Please guide me and share some info on hang on siphon overflows and how they work.

lowendmelody · 01/19/2008, 10:58 AM

I need to setup a refugium for my 125g.... However I do not have any overflow box nor can I drill the tank, nor do I want to even try.

I've seen many tanks here with hang on the back siphon overflow boxes leading to a sump and/or refugium. This is what I want to and need to do for my tank and setup.

One thing I'm interested in is how and when does this siphon start and do you need to turn on the pump on first to create the siphon? also what flow rate is your overflow box rated for and what pump do you use and how many gallons per hour is your pump?

Please expalin to me how you have yours along with a couple pics, if you'd be so kind....

I really could use a bit of advice and experienced opinion before I start purchasing what I need to acheive some much needed, better filtration.

thecichlidpleco · 01/19/2008, 11:02 AM

I have a tunze one, where all you do is suck on the tube that is connected to the nipple of the U-tube. Very simple this way, then you jsut plug the tube and stick it back in the water and no problems with losing the siphon. I am not sure about ones where it just has the utube and no nipple.

lowendmelody · 01/19/2008, 11:16 AM

what size pump do you use and whats the overflow rated? do they have to be the same rated GPH?

does Tunze make different sized models?

HoopsGuru · 01/19/2008, 11:51 AM

Mine is 4 years old from www.lifereef.com and has never lost its siphon. It has GPH references on it.

reefworm · 01/19/2008, 09:45 PM

with the standard hang-on overflow the siphon starts when the tube is full of water and will not empty out when there is water standing in both boxes at least as high as the bottom of both tube ends. to start/restart siphon all you need to do is submerge the U-tube so that its totally full of water, and use small pieces of plastic wrap to seal both ends. put the U-tube in place and pull off the plastic wrap. turn on the pump. done.

sjm817 · 01/19/2008, 10:17 PM

As above the U Tube is full of water and both ends are always submerged even when power is off, so the siphon is not broken. I'll give another "highly recommended" to Lifereef. They are extremely reliable.

01/19/2008, 10:58 AM	#1
lowendmelody Moved On Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Woodstock, Connecticut Posts: 295	Please guide me and share some info on hang on siphon overflows and how they work. I need to setup a refugium for my 125g.... However I do not have any overflow box nor can I drill the tank, nor do I want to even try. I've seen many tanks here with hang on the back siphon overflow boxes leading to a sump and/or refugium. This is what I want to and need to do for my tank and setup. One thing I'm interested in is how and when does this siphon start and do you need to turn on the pump on first to create the siphon? also what flow rate is your overflow box rated for and what pump do you use and how many gallons per hour is your pump? Please expalin to me how you have yours along with a couple pics, if you'd be so kind.... I really could use a bit of advice and experienced opinion before I start purchasing what I need to acheive some much needed, better filtration.

01/19/2008, 11:02 AM	#2
thecichlidpleco Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ann Arbor Posts: 1,227	I have a tunze one, where all you do is suck on the tube that is connected to the nipple of the U-tube. Very simple this way, then you jsut plug the tube and stick it back in the water and no problems with losing the siphon. I am not sure about ones where it just has the utube and no nipple. __________________ knowledge is power, power leads to abuse, study hard, be evil Owning a tank is like being with that girlfriend who could care less about you, but you couldn't stand being without her. Current Tank Info: 125 Reef, (3) 250w aquamedic oceanlights ETSS 600 skimmer, mag12 return, (2) Tunze 6055's with 7095 controller, 100 gallon sump

01/19/2008, 09:45 PM	#5
reefworm Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Waxhaw, NC USA Posts: 2,139	with the standard hang-on overflow the siphon starts when the tube is full of water and will not empty out when there is water standing in both boxes at least as high as the bottom of both tube ends. to start/restart siphon all you need to do is submerge the U-tube so that its totally full of water, and use small pieces of plastic wrap to seal both ends. put the U-tube in place and pull off the plastic wrap. turn on the pump. done. __________________ "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." - Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: 29 gal. reef/assist with 75 gal. at the school

01/19/2008, 10:17 PM	#6
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	As above the U Tube is full of water and both ends are always submerged even when power is off, so the siphon is not broken. I'll give another "highly recommended" to Lifereef. They are extremely reliable. __________________ - Scott

01/19/2008, 11:16 AM	#3
lowendmelody Moved On Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Woodstock, Connecticut Posts: 295	what size pump do you use and whats the overflow rated? do they have to be the same rated GPH? does Tunze make different sized models?

01/19/2008, 11:51 AM	#4
HoopsGuru Moved On Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Harrisburg Posts: 728	Mine is 4 years old from www.lifereef.com and has never lost its siphon. It has GPH references on it.