External overflow - use 1 siphon tube or 2?

[jgreen1025]

I installed an external HOB overflow and 30g sump (soon to become a refugium) on my 50g tank last weekend and am trying to work out the bugs. The overflow box came with 2 U-shaped siphon tubes. If I use both tubes I gradually get an accumulation of air in the top of each U, although one tube seems able to adequately handle the flow. Am I okay to use only one siphon tube as long as it can handle the flow? I have a lot of snails, some that might be large enough to plug the siphon tube if they were able to get caught in it (which seems unlikely, but...). I assumed the reason for 2 siphon tubes was as a "failsafe" in case one became plugged - or is it just for tanks with much more flow than mine? Can someone confirm this for me? Thanks.

John

 

[tkeracer619]

The tubes are there to increase flow and give a back up. IF the flow is too slow then they are going to biuld air up. You will be fine with one tube and the water speed will increase getting rid of the air problem.

Make sure you use egg crate or somthing to make it impassible by snails and such. I let the little buggers go down my drains. I have one that likes the drain tube. I take him out of the sump he is back there in a day or two. He keeps my pipes clean.

 

[jgreen1025]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7470478#post7470478 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tkeracer619
Make sure you use egg crate or somthing to make it impassible by snails and such.

Thanks. Where do I put the eggcrate?

John

(PS - my '91 CRX has less than 115,000 miles on it and still gets over 35mpg. I've never had any real problems with it, either. It's totally impractical for a guy with 4 kids, but after 15 years I'm kinda attached to it!)

 

[tkeracer619]

With zip ties and egg crate make a box to sit on top of your oveflow box. Picture a hockey net backwards on top of the overflow box.

Drill small holes around the top edge of the overflow box and zip tie the hockey net(lets call it the "goalie") to the top of the box. Just resting it up there is asking for it to be moved out of the way.

 

[tkeracer619]

You should have scene my crx before it was stolen:thumbdown.

It had a 92 integra motor swap, del sol interior and dashboard(made the car so nice), full body kit, hood, spoiler, etc..........

They are fun little cars. I might get another one in the future.

 

[jgreen1025]

Thanks, I think I see how the eggcrate should work.

Your CRX sounds pretty cool - sorry to hear it was stolen. Mine's not tricked out or anything, just standard as when I bought it new. Not practical for me anymore, but I still love it, and with gas nearly $3.50/gal it makes it even harder to want to get something else.

John

 

[jgreen1025]

Mark,

Thanks again for your advice. I pulled the second tube last night and it works great - I didn't even have to keep checking it all night. Now if I can just find an hour or so to make a Stockman Standpipe to quiet it down a bit.

John