Do I need to clean my internal overflow?

mullinsd2 · 08/30/2009, 10:14 AM

Probably a stupid question, but if so, how often? First tank with an overflow so yeah.... Lol

Lightsluvr · 08/30/2009, 10:21 AM

I think most people don't...

What I do is about once every 2-3 months, I turn off the return pump and pull out the overflow standpipe, and let the contents "flush" into the sump. (really, just like flushing a toilet).

Before I pull the standpipe, I make sure there is a clean filter sock on the overflow hose/tubing to catch any crap that flushes out...

Then I replace the standpipe and turn the return pump back on... After the return pump runs for 5-10 minutes, I replace the now dirty sock with a clean one.

This procedure cleans a lot but probably not all the detritus from the overflow box...

LL

bunzaroo · 08/30/2009, 10:49 AM

I have never cleaned it, but it probably sounds like a good idea.

jayk198030 · 08/30/2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lightsluvr
I think most people don't...

What I do is about once every 2-3 months, I turn off the return pump and pull out the overflow standpipe, and let the contents "flush" into the sump. (really, just like flushing a toilet).

Before I pull the standpipe, I make sure there is a clean filter sock on the overflow hose/tubing to catch any crap that flushes out...

Then I replace the standpipe and turn the return pump back on... After the return pump runs for 5-10 minutes, I replace the now dirty sock with a clean one.

This procedure cleans a lot but probably not all the detritus from the overflow box...

LL

+1 also you can use a toilet brush to srub walls of overflow. i clean once a month. i can see the back of mine so i see how dirty it get. if i have apsatia i let the overflow dry and hopefully that kills the bastards.

RobbyVonAwesome · 08/30/2009, 08:45 PM

The only thing I do is scrape the algae from the sides at the top. I get a bunch of turf algae that develops around the rim since my lights hang over my tank and there's no way to keep them from shining into the overflow.

goochesfish · 08/30/2009, 11:25 PM

I wouldn't even know how I could ever reach back there

ludnix · 08/30/2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RobbyVonAwesome
The only thing I do is scrape the algae from the sides at the top. I get a bunch of turf algae that develops around the rim since my lights hang over my tank and there's no way to keep them from shining into the overflow.

I do the same. You can get a cover for megaflow overflow kits off ebay, but my return doesn't go through the pre-cut holes in the top so I can't use it.

08/30/2009, 10:14 AM	#1
mullinsd2 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 753	Do I need to clean my internal overflow? Probably a stupid question, but if so, how often? First tank with an overflow so yeah.... Lol

08/30/2009, 10:21 AM	#2
Lightsluvr Tangaroa to 500 gallons Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,855	Maybe I think most people don't... What I do is about once every 2-3 months, I turn off the return pump and pull out the overflow standpipe, and let the contents "flush" into the sump. (really, just like flushing a toilet). Before I pull the standpipe, I make sure there is a clean filter sock on the overflow hose/tubing to catch any crap that flushes out... Then I replace the standpipe and turn the return pump back on... After the return pump runs for 5-10 minutes, I replace the now dirty sock with a clean one. This procedure cleans a lot but probably not all the detritus from the overflow box... LL __________________ Click on my username and select "Lightsluvr's Home Page" for a recap of our build thread - AGE Hybrid Tank in a 500G system with dedicated fish room. (Takes a few minutes for photos to load) Leave a note if you stop by... Current Tank Info: 350G AGE Hybrid reef tank. 500G+ total water volume. Three sumps for filtration. Barracuda Gold return and Hammerhead Gold closed loop pumps. DIY T5 light system on rails. MP40W x3 to supplement closed loop. 130G Water management system.

08/30/2009, 11:25 PM	#6
goochesfish Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,305	I wouldn't even know how I could ever reach back there __________________ The Gooch, my Beagle, may she RIP 1995-2011 Current Tank Info: 150 gallon Starfire set up July 22,09, 30g QT

08/30/2009, 10:49 AM	#3
bunzaroo Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Miami,FL Posts: 617	I have never cleaned it, but it probably sounds like a good idea.

08/30/2009, 08:45 PM	#5
RobbyVonAwesome Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 394	The only thing I do is scrape the algae from the sides at the top. I get a bunch of turf algae that develops around the rim since my lights hang over my tank and there's no way to keep them from shining into the overflow.