Diy pvc overflow?

sean_eche · 01/20/2013, 01:34 PM

Does anyone have any experience with a similar setup. I am a newb when it comes to the whole sump concept. How exactly do i prime an overflow like this (step by step please). Will this setup even work?

Photo on 2013-01-20 at 14.03.jpg

sean_eche · 01/20/2013, 01:37 PM

Sorry i forgot to mention it is 3/4" and i plan to get a 300gph return and i will put a ball valve on the return.

uncleof6 · 01/20/2013, 01:55 PM

Do a search for "pvc overflow" here on RC, and along with many people claiming these machinations are wonderful, you will find the truth (physics) of why these devices do not work as claimed, are only good for very low flow systems, and 300 gph is too high for them--especially 3/4". 1" would probably be ok up to ~ 50 gph, probably less due to configuration of the inlet. Of course with a 300 gph pump, you will likely only flow ~ 100 gph when it is setup and running........

redfishblewfish · 01/20/2013, 02:09 PM

Looks like a siphon to me! I'd stay away from this.

Look into a Glass-Holes overflow kit.....includes the drill bit to drill the glass.

uncleof6 · 01/20/2013, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redfishblewfish

Looks like a siphon to me! I'd stay away from this.

Look into a Glass-Holes overflow kit.....includes the drill bit to drill the glass.

What specifically is wrong with a siphon? I know many people going to great lengths to convert their tanks to use a siphon drain system. Why? Because they work better than any other drain system--including Glass-Holes overflows.

If using a pvc overflow because you cannot modify the tank (tempered glass, nervous to do so, etc.) you cannot use the Glass-Holes kit either.

Kawi9_cf · 01/20/2013, 04:51 PM

I made one out of 1" PVC one time just for an experiment and I let it run outside for a couple weeks. It worked pretty well at around 175 gallons an hour but any more than that and it would fail. That was with freshwater with no build up in the pipes.

01/20/2013, 01:34 PM	#1
sean_eche Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Carolina Posts: 15	Diy pvc overflow? Does anyone have any experience with a similar setup. I am a newb when it comes to the whole sump concept. How exactly do i prime an overflow like this (step by step please). Will this setup even work? Photo on 2013-01-20 at 14.03.jpg

01/20/2013, 01:55 PM	#3
uncleof6 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: AWOL Posts: 12,013	Do a search for "pvc overflow" here on RC, and along with many people claiming these machinations are wonderful, you will find the truth (physics) of why these devices do not work as claimed, are only good for very low flow systems, and 300 gph is too high for them--especially 3/4". 1" would probably be ok up to ~ 50 gph, probably less due to configuration of the inlet. Of course with a 300 gph pump, you will likely only flow ~ 100 gph when it is setup and running........ __________________ "Things should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." (oft attributed to Einstein; most likely paraphrasing by Roger Sessions; compactly articulates the principle of Occam's Razor) Current Tank Info: 325 6' wide Reef

01/20/2013, 01:37 PM	#2
sean_eche Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Carolina Posts: 15	Sorry i forgot to mention it is 3/4" and i plan to get a 300gph return and i will put a ball valve on the return.

01/20/2013, 02:09 PM	#4
redfishblewfish Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central New Jersey Posts: 716	Looks like a siphon to me! I'd stay away from this. Look into a Glass-Holes overflow kit.....includes the drill bit to drill the glass.

01/20/2013, 04:51 PM	#6
Kawi9_cf Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Augusta, Ga Posts: 473	I made one out of 1" PVC one time just for an experiment and I let it run outside for a couple weeks. It worked pretty well at around 175 gallons an hour but any more than that and it would fail. That was with freshwater with no build up in the pipes.