Overflow power cutoff

[sterling18]

What do you guys and gals think?

Can I use an off the off the shelf ATO kit and modify it so it shuts the main pump, my MAG12 if the water reaches a dangerous level in my main display tank.

Reason for this is, if my overflow box is somehow clogged and no water in flowing down to the sump, but my pump is pumping what's left in the sump, it will over flow my tank. What if I use an ATO kit to kill power to my pump in this case? hummm. It would be insurance incase an overflow clogs or can't re-establish the Syphon.

 

[philpot]

What off the shelf kit would you use? I too would be interested in something like this since my overflow tube seems to have a habit of letting air gather at the top of it. That's fine for me to clear every few days but what about when i go on holiday...

 

[sjm817]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6511490#post6511490 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by philpot
What off the shelf kit would you use? I too would be interested in something like this since my overflow tube seems to have a habit of letting air gather at the top of it. That's fine for me to clear every few days but what about when i go on holiday...

If air accumulates at the top, that is usually an indication that you you need a stronger return pump. You need to have enough flow to blow the bubbles through. There should not be any air accumulation. What overflow and return pump are you using?

 

[philpot]

What off the shelf kit would you use? I too would be interested in something like this since my overflow tube seems to have a habit of letting air gather at the top of it. That's fine for me to clear every few days but what about when i go on holiday...

 

[philpot]

I have been told this before. I have a Quietflow-600 overflow and an Ehiem pump returning 1200lph full open. Is this not enough return - some bubbles are being created in the in tank overflow box part because of the high flow into it. I then prefilter the water into the overflow tube with coarse filter sponge cut to fit snuggly over the in tank end of the tube - that slows down the air accumulation somewhat by reducing the amount of bubbles drawn up the tube. I realise this is not a long term fix so i am open to suggestions.
Cheers.

 

[sjm817]

That is the Eheim 1250? That should be enough. I've seen the QF-600 overflows and was not wild about them. One thing I did not like is the U Tube seemed poorly made. The U bend is not smooth. Its more like and accordion. To me, it seem like it would encourage air accumulation. I've use Amiracle and Lifereef overflows which among other things, have a nice smooth bend in the U Tube. I've never seen any air accumulate in either.

 

[philpot]

It is the 1250 pump and i thought it was a high enough flow rate. I have noticed the ridged effect on the overflow tube too. Is there anything i can do with this or am i resigned to buying another new one - i have only had quietflow running for about 6 weeks and seems a shame to buy another one!
Thanks.

 

[philpot]

Do you think i could buy an Amiracle overflow tube from here:
http://www.aquacorals.com/ShopOverflows.htm
and use it in the quietflow??

 

[philpot]

What off the shelf kit would you use? I too would be interested in something like this since my overflow tube seems to have a habit of letting air gather at the top of it. That's fine for me to clear every few days but what about when i go on holiday...

 

[sjm817]

Maybe try and get a new U Tube? If I reacall, it is a J Tube? You can buy an Amiracle or Lifereef U Tube, and cut it for length. The LR U Tube is very long, the Amiracle, not as long. Not sure this will solve the problem, but it is worth a shot.
Lifereef
Amiracle
If you get the Amiracle U Tube, call first and be sure it is long enough.

 

[sterling18]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6511490#post6511490 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by philpot
What off the shelf kit would you use? I too would be interested in something like this since my overflow tube seems to have a habit of letting air gather at the top of it. That's fine for me to clear every few days but what about when i go on holiday...

I was thinking about using the JBJ ATO on this project. I already have one for refilling the sump when I need freshwater. They come with two settings. One is for top off and the other is to keep two tanks in balance. I can have the display tank and the sump in balance. As long as the overflow is working, it will continue to power the pump, but once the water level is reached it will kill the power. But since your overflow is working it will contantly try to fill to the sensor. I think the idea is sound but need to work out the details. Not even sure if JBJ's ATO will work continuously either.