diy overflow ????

[illnino]

on my 29, i just have too much clutter and i need to centralize it all in a sump, the sump will probabally be a 10 gallon, just something to hold skimmer, heater, etc. right now, i cant afford an overflow box and anyways, these pvc overflows seem more compact. i get how a hob box-type overflow works, but im not too sure if this one works, can anyone explain it??? i stared at the picture for 20 minutes and still cant see how it works and can maintain the syphon??


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/68740PVC_EXTRACTOR_4.gif

 

[illnino]

anyone????

 

[kbmdale]

I run this PVC overflow...

It works great if you follow the instruction. It will flow at anywhere about 600 gph max....I have had it running for 3 months and only once did it ever break syphon and that was because a fish decided to take the ride to the sump and got stuck...lol...fixed that with some filter floss in the overflow tower...


here is a pic of mine. I added a second tower.

When I get my 50 g going though I am going to go this route



http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=271539&highlight=external+overflow

read the whole thread really nice looking design and keeps you tank totally open for your critters.

 

[illnino]

thanks, your idea gives me a clearer understanding of pvc overflows, but is too bulky for my little 29. i may just go to lowes, buy the stuff, make the overflow in the pic i have and if it works, it works, if it dosent, them im out $5

 

[illnino]

ok, now i finally fully understand this pvc overflow thing. what i didnt understand was how the water in the tube going up and over the tank didnt just fall down and loose the syhpon in pump failure/power outage. but i just thought of this, put a cup in a sink full of water, let it fill, flip it upside down and lift, it will pull water above the sink water levil...

 

[kbmdale]

yeah its takes up alittle room. I built this one mainly cause I detest the mass produced overflows that cost 40 and up. I had most of these supplies in the shop so it was mearly a cheap answer to my situation. But like I said that link I posted has had good feedback by all but a few who tried it. If you have a dremel and want something that looks good and works good without taking up any internal tank space I would do it.

 

[kbmdale]

this is what it looked like after a month of algae growth....slowely but surely the pipe blends in...

 

[illnino]

thanks, im not willing to drill my tank. first of all, it would cost more(glass costs, bit for dremel, bulkheads, etc. ive got a perfect place in my tank for the first design i posted a link to and it will remain mostly hidden. i will give it a try this weekend.

 

[illnino]

i may use abs if i can get away with it for under $15. i know the original design wiht pvc will cost under $5...

 

[kbmdale]

good luck...it should work fine. You will want a gatevalve on the pipe going to your sump for flow control...

 

[illnino]

it shouldnt matter if i hava a gate or not, right?? because as long as the overflow is big enough, it will drain just as fast as the pump is pumping water back up.

 

[woodymdt]

Ok, that monster looks very interesting.

Is there a thread or post somewhere that has instructions and a materials list, as far as size of PVC and connections?

 

[illnino]

there is a thread, do a search for pvc pipe overflow in the diy section, it is the one titled $15 overflow or soemthing like that. this one is on the second page.

 

[woodymdt]

Actually I was commenting more on the PVC system Kbmdale has in his pictures.

Anyone know if there is a more detailed thread about that one?

:rollface:

 

[kbmdale]

it shouldnt matter if i hava a gate or not, right?? because as long as the overflow is big enough, it will drain just as fast as the pump is pumping water back up.

You can go without, but you if you wanna be able to adjust the flow rate to get rid of the waterfall sound in the pipe you will need a gate.

 

[kbmdale]

woodymdt you got PM

 

[woodymdt]

Thanks kb.

I do have a few more questions, I've sent you a PM.

If you have any current pics of your setup, I'd love to see them.

 

[crazyboy]

How do you get the check valve in there? I am assuming you drill a hole and then silicone it in.

 

[illnino]

exactly, drill a hole just big enough for it, put a glob of silicon on your finger the size of two peas, put it on the edge of the vaulve and pipe, twist a few times and it looks great and seals well. make sure you have the vaulve in the right dirrection

 

[crazyboy]

Thanks. What size should the smaller pipe be?