How does a overflow fail?

[zero26]

hey guys went to my LFS and heard some horror stories of people coming home and water all over the floor from the overflows failing. How exactly does it happen? The only way it can fail, is from the tube disconnecting from the overflow, right? So a with a good clamp, it should never fail. Thanks fellas!

 

[cveverly]

Most of the time it is because air gets in the U-tube and it looses siphon. The return pump continues to put all the sump water in the tank. Tank overflows.

 

[salty blues]

Originally Posted by zero26
http:///forum/post/3031072
hey guys went to my LFS and heard some horror stories of people coming home and water all over the floor from the overflows failing. How exactly does it happen? The only way it can fail, is from the tube disconnecting from the overflow, right? So a with a good clamp, it should never fail. Thanks fellas!
If enough air gets into the overflow(for whatever reason), the siphon will break and the overflow will fail. I worried constantly about mine 'till I finally drilled my tank. Now I'm worry free.

 

[wattsupdoc]

If you maintain your tank properly and set it up correctly it will not be a problem. You want enough flow through the tube to keep small bubbles that WILL gather there from doing so. Also, check the dad burn thing sometime. If you see a small pocket free of air knock it loose. If that wont do for you, hook up an aqualifter to it to keep the tube primed.

 

[mie]

Use a u tube overflow and this wont happen.

 

[zero26]

I see, I have heard alot about eshopps U tube overflow, its about the best out there.

 

[wattsupdoc]

Originally Posted by mie
http:///forum/post/3031128
Use a u tube overflow and this wont happen.
It certainly can on a U tube type. But they are bettert han the other style.

 

[pbnj]

CPR overflow + Aqualifter + Ultra float switch in the DT = No Flooding

 

[natclanwy]

The most reliable HOB overflow is a U-tube style overflow with a properly sized return pump. You need to maintain a high enough flow rate to keep air from collecting at the top of the U-tube if you notice that your U-tube is getting an air pocket at the top of the U-tube your return pump is either restricted too much from debri collecting in the intake or is too small.
The CPR overflows work but have to be used with the aqualifter pump which makes them prone to failure due to reliabilty issues with the aqualifter pump itself plus the airlines for the pump are prone to becoming clogged. Bottom line is you now have two pieces of equipment that have to be maintained and have the possibility of failing where if you use the U-tube overflow you only have to worry about keeping the return intake clear and clean the U-tube periodically.

 

[rigdon87]

on the air lines getting clogged. i was constantly having to adjust my water level 3-4 times a day and could not figure out what was happening for like 3 weeks then i took those hoses off and the one was so clogged with algea i couldn't even blow threw it.

 

[zero26]

Wow, the eshopps overflow is what I will probably go with, but adding a float sounds like a good idea also so the pump would shut off if nobody was home.

 

[bryce.martin23]

Originally Posted by zero26
http:///forum/post/3031072
hey guys went to my LFS and heard some horror stories of people coming home and water all over the floor from the overflows failing. How exactly does it happen? The only way it can fail, is from the tube disconnecting from the overflow, right? So a with a good clamp, it should never fail. Thanks fellas!
save yourself the headace and try to get a drilled tank, if you cant afford one just save up, trust us when we say its worry free. Had overflow box for a little bit and was constantly worried about it failing on me. I just like the peace of mind of the pre drilled. Also pre drilled is great in case power goes out you dont have to worry about your power heads primeing the tubing and in case you leave for vacations you have to show the people how to do this in case this happens blah blah blah, i know it sounds like im ranting but wait until a situation arises then it will be too late.

 

[natclanwy]

A properly setup HOB U-tube overflow is just as reliable as a drilled tank as long as it is maintained properly.

 

[wattsupdoc]

My point exactly. Why suddenly are these getting a bad rap? Because people dont know how to use them.Who's to blame? A properly set up U tubhe will only need to be primed when you remove it and replace it or some other means of intentional break. I ran one for allmost 2 years with no issues that weren't my fault. I never came home or woke up to a flood. Reef ready though is a much nicer way to go. However it has it's cons too.

 

[natclanwy]

I don't believe it is a sudden bad rap, for as a long as I have been in the hobby drilled tanks were the prefered method. I have had one on my tank for over 4 years with no issues also and I never worry for a second about it.
One of the issues with HOB overflows is they need a properly sized return pump, if the pump is too small air will accumulate at the top of the the U-tube eventually breaking the siphon or slowing the drain rate enough that the DT overflows. On a drilled tank it doesn't matter what size pump you use as long as it does'n't return more water than the internal overflow is capable of draining. Regardless of the type of overflow you use there is the possibility of a snail or other critter blocking the drain, and if not properly maintained algae can grow and clog the drain as well.

 

[pezenfuego]

I love my u-tube. The only time the siphon breaks is when I intentionally break it for cleaning. I could see this failing if you don't maintain it or have severe microbubble problems. Just clean it like once a month and you'll be golden.