Overflow alternatives?

[Andyf30]

I have a HOB overflow and Im getting really tire of worrying about my tank overflowing and constantly trying to get air bubbles out of the u-tube. Is there any way to eaaily drill an overflow without breaking down my tank? Or an alternative to drilling that wont be as annoying as a HOB? Id like to get a solution before Im gone for vacation and come home to water all over my upstairs....

Thanks

[fishgate]

I have an Eshopps overflow and never get bubbles in the utube. Bubbles mean your flow is not enough. Try lowering the tank side deeper into the tank for more flow. But your sump should be able to handle your tank volume if your return pump fails and your tank should be able to take the sump volume if the overflow fails.

[Andyf30]

How would the tank be able to handle the sump volume? That doesnt make sense to me. And Ive tried adjusting and stuff with tube, I just constantly get bubbles lol its really quite annoying

[JonnyD91]

Originally Posted by Andyf30

How would the tank be able to handle the sump volume? That doesnt make sense to me. And Ive tried adjusting and stuff with tube, I just constantly get bubbles lol its really quite annoying

WHat is the brand of HOB that you have now?

[plasma327]

Ditto Fish gate!!! Your return pump is not enough. On startup if your return pump is enough it will force all bubles out of the U-tube in 4 or 5 seconds. I use a check valve from lowes. Not cheap ones on line, they will fail, get a quality check and put in line on the pump. Get a bigger pump and worry no more.

[fishgate]

Originally Posted by Andyf30

How would the tank be able to handle the sump volume? That doesnt make sense to me. And Ive tried adjusting and stuff with tube, I just constantly get bubbles lol its really quite annoying

Sorry - I mean if the siphon fails, the tank should be able to handle whatever water will be pumped up from the pump section of the sump. If I pull out my utube, the pump will continue to pump water until the return section is too low. My tank can handle that volume without overflowing.

[bayoupr]

^ +1. If I lose my siphon my pump chamber can only pump what is baffled in that section. If I lose my pump then my sump can hold the extra until my overflow stops draining. Failsafe

[fishgate]

Also as another note, I have run my sump to where no more water will pump many, many times. Usually it is because I was too lazy to top off the tank. The pump chamber holds enough water for the pump to remain "wet" but not enough water to pump any. I have had the same pump for well over a year and never had any issues with pump failure or performance loss. Yes, I know this is bad, but it isn't instant pump failure like some would have you believe.

[jon99]

This is the simplest overflow option I came up with. It's 2 PVC elbows attached to bulkheads on the side of the glass. This is on my frag tank so i drilled the holes on the side of the tank. On a display you can drill the holes on the back of the tank, paint it black and the black pvc will blend right in. I installed 2 just in case one somehow gets clogged there is a back up. You could try doing this with only partially draining your tank down just below the level where you drill the hole, but I'm I've never done it that way. Drilling a tank is easiest done with it laying on it's side so you drill straight down and can pour some water over the holesaw to "lube" and help keep the glass cool. At least that's how I've always drilled tanks.

[Andyf30]

it was a custom overflow that came with my sump from a local acrylic company. And i have to dial back my return because if I dont, the overflow starts to make this annoying fill noise, then drain, then fill, then drain and so on. My sump is maybe 5 gallons but it would certainly overflow my display

[JonnyD91]

http://www.lifereef.com/siphon.html

Lifereef make prob the best HOB overflow. They are kinda expensive and their website sucks, but their overflows are great. I had an Amiricle HOB and never had an issue with it. Very similar to LR.

[fishgate]

Originally Posted by Andyf30

it was a custom overflow that came with my sump from a local acrylic company. And i have to dial back my return because if I dont, the overflow starts to make this annoying fill noise, then drain, then fill, then drain and so on. My sump is maybe 5 gallons but it would certainly overflow my display

Describe your sump. Is it just one big tank with no sections? The return section of my 2 compartment sump holds maybe 2 gallons. So at most 1-2 gallons would get pumped into the tank in the event of siphon failure.

The gurgling is because the overflow is not able to get enough air to drain at full speed. Sounds like it was not designed very well. I really like my Eshopps. The design is such that it will never lose siphon. I suggest you get another overflow. I have a brand-new never used CPR overflow that I will sell you if interested.

[Andyf30]

My sump does not have any baffles, which I am now starting to realize is bad lol.

[fishgate]

Originally Posted by Andyf30

My sump does not have any baffles, which I am now starting to realize is bad lol.

Yes this is definitely not ideal. For one if you don't have an ATO and your skimmer is in the sump, it will always have fluctuating water levels with your evaporation. Your skimmer is also not running too efficiently since much of the water simply flows through the sump without hitting the skimmer. It is an easy fix though, just have at least one baffle cut and silicon it in. Leave a chamber with just enough room for your return pump. This will make sure in the event of siphon failure that only the water in the return pump section gets pumped back up to your tank. That should solve any flooding worries. Look at an eshopps sump from any site that sells them and make your design similar.

[wildman926]

Originally Posted by Andyf30

it was a custom overflow that came with my sump from a local acrylic company. And i have to dial back my return because if I dont, the overflow starts to make this annoying fill noise, then drain, then fill, then drain and so on. My sump is maybe 5 gallons but it would certainly overflow my display

Go with a Herbie setup. Absolutely quiet.
Here is a short vid of my Herbie setup. Just click on pic. You can see I also was worried about an overflow condition, but who doesn't -





Also, go with a pump stopper kit from Aquahub.com. Best $40 you will spend. You can see it HERE. Here is some pics of mine, modified to my liking somewhat, testing on a lamp -

[tkeracer619]

Lifereef or drill.

If you use an overflow box, regardless of brand, install a ATO on the tank rim above normal operating conditions but below overflow condition. Plug the return into it. If it starts to flood it will shut down the return pump. Basically what was linked in the previous post.

[tkeracer619]

Originally Posted by jon99

Classic plumbing error. Your stand pipes should not be larger then the smallest diameter tube or spot in the plumbing.

The way you have it now allows snails to make it into the standpipe and clog the tube at the bottom. They can get in but they can't get out. Tank acts like a clogged toilet and overflows.

[jon99]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

Classic plumbing error. Your stand pipes should not be larger then the smallest diameter tube or spot in the plumbing.

The way you have it now allows snails to make it into the standpipe and clog the tube at the bottom. They can get in but they can't get out. Tank acts like a clogged toilet and overflows.

Thanks for the heads up. I actually installed gutter guard inside the standpipes for that very reason. I know it's just a matter of time before someone goes down the drain. It's worked fine for 4 years now. It just needs to be cleaned from the algae every few months. Also, the reason I went with the much larger standpipe is to increase skimming surface area and drilling 3" holes on a 40 is not very practicle so I reduced it down to 1".

[tkeracer619]

Cool, yes if there is grating with openings smaller then the pipe then it solves the issue.