Tank revamp with PVC overflows

[ebola]

Hi all,

I'm considering revamping my DIY all-in-one to incorporate a sump. I've attached photos of the current set up, which is somewhat less than ideal. Because it's a 20 long, I'm reluctant to drill it. I'm thinking of using two PVC overflows for redundancy, one with the intake about 6" below water level, the other as a backup with the intake 1" below water level. Both will be hidden behind an acrylic weir. I'm just wondering if any of you folks could comment on any issues. I know this isn't a standard set-up, so I'm sure there may be some issues.

The photos are the current set up, the sketch is the proposed.

 

[ebola]

bump

 

[uncleof6]

Your DIY PVC devices will not auto-start following a power outage. These devices do not work as advertised. Also, your design lacks a dry emergency (a drain with no water running it.) This is an invitation to a flood.

You would be way ahead for this small tank, to purchase a quality manufactured HOB overflow, (lifereef,) and not wasting your time trying to DIY something, that in the end will not work well at all. Barring the ability to drill the tank, a siphon system is impractical.

 

[scott3569]

Umm the overflows absolutely auto start after a power outage if done correctly!! that how I have mine set up and i have turned my return pump off several times with out a problem

 

[scott3569]

here is mine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXBT3GKctlQ

 

[ebola]

Thanks for the input, guys. The reason I have two overflows is to include some redundancy for emergencies... I'll definitely consider the overflows. The eshopps nano looks very well suited to my setup... it doesn't seem like there's consensus on the reliability of the PVC overflows, though.

 

[scott3569]

different people have different opinions I did a lot of research on the PVC before I did mine, and from what I had seen and am now experiencing there is not much wrong with them, When I turn the return pump off it does take a little for it to catch up at first but I have it low enough so that it has time to catch up to the return.

 

[ebola]

Scott, thanks for the advice. Can I ask what your thoughts on this proposed set up are?

 

[scott3569]

it looks like it should be ok, I am not really an expert on them I just now no for my self that they do indeed work. I would think about dropping you water level an inch maybe an inch and a half from the top. if you looked at the video, you can see my water level sits just under the rim.