overflow - dumb ?

[reefraj]

Is it necessary to have a flat siphon overflow ? Why cant I use just a Tube like an inverted J ?

 

[sir_dudeguy]

The U-tube style is the only style i'd use. I dont like the looks of those flat ones (seems too easy to lose the siphon) and i've heard a fair bit of complaints/warnings about the flat ones.

 

[Shagsbeard]

I use a "flat one" also known as a Weir Box. I haven't had a hint of trouble out of it. I have had snails get into the Weir, but they weren't large enough to restrict the flow. I can only imagine what would happen if one got into a U tube. If you use the U tube, be sure to put a snail guard on it.

 

[alizarin]

People also make siphon overflows out of PVC - it's kind of bulky but cheap.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

I am actually thinking about doing that siphon overflow w/pvc and just putting a guard over it (like the thing you see on filter intakes) and see how that works.

 

[alizarin]

I know this isn't really what you're talking about but you can make the overflow teeth/box out of pvc too - here's a picture of mine, I'm really happy with it:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/87941my_overflow.jpg

 

[punk*star]

I tried to make my own pvc overflows and they worked ok. I decided to go with a Lifereef HOB with the U tube. Starts up everytime when the power goes out. Worth the money.

http://www.lifereef.com/frame.html

 

[reefraj]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9357966#post9357966 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alizarin
I know this isn't really what you're talking about but you can make the overflow teeth/box out of pvc too - here's a picture of mine, I'm really happy with it:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/87941my_overflow.jpg

What is that tower top like thing on th etop of the PVC tube. Why did you drill the side? Any reason why we cant do over the top ?

 

[reefraj]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9356737#post9356737 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sir_dudeguy
I am actually thinking about doing that siphon overflow w/pvc and just putting a guard over it (like the thing you see on filter intakes) and see how that works.

Have you done this ? could you show a picture ?

 

[reefraj]

Thank you all

 

[alizarin]

What is that tower top like thing on th etop of the PVC tube. Why did you drill the side? Any reason why we cant do over the top ?

You can't do it over the top because the two ways to prevent a flood if the power goes out and you lose your siphon are 1)drill the tank so the water falls out the hole before it can go over the top of the tank or 2)make a siphon overflow like here:
http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

Mine is drilled. The pieces you're looking at are a 2" PVC union with teeth cut into one end and the other end is glued to a 2" PVC end cap. That object has a hole drilled in it with a 1" elbow pointing to the bottom on one end and going out the back of the tank on the other end. Also, this is an old picture - it doesn't show the pipe coming out the top of the outside part to make a durso style overflow (just lets air in more than the little hole you can't see in the picture).

 

[reefraj]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9357966#post9357966 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alizarin
I know this isn't really what you're talking about but you can make the overflow teeth/box out of pvc too - here's a picture of mine, I'm really happy with it:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/87941my_overflow.jpg

It took time for me to understand what you were saying. Than How do guys who use the regular flat siphon overflow prevent flooding ???

 

[syntax357]

this is the pvc overflow I had at one time, yes it does work and no it wont lose siphon

 

[reefraj]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9371413#post9371413 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alizarin
You can't do it over the top because the two ways to prevent a flood if the power goes out and you lose your siphon are 1)drill the tank so the water falls out the hole before it can go over the top of the tank or 2)make a siphon overflow like here:
http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

Mine is drilled. The pieces you're looking at are a 2" PVC union with teeth cut into one end and the other end is glued to a 2" PVC end cap. That object has a hole drilled in it with a 1" elbow pointing to the bottom on one end and going out the back of the tank on the other end. Also, this is an old picture - it doesn't show the pipe coming out the top of the outside part to make a durso style overflow (just lets air in more than the little hole you can't see in the picture).

Hi again,

I have decided to drill the tank. So I spend a lot of time on your pic to get the plan. So basically you made a PCV cup with the one end capped and other end teeth and on the side you have a 1 " elbow with the open end down, and the other end connected to the drain. Right ?

I didnt get the reason for this much complication. I was getting a 1 - 1 1/2 " drain connected to probably a 2" ebbow facing up with the end cut like teeth. Isnt that enough.
So I will get the skimming effect and I can adjust for the water level ? The thing I didnt get is why u want the inverted U inside that cup ?

Thaks

 

[JOSEPHLB]

As mentioned about, the Lifereef seems to be a popular U-tube style overflow.

Here is another U-tube style that is used often: http://yhst-66907246933688.stores.yahoo.net/quprov.html