DIY overflow complete

[cap'n pete]

Here it is, my first diy overflow. Ain't the prettiest but it'll do.

Supplies:
1 large specimin tank (Lee's or HBH)
1 small specimin tank
1 U tube
threaded PVC adapter
threaded 3/4" barbed fitting
silicone
O ring
plastic cable tie
prefilters
Cost: $20.00

 

[melbournefl]

Well Cap, since I've never figured out acrylics, it looks DAMN pretty to me Congrats!
Later, Paul

 

[dfimble]

Looks great to me too. Just curious though... what happens to the siphon when the power/pump goes out?
When the power comes back on do you have a mess?

 

[cap'n pete]

The siphon continues until it empties about two gallons of water, then stops. When the power returns, the return pump pumps until it starts sucking in air. The siphon requires manual restart. This will make a lot of bubbles, then just no flow. Water will not overflow no matter what happens, including pump failure.

 

[cap'n pete]

I guess I should have shut off the power and saw what happened before I answered. The outer box's "bulkhead" is raised approx. 1.25" and the U tube is approx. .75" off the bottom. Therefore the U tube remains full of water during a power outage and starts up immediately after power up.

 

[richard rendos]

You could always cut a piece of PVC and make the drain a little higher. This will cause the outside box to contain more water when running but that won't hurt anything.

 

[cap'n pete]

For the tank it's on, it's perfect (yes, I'm bragging). Flow rate is 100 gph. The sump is small and the return pump is only 2" below water level. If I lose siphon the return can only pump enough water to get to the very top of the tank but not flood (I made sure of this, didn't want the wife to make me walk the plank ). It was actually kinda fun... anybody need an overflow? (Cap'n scratches chin and dreams of chest upon chest of gold... aaaaah)

 

[joe's reefer]

i need one as a matter of fact i really need one.can u build me one or something and ship it?im begging u i need one for my future refugium and i also need a return pump but thats another story.and im seriously about u making me one i really could use it

 

[ibrew4uandi]

You can also drill a hole in the top of the U and silicone in some airhose (use the hard plastic couplers for air hose) and then attatch the other end to a powerhead with a good venturi. This will suck out any bubbles that happen to get caught at the top of the U

 

[cap'n pete]

Joe's Reefer,
Contact me at Fortfuzz@hotmail.com.
I'll have some specific questions for you, ie desired flow rate and cost.