Noise difference in overflow types?

[nemofish2217]

I'm planning on custom building a AIO insert for my tank, and my two options for a drain are either cutting teeth in the acrylic (such as seen on melee's site) with a router or buy a low profile strainer like the one here: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/low-profile-bulkhead-overflow-strainers.html.

The water will be flowing through to filter floss and other media. Is there any noticeable difference in the drain sound of one versus the other? I don't really want a gurgling or slurping sound from the rounded strainer.

There will be no piping past the AIO insert, so I don't really think there will be an issue of trapped air or suction.

Thanks!

 

[RocketEngineer]

You would be better off with a single horizontal slot than with either of those options. The slot will give you maximum surface skimming while reducing noise since the water can stick to the AIO insert and flow smoothly down into the filter area.

Oh, and filter floss really isn't necessary in a SW setup. It tends to trap detritus rather than remove it entirely like a skimmer would.

Good Luck.

 

[nemofish2217]

Thanks for the response. Trying to visualize what you are referring to with the horizontal slot. How wide would you think it should be? I'm used to overflow box style where there are a number of slots (i.e. 6-8).

Wouldn't the water be able to slide down the vertical slots in the same way as the horizontal?

The filter floss was primarily going to be for noise reduction, but also for some water polishing. I was planning on changing it out every week or so. It would be great if I could eliminate it from being a necessity, as long as I could keep the water flow silent.

 

[kinnadian]

He means just a flat edge, no teeth.

Teeth interrupt the flow of water, can cause some splashing depending on flow rates.

Also putting teeth on the overflow requires the water to rise up higher over your overflow edge, causing less efficient skimming.

Nylon netting can be used to prevent any fish/snails/etc go over the weir.

 

[Reeferside]

I plumbed my tank herbie style..

Literally did it all by myself. Some pictures from a friend's tank and a lot of patience, measurement and all that jazz (which I hate btw.)

Anyways, noticed it was quieter than some of my other tanks I've had that were previously plumbed by someone else. I can hear the silence kick it once the full siphon kicks in.

As for teeth.. I have those in my mouth as well as on my overflow. They do contribute to some noise but I think the pumps (skimmer and return) is what causes all the noise.

 

[nemofish2217]

So in my case, since I am doing an AIO, I would just make one section of the insert lower than the rest by say an inch or so? How do you attach the netting? I would think that would collect debris and be difficult to clean.

 

[nemofish2217]

So, I am thinking it will look something like this? I understand how this works for Coast to Coast style, just want to make sure how it works for an AIO application.

Anyone have any other thoughts on how to attach the netting?

 

[nemofish2217]

bump for input?

 

[RocketEngineer]

Yeah, that's what I meant.

I wouldn't use netting, I would use a cover instead. To keep snails and fish out of the filtration, have a piece coming down directly above the slot until it is just above the water surface. By minimizing the gap you keep the critters out but by having it part of the lid, you can remove it to clean everything if algae starts to grow where you don't want it.

HTH,

 

[nemofish2217]

ok, I might try that, thanks for the suggestion.

It almost sounds like the best option would be to cut a slot in the plexi and have the very top still connected, but I don't think I have the tools to make that precise and narrow of a cut.

 

[nemofish2217]

Would it be possible to do a horizontal slot using a plunge router? This might eliminate the escaping problem by keeping a portion connected at the top.

Or would doing it this way be less effective than just a ledge?

 

[joaocdestro]

Mine with pipe is very silent

Mine with pipe is very silent

I've created a 50mm pipe overflow, very cheap and extreme quiet!!!
*better than my noisy manufactured Skimz Overflow

https://youtu.be/S6sUMp-D5jY