with the PVC hang on overflow.
 
Yep, thats it. I just want something to tinker with till I can find what I really want! I am going to try it along with the foam rock idea. That should make it fit better against the wall and hide it also. I will post pic as I do. When I have finish and have had it running a while , I will let everyone know how it works. I already have all materials lying around. I just need time and something to do!
 
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