My overflow box doesn't have a partition...is this normal?

[Porkibear]

I have an overflow box that I bought used, but now that I'm setting up my tank, I'm a little confused as to how this is going to work. Any advice would be appreciated:

So the overflow box (which hangs on the back of the tank) that I'm usually familiar with has an acrylic partition that divides the pre-filter area and a section where the water from the U-tube expels water from the tank. This partition will not allow a break in siphoning action even when a power outtage occurs...which means once the pump starts again, the overflow will continue to move water into the sump.

The overflow box I have with the pre-filter does NOT come with the partition. Doesn't this mean that if the pump stops, that the U-tube breaks its siphoning? If the pump starts back up again, it will flood the tank, right?

I went to the LFS and brought this issue to get some advice from them. They recommended I get a "water-lifter"...which basically is a pump that creates vacuum. The trouble is...I'm not really sure if this new piece of equipment will solve my problem.

My main concern is that I don't want the tank to overflow in the event of a power outtage because of the siphon break at the overflow box (which DOESN'T have that partition).

Any suggestions or info?

Thanks!

 

[sjm817]

Some dont. Use a standpipe to keep the bottom of the U Tube submerged.

 

[Porkibear]

A standpipe....as in a piece of PVC or something? Do I have to glue it to the bottom of the overflow box?

 

[sjm817]

You should be able to stick a piece of 1" PVC pipe in the drain. Just tall enough to raise the level above the bottom of the U Tube by 1" or so. You dont need to glue it.

 

[Porkibear]

Thanks sjm817...I didn't even realize that there was a "standpipe" already IN the drain hole of the overflow box. Problem is, my U-tube that I had was too short, and ended above the level of the standpipe (which would have caused it to break siphon. I had another U-tube that was longer overall...and it did the trick. Thanks for the advice! I got my tank up and running last night. =)

 

[sjm817]

Glad to see you got it working! :thumbsup: