couldn't be more clear thanks for the help and the class make sure you do more videos your very clear in explaining it. I just learned how to do an overflow thank's a lot
@theredletterdays that would work, but would also slow the flow of the drain. You would also have to watch it closely to ensure the sponge does not clog.
If water always seeks it's OWN LEVEL, how can water flow over the TOP edge of the tank - BELOW the water line, WITHOUT being primed and flowing to a lower level?
@IONICSILVER No, not with this type of overflow. You would have to have a drilled tank with a straight pipe for the drain not to have to prime it. Every HOB overflow needs to be primed.
hello great vids taught me a bit keep up the good work. see with this over flow design do i not need a weir built in the tank. and also the tank i got alreadi had it predrilled on the side for 2inch pipe how do i go about that u irish dude lol
for a 125 gallon fish tank, would you recommend and overflow like this with a sump or wet dry or a fluval fx5? also, which one would cost more monthly due to electricity utility? thanks man.
I am getting ready to build one of these including the sump. I have a 120 gallon measuring Lx5ft Wx18-1/4 Hx26in. It will be stocked with a gar, RTC and tiger shovel nose as well as some other fish. They are all small for now and will be add to my 2350 plywood when it is finished. I will have a heavy bio load what would you recommend for the diameter for the PVC overflow for the 120?
I noticed that you did not have to suck on the prime tube. Did you call that elbo a street elbo? I have not noticed those at home depot or lowes, is that where got them? Also, what about solids going into the overflow, woudn't that cause the pump to clog? Thanks
I am going to do this next week! Very informative but all the extra talk makes the video run on forever causing most people to quickly loose interest. Next video you do please keep it quick and direct.
@mpegguy2000 I wouldn't say any one is loosing interest. I seem to see a lot of the same viewers coming back a lot, or wanting to see more. I do all my videos like this. I put as much detail into them as possible. A lot of people appreciate it, and its how i like to do my videos. Thanks for the comment, and watching the video. I hope you have success with your DIY overflow.
@uarujoey seriously though... i am 2 min into this video, i want to know how to do it, but i know what the heck an end cap is, most people do, you don't need so much detail. but thanks for the video. i guess i am done at 4min.
@scratchresistant I can explain what an end cap in the video once, or 50 times in the comments. While most know what it is, some dont. I try to cover all levels of experience.
@uarujoey true... sorry about the flak, i was pretty intoxicated the first time i watched this, so i felt it would also be funny to poke fun at Canadians, which i really have no problem with. Anyway I actually came across several of your other videos and they are all very helpful. Thanks for all the time you spent sharing your knowledge.
I made one this afternoon, total cost $11.32! It works great, even though the "U" in the aquarium is only 8" beneath the rim (in my 18" 55 gallon). Plus, the PVC will fit my pump, so I can use the extra (I have over 5' of PVC left) for the input of the sump and the return to the tank. Thanks for the design!!
one more question.. by using street elbows doesn't that decrease the internal pvc diameter? and slightly decrease flow, i know its more cutting more work the other way but would you think its worth it? or not?
@aafsotd the overflow may be too small for the flow. Its creating a vortex inside the pipe. Increase that pipe. Get an adapter that can go at the bottom of the loop, and allow for a bigger pipe to be attached.
@uarujoey haha, and I thought I was buying a pipe one size bigger than I needed. Thanks Joey, I'll try that. Other than the noise, it works really well for me. Saved me a bunch of money and gave me something to work on.
What would cause this design to lose water flow? I built one with double 1" pvc and my 1600gph pond pump ran dry and my snowflake eel is suck in my faux overflow. I unplugged the pump and the water is not overflowing. Please help uarujoey!
@t0ub4b0k00m1 clogging will stop it. Leaking air, and losing its prime will stop it. Those are the two most common ways. If you built it correctly, then it should be one of those.
Great video, but I have a question. You suggest that the overflow height must be relative to the tank height. But it seems to me if a 6" overflow works in a small (short) tank, it would work the same in a large (tall) tank. I have a 2' high 60g tank and think a 8" or 12" overflow would be plenty - why would I make it 24"~?
@vormwmik54 The fall of the water down the pipe ensures water skimming. If the overflow is too short, you wont get as good of a skim on the surface. The length also insures that the minimum linear overflow size is covered without having to calculate the exact length needed. The longer the pipe, the more flow you'll get.
@uarujoey - Again, if I use 12" of pipe, it is going to function in a 24" (60g) tank exactly as it does in a 14" (10g) tank - the overflow is the same. The "fall of water down the pipe is the same in either 12" or 24" and the amount of skimming is relative to water flow volume, not the height of the pipe.... right?
@uarujoey The height all depend son the diameter of the overflow. No they do not flow the same rate of water at different heights. For the most part, 9" of height is needed to achieve the flow rates i put in the video. My explanation of how tall it should be basically covers that. In order to stay primed, it does need to capture water, and hold it there as well, the height helps with that.
also,, you mention a spray paint to use to conceal the pvc in the tank, but you didnt speak clearly when you mentioned what kind of paint,, thanks,, and great videos by the way,, very informative !! alread subscribed!
can you please expand on how to make the valve on the airtube after suching the air out of the lines,, no one ever touches this part,, please share this ok ,, thanks
@grandmastermicochero Its there only to fill the overflow with water. This primes the overflow. You only need to do this the first time. Which is why the valve needs to be on it. It allows you to suck air out, but air can not enter the valve.
Hey man your videos are great. Was wondering if you could give me some advice. I have a 100gallon saltwater ready plexi tank with the fiter built in on back. Anyway turned it into a cichlid tank and can't get nitrate levels down. What could I do?? Thanx
@29CLos If you dont have any readings of ammonia and nitrite, then nitrates alone are ok. To reduce them, do more water changes. Either more often, or larger in size. I prefer to do both.
@DARTHSYNTH drill a hole in the top loop. Insert airline with valve attached to it. Hole in loop must be slightly smaller than airline to insure a tight fit.
@thedylanwoody can the tallest pipe get too high? not really. it simply acts as a siphon break. Just needs to be about 2" higher then the rest of the overflow.
Man Thanks for the DIY just fiinished mine yesterday for my 29 Gal. Biocube and it works like a charm. I used th 3/4" pvc and I still need to paint it
so I made the overflow, but I changed the check valve you used to a PVC Checkvalve. I used a street and tee combo for the top bend. Can you picture this? Now the problem I have is that when i pretend the power went out, I have to prime the overflow again. Do you have any insight? I didn't use the same checkvalve you have because I couldn't find it anywhere and I didn't what exactly you used. Please help if you can. Thanks
@MrGreengiant15 That really depends on how far your going to push the first overflow. If your using its max flow, then yes, its always safer to have a back up.
@baseballman1321 No, you only prime this thing once. This is the only time when water is slightly above the overflow intake. When you start sucking, water will enter the overflow. Once running, water will become level with the intake. If the pump stops, water will stop entering the overflow, but never go back above it.
I have a question. So when you prime using the check valve, you just suck when the water needs to pull thru the tube n out? Also, when u pop the hole on the cap, what does it do exactly n do u need to reseal it? Also, does this overflow only get surface water? Thats my main concern..
@superstarboi When you prime it, your sucking the air out of the pipe. This causes water to be sucked into the overflow. Once the overflow is full, it starts. Then you stop sucking on the valve. The hole in the cap is to insure that the overflow does not create suction. If the hole wasnt there, the overflow would suck water out of the tank faster then the pump puts it in, then the water level in the tank would drop, the overflow would stop, and not be primed anymore. Then you'd flood your tank.
@uarujoey Thanks man! I really wanna try this on my 75 but I have two eheim 2217s and i think that would be adequate enough for filtration. Also, would the overflow system only filter surface water?
@superstarboi Yes, this over flow does only get surface water. most overflows do. With proper circulation in the tank, thats not an issue. Most waste and proteins accumulate on the surface, so skimming the surface is ideal. It also allows for far better gas exchange at the surface.
@MiamiPescador Placement depends on sump layout. Put it where ever the water first enters the sump. A sponge on the overflow is a bad idea, as it does impede the flow dramatically like you said.
Got it man, thanks for all the help and making this video to help everyone out. I love your tutorials, your definitely the best at explaining each thing step by step!
Only downside i can see so far is the noise level. I decided to do a wet/dry and have a basket i found that fits perfectly over the 10 gallon. The basket will only have water in it i think the last 1-2 inches or so so it should work good with bioballs correct? So the water will run over the bioballs, what should i use for mech?
For the noise level, you will find that messing around with it is the only way to quiet it. Usually its in the size of the hole in the cap. For mechanical prefiler. Use something cheap, cause you'll want to change it often. I like using filter floss . its dirt cheap, and does a great job.
I got it! It was that i was leaving the cap on the tallest pvc pipe while it was running, therefore the air had nowhere to escape to.
Now i see that the flow is regulated by how much water is above it, and the system usually only maintains a steady flow equal to that of the water being pumped back in.
Although sometimes even though primed it loses it after 2 minutes or so running when i have it with the top completely off. Is there not enough pressue with the top off?
@MiamiPescador did you drill a small hole in the top cap? sounds like your creating a siphon somehow. Your pipe that lets water in should also be level with the inside water level. Water level should not be above it. water should be "overflowing" into it.
There might be an air leak somewhere because i have about an inch of water over the overflow and it will start putting water in the sump but stop all of a sudden. Any thoughts?
@MiamiPescador It can be done yes, but it should be sealed. In fact to insure it operates correctly, it has to be sealed. If you plug the tallest standpipe with your finger, then suck the pipe that goes to the sump, that should do it. As long as you start your pump and there is enough water in the tank. All you have to do is make sure all the pipe fills with water. Once you get it primed, test it for power outages by unplugging the plug and plug it back in like i did in the video.
@MiamiPescador Yes, you can do that as well. The valve simply makes it easier. You can use silicone to seal it as well, but if you bump the overflow, or twist it the wrong way, you run the chance of causing a leak, so be careful.
@MiamiPescador You can do that if you notice your overflow is sucking air, or it leaks. I never have had to though. i always make the hole small enough form the tubing to fit tightly enough to form its own seal.
@MiamiPescador It depends on the pump and setup for me. I prefer hose, either from a canister, or from a hardware store. I prefer hose do to its flexibility, and that you can move your pump around if needed.
@MiamiPescador That would work out perfectly. The overflow will be able to handle that pump easily, with room for more. If your not going to use 2 overflows, then doubling the size you need in one, is a good idea. Which is basically what you have done.
I was thinking about doing a DIY wet/dry or sump for my 46 gallon bowfront mainly because i have quite a bit of stock and how easy and cheap it is to replace mechanical media.
What size sump would you suggest building? I was thinking of getting a 10G tank from PetSmart their usually like $10 and the siliconing some plexi glass to make the different compartments for it.
@MiamiPescador Glad you enjoyed it! Your on the right track for sump size. I dont like using anything smaller then a 10gal sump. A 10gal will be perfect for that size tank, although bigger is always better.
this is a great Video. im doing my research on pvc over flow because i want to put one on my 120g. i was wondering what do you think is a good pump? i was thinking the quiet one pumps but idk.
@baseballman1321 Glad you are finding this video useful! For a pump, i like the Quiet ones as well.. In fact, its exactly what i would have honestly recommended! Great minds think alike!
If any one ends up trying this out, or already has done one in the past. I would love to see it in action! So post some pics on my FaceBook fan page. The link is on my channel!
couldn't be more clear thanks for the help and the class make sure you do more videos your very clear in explaining it. I just learned how to do an overflow thank's a lot
sbazain 1 day ago
@sbazain Thank you. I have plenty of other videos just like this one, with many more to come.
uarujoey 1 day ago
i have duckweed in my tank, could i put a sponge filter on the top the inlet right at the water line so it doesn't get into the filter?
theredletterdays 5 days ago
@theredletterdays that would work, but would also slow the flow of the drain. You would also have to watch it closely to ensure the sponge does not clog.
uarujoey 4 days ago
Thank you!!! subscribed
superfunny1972 5 days ago
If water always seeks it's OWN LEVEL, how can water flow over the TOP edge of the tank - BELOW the water line, WITHOUT being primed and flowing to a lower level?
IONICSILVER 5 days ago
@IONICSILVER It was primed..... not sure where your going with this. Build one and see for yourself.
uarujoey 5 days ago
@uarujoey
To clarify, is there a way to get this water to flow WITHOUT having to prime?
Thanks
IONICSILVER 5 days ago
@IONICSILVER No, not with this type of overflow. You would have to have a drilled tank with a straight pipe for the drain not to have to prime it. Every HOB overflow needs to be primed.
uarujoey 4 days ago
sorry, I didn't catch it, what type of paint do you use to paint the pipes?
moredude89 5 days ago
where did u get the check valve and hose
MrTrevanh 1 week ago
hello great vids taught me a bit keep up the good work. see with this over flow design do i not need a weir built in the tank. and also the tank i got alreadi had it predrilled on the side for 2inch pipe how do i go about that u irish dude lol
scottylad79 1 week ago
VERY INTUITIVE diy! nice
kelvgan 2 weeks ago
for a 125 gallon fish tank, would you recommend and overflow like this with a sump or wet dry or a fluval fx5? also, which one would cost more monthly due to electricity utility? thanks man.
superstarboi 2 weeks ago
14:46 what is that thing that you have holding the return line to the tank? I see you put some clear tape but there is something else
LordKaiserRSC 2 weeks ago
What size PVC should I use for a twenty gallon and I don't get how it works
glitchminion 2 weeks ago
@glitchminion Watch the video on how it works, and you will know the answer to both your questions.
uarujoey 2 weeks ago
I am getting ready to build one of these including the sump. I have a 120 gallon measuring Lx5ft Wx18-1/4 Hx26in. It will be stocked with a gar, RTC and tiger shovel nose as well as some other fish. They are all small for now and will be add to my 2350 plywood when it is finished. I will have a heavy bio load what would you recommend for the diameter for the PVC overflow for the 120?
Jwhiser1302 3 weeks ago
thanks
obleck2018 3 weeks ago
can you send me the blue prints.
obleck2018 3 weeks ago in playlist More videos from uarujoey
@obleck2018 This video is the blue prints. I also have another video, on how it works.
uarujoey 3 weeks ago
where did u get the pump?
vagasduke 3 weeks ago
@vagasduke i got mine online. Cant remember where, as i use a few places in canada.
uarujoey 3 weeks ago
Perfect made and up and running in a jiffy only cost £6 sump level perfect now cheers :-) simply and very cost effective
combatclifton 1 month ago
Comment removed
TheOravake 1 month ago
lol canadian @2:44
scratchresistant 1 month ago
can i use this on a pond?
shit4shore 1 month ago
I noticed that you did not have to suck on the prime tube. Did you call that elbo a street elbo? I have not noticed those at home depot or lowes, is that where got them? Also, what about solids going into the overflow, woudn't that cause the pump to clog? Thanks
randy12368 1 month ago
I am going to do this next week! Very informative but all the extra talk makes the video run on forever causing most people to quickly loose interest. Next video you do please keep it quick and direct.
mpegguy2000 1 month ago
@mpegguy2000 I wouldn't say any one is loosing interest. I seem to see a lot of the same viewers coming back a lot, or wanting to see more. I do all my videos like this. I put as much detail into them as possible. A lot of people appreciate it, and its how i like to do my videos. Thanks for the comment, and watching the video. I hope you have success with your DIY overflow.
uarujoey 1 month ago
@uarujoey more info the better, your videos are good, most people appreciate more info.
viggabrand 1 month ago
@uarujoey seriously though... i am 2 min into this video, i want to know how to do it, but i know what the heck an end cap is, most people do, you don't need so much detail. but thanks for the video. i guess i am done at 4min.
scratchresistant 1 month ago
@scratchresistant I can explain what an end cap in the video once, or 50 times in the comments. While most know what it is, some dont. I try to cover all levels of experience.
uarujoey 1 month ago 3
@uarujoey true... sorry about the flak, i was pretty intoxicated the first time i watched this, so i felt it would also be funny to poke fun at Canadians, which i really have no problem with. Anyway I actually came across several of your other videos and they are all very helpful. Thanks for all the time you spent sharing your knowledge.
scratchresistant 1 month ago
I made one this afternoon, total cost $11.32! It works great, even though the "U" in the aquarium is only 8" beneath the rim (in my 18" 55 gallon). Plus, the PVC will fit my pump, so I can use the extra (I have over 5' of PVC left) for the input of the sump and the return to the tank. Thanks for the design!!
MRenn0617 1 month ago
@MRenn0617 No problem, glad you enjoyed it!
uarujoey 1 month ago
@MRenn0617 I am having trouble trying to find a check valve. Where did you get it and in what department? Thank you so much!
bradintally 1 month ago
@uarujoey which part is the put put?
videoramon 1 month ago
one more question.. by using street elbows doesn't that decrease the internal pvc diameter? and slightly decrease flow, i know its more cutting more work the other way but would you think its worth it? or not?
videoramon 1 month ago
@videoramon Yes, but you would have to plug the put put for the priming.
uarujoey 1 month ago
could i get away with skipping the the check valve step, and just prime the overflow with the tallest pipe that has the end cap, when need be?
videoramon 1 month ago
The answer to tampered glass tanks. Thanks again Joey!
Kingbundy08 1 month ago
If I made this how would I get solid debris like poop out?
TheToanduong 1 month ago
What type of spray paint can I use?
KALZONE850 2 months ago
Thanks for the vid
KALZONE850 2 months ago
my diy overflow made a noise , now i know how to fix that thanks alot
AweSomo84 2 months ago
where did you get the check valve?????
RyanMeldrum100 3 months ago
@RyanMeldrum100 my local fish store. They are very common. They should be with the air pumps.
uarujoey 3 months ago
@RyanMeldrum100 I got mine at walmart
djlexxx 2 months ago
@RyanMeldrum100 got 10 for 1$ on ebay once! free shipping! :D
JuGgala22 1 month ago
What is the maximum flow for a half inch?
penguin24245 3 months ago
So is it not good to put a half inch PVC?
penguin24245 3 months ago
@penguin24245 You can use it, and it still works, but you get very little flow.
uarujoey 3 months ago
The intake(?) pipe where the water flows into inside the tank is noisy for me. Almost a flushing sound, can hear it sucking air. Any idea why?
aafsotd 3 months ago
@aafsotd the overflow may be too small for the flow. Its creating a vortex inside the pipe. Increase that pipe. Get an adapter that can go at the bottom of the loop, and allow for a bigger pipe to be attached.
uarujoey 3 months ago
@uarujoey haha, and I thought I was buying a pipe one size bigger than I needed. Thanks Joey, I'll try that. Other than the noise, it works really well for me. Saved me a bunch of money and gave me something to work on.
aafsotd 3 months ago
What would cause this design to lose water flow? I built one with double 1" pvc and my 1600gph pond pump ran dry and my snowflake eel is suck in my faux overflow. I unplugged the pump and the water is not overflowing. Please help uarujoey!
t0ub4b0k00m1 3 months ago
@t0ub4b0k00m1 clogging will stop it. Leaking air, and losing its prime will stop it. Those are the two most common ways. If you built it correctly, then it should be one of those.
uarujoey 3 months ago
@TheOrockmoney No problem buddy!
uarujoey 3 months ago
@TheOrockmoney check valve is to prime the overflow. You suck trapped air out of the overflow. Water cant flow out of it on its own though
uarujoey 3 months ago
what kind of spray paint for the pipe
speedysnapper 4 months ago
@speedysnapper Krylon fusion
uarujoey 4 months ago
Great video, but I have a question. You suggest that the overflow height must be relative to the tank height. But it seems to me if a 6" overflow works in a small (short) tank, it would work the same in a large (tall) tank. I have a 2' high 60g tank and think a 8" or 12" overflow would be plenty - why would I make it 24"~?
vormwmik54 4 months ago
@vormwmik54 The fall of the water down the pipe ensures water skimming. If the overflow is too short, you wont get as good of a skim on the surface. The length also insures that the minimum linear overflow size is covered without having to calculate the exact length needed. The longer the pipe, the more flow you'll get.
uarujoey 4 months ago
@uarujoey - Again, if I use 12" of pipe, it is going to function in a 24" (60g) tank exactly as it does in a 14" (10g) tank - the overflow is the same. The "fall of water down the pipe is the same in either 12" or 24" and the amount of skimming is relative to water flow volume, not the height of the pipe.... right?
vormwmik54 4 months ago
@uarujoey The height all depend son the diameter of the overflow. No they do not flow the same rate of water at different heights. For the most part, 9" of height is needed to achieve the flow rates i put in the video. My explanation of how tall it should be basically covers that. In order to stay primed, it does need to capture water, and hold it there as well, the height helps with that.
uarujoey 4 months ago
Thank you thank you thank you is all I can say!
TheSphistak 4 months ago
also,, you mention a spray paint to use to conceal the pvc in the tank, but you didnt speak clearly when you mentioned what kind of paint,, thanks,, and great videos by the way,, very informative !! alread subscribed!
grandmastermicochero 4 months ago
@grandmastermicochero Krylon Fusion for plastic is what i use. Follow the curing instructions.
uarujoey 4 months ago
can you please expand on how to make the valve on the airtube after suching the air out of the lines,, no one ever touches this part,, please share this ok ,, thanks
grandmastermicochero 4 months ago
@grandmastermicochero Its there only to fill the overflow with water. This primes the overflow. You only need to do this the first time. Which is why the valve needs to be on it. It allows you to suck air out, but air can not enter the valve.
uarujoey 4 months ago
thanx
DARTHSYNTH 4 months ago
Thanx bro will do. Also Do you make tanks to sell? I want to build a tank like the 160 you did?
29CLos 5 months ago
@29CLos No problem. I dont build tanks to sell right now, sorry.
uarujoey 5 months ago
Hey man your videos are great. Was wondering if you could give me some advice. I have a 100gallon saltwater ready plexi tank with the fiter built in on back. Anyway turned it into a cichlid tank and can't get nitrate levels down. What could I do?? Thanx
29CLos 5 months ago
@29CLos If you dont have any readings of ammonia and nitrite, then nitrates alone are ok. To reduce them, do more water changes. Either more often, or larger in size. I prefer to do both.
uarujoey 5 months ago
PLEASE explain how to do the airline check valve thing
DARTHSYNTH 5 months ago
@DARTHSYNTH drill a hole in the top loop. Insert airline with valve attached to it. Hole in loop must be slightly smaller than airline to insure a tight fit.
uarujoey 5 months ago
How do we assemple the airline tube?
TyoFamily 5 months ago
cool man thanks for it im guna use it
fishman807 5 months ago
gread vid first one i have seen that helpful, if the pipe that is higher than everythings hight mater (can it get to high)
thedylanwoody 5 months ago
@thedylanwoody can the tallest pipe get too high? not really. it simply acts as a siphon break. Just needs to be about 2" higher then the rest of the overflow.
uarujoey 5 months ago
Man Thanks for the DIY just fiinished mine yesterday for my 29 Gal. Biocube and it works like a charm. I used th 3/4" pvc and I still need to paint it
MegaPB007 6 months ago
@MegaPB007 No problem man!
uarujoey 5 months ago
so I made the overflow, but I changed the check valve you used to a PVC Checkvalve. I used a street and tee combo for the top bend. Can you picture this? Now the problem I have is that when i pretend the power went out, I have to prime the overflow again. Do you have any insight? I didn't use the same checkvalve you have because I couldn't find it anywhere and I didn't what exactly you used. Please help if you can. Thanks
PhillipMMorin 7 months ago
@PhillipMMorin Hard to get an idea without a picture.... could you post a picture of the set up on my facebook fan page?(link is on my channel)
uarujoey 7 months ago
im gonna do this with a freshwater 55 gallon...im gonna have a 5 gallon as my sump tank...what diameter piping should i use?
MrGreengiant15 7 months ago
@MrGreengiant15 1" should do it.
uarujoey 7 months ago
@uarujoey what size pump?gph?
MrGreengiant15 7 months ago
@MrGreengiant15 Something that will flow 200-300gph will do it.
uarujoey 7 months ago
@uarujoey thanks abucnh
MrGreengiant15 7 months ago
@MrGreengiant15 No problem!
uarujoey 7 months ago
@uarujoey okay.so today i went and got 3/4 inch pvc parts to make my over flow...should i get another over flow..maybe 1/2 inch?
MrGreengiant15 7 months ago
@MrGreengiant15 That really depends on how far your going to push the first overflow. If your using its max flow, then yes, its always safer to have a back up.
uarujoey 7 months ago
@skysdad1999 Glad it worked for for you!!
uarujoey 8 months ago
Good Job, Thank for the nice video
LaLin0501 9 months ago
@LaLin0501 thank you!
uarujoey 9 months ago
When you suck the air out of it wont you keep on sucking endless air?
baseballman1321 9 months ago
@baseballman1321 No, you only prime this thing once. This is the only time when water is slightly above the overflow intake. When you start sucking, water will enter the overflow. Once running, water will become level with the intake. If the pump stops, water will stop entering the overflow, but never go back above it.
uarujoey 9 months ago
I have a question. So when you prime using the check valve, you just suck when the water needs to pull thru the tube n out? Also, when u pop the hole on the cap, what does it do exactly n do u need to reseal it? Also, does this overflow only get surface water? Thats my main concern..
superstarboi 9 months ago
@superstarboi When you prime it, your sucking the air out of the pipe. This causes water to be sucked into the overflow. Once the overflow is full, it starts. Then you stop sucking on the valve. The hole in the cap is to insure that the overflow does not create suction. If the hole wasnt there, the overflow would suck water out of the tank faster then the pump puts it in, then the water level in the tank would drop, the overflow would stop, and not be primed anymore. Then you'd flood your tank.
uarujoey 9 months ago
@uarujoey so when you prime the overflow the water level is above the intake
baseballman1321 9 months ago
@baseballman1321 Water level should never be above the intake. level with it when running, below it when not.
uarujoey 9 months ago
@uarujoey Thanks man! I really wanna try this on my 75 but I have two eheim 2217s and i think that would be adequate enough for filtration. Also, would the overflow system only filter surface water?
superstarboi 9 months ago
@superstarboi Yes, this over flow does only get surface water. most overflows do. With proper circulation in the tank, thats not an issue. Most waste and proteins accumulate on the surface, so skimming the surface is ideal. It also allows for far better gas exchange at the surface.
uarujoey 9 months ago
I have a huge roll of polyfiber which i usually use on my filters for polishing. I think this is the same as filter floss.
Where exactly should i put this?
Should i also make a sponge filter on the intake of my pump, or will this impede lots of flow?
MiamiPescador 9 months ago
@MiamiPescador Placement depends on sump layout. Put it where ever the water first enters the sump. A sponge on the overflow is a bad idea, as it does impede the flow dramatically like you said.
uarujoey 9 months ago
Got it man, thanks for all the help and making this video to help everyone out. I love your tutorials, your definitely the best at explaining each thing step by step!
Only downside i can see so far is the noise level. I decided to do a wet/dry and have a basket i found that fits perfectly over the 10 gallon. The basket will only have water in it i think the last 1-2 inches or so so it should work good with bioballs correct? So the water will run over the bioballs, what should i use for mech?
MiamiPescador 9 months ago
@MiamiPescador Thanks for the kind comments.
For the noise level, you will find that messing around with it is the only way to quiet it. Usually its in the size of the hole in the cap. For mechanical prefiler. Use something cheap, cause you'll want to change it often. I like using filter floss . its dirt cheap, and does a great job.
uarujoey 9 months ago
How many gallons per hour will this pull?
STProductionFilms 9 months ago
@STProductionFilms Check out the second video to this one. It is in the video responces. It lists all flow rates for pvc up to 2".
uarujoey 9 months ago
I got it! It was that i was leaving the cap on the tallest pvc pipe while it was running, therefore the air had nowhere to escape to.
Now i see that the flow is regulated by how much water is above it, and the system usually only maintains a steady flow equal to that of the water being pumped back in.
Although sometimes even though primed it loses it after 2 minutes or so running when i have it with the top completely off. Is there not enough pressue with the top off?
MiamiPescador 9 months ago
@MiamiPescador did you drill a small hole in the top cap? sounds like your creating a siphon somehow. Your pipe that lets water in should also be level with the inside water level. Water level should not be above it. water should be "overflowing" into it.
uarujoey 9 months ago
There might be an air leak somewhere because i have about an inch of water over the overflow and it will start putting water in the sump but stop all of a sudden. Any thoughts?
MiamiPescador 9 months ago
Do you have to seal it before running it? I am trying to run it dry without sealing but it wont prime by sucking on the tube that goes to the sump
MiamiPescador 9 months ago
@MiamiPescador It can be done yes, but it should be sealed. In fact to insure it operates correctly, it has to be sealed. If you plug the tallest standpipe with your finger, then suck the pipe that goes to the sump, that should do it. As long as you start your pump and there is enough water in the tank. All you have to do is make sure all the pipe fills with water. Once you get it primed, test it for power outages by unplugging the plug and plug it back in like i did in the video.
uarujoey 9 months ago
I was not able to find it at HD. Could i just suck on the bottom of the PVC? lol.
What do you think about using silicone on the PVC to seal. I dont want to use the cements since its very permanent.
MiamiPescador 9 months ago
@MiamiPescador Yes, you can do that as well. The valve simply makes it easier. You can use silicone to seal it as well, but if you bump the overflow, or twist it the wrong way, you run the chance of causing a leak, so be careful.
uarujoey 9 months ago
Do you use silicone to seal the check valve in the hole you made?
MiamiPescador 9 months ago
@MiamiPescador You can do that if you notice your overflow is sucking air, or it leaks. I never have had to though. i always make the hole small enough form the tubing to fit tightly enough to form its own seal.
uarujoey 9 months ago
One more question sir.
What would you recommend as far as tubing back to the tank, as in from pump to tank.
I have seen people use PVC, some typical canister filter hoses, and a plastic hose such as the one that you have.
MiamiPescador 9 months ago
@MiamiPescador It depends on the pump and setup for me. I prefer hose, either from a canister, or from a hardware store. I prefer hose do to its flexibility, and that you can move your pump around if needed.
uarujoey 9 months ago
Awesome the thing is that it has to fit under the stand :/. What size PVC would you use? It would probably only be 1 overflow and not 2.
I was thinking 1" PVC and a QuietOne 1200?
This will be going into a 46 gallon bowfront that currently has a Penguin 350 and Aquaclear 110.
MiamiPescador 9 months ago
@MiamiPescador That would work out perfectly. The overflow will be able to handle that pump easily, with room for more. If your not going to use 2 overflows, then doubling the size you need in one, is a good idea. Which is basically what you have done.
uarujoey 9 months ago
Amazing video as alway mate!
I was thinking about doing a DIY wet/dry or sump for my 46 gallon bowfront mainly because i have quite a bit of stock and how easy and cheap it is to replace mechanical media.
What size sump would you suggest building? I was thinking of getting a 10G tank from PetSmart their usually like $10 and the siliconing some plexi glass to make the different compartments for it.
Any ideas?
MiamiPescador 9 months ago
@MiamiPescador Glad you enjoyed it! Your on the right track for sump size. I dont like using anything smaller then a 10gal sump. A 10gal will be perfect for that size tank, although bigger is always better.
uarujoey 9 months ago
this is a great Video. im doing my research on pvc over flow because i want to put one on my 120g. i was wondering what do you think is a good pump? i was thinking the quiet one pumps but idk.
baseballman1321 9 months ago
@baseballman1321 Glad you are finding this video useful! For a pump, i like the Quiet ones as well.. In fact, its exactly what i would have honestly recommended! Great minds think alike!
uarujoey 9 months ago
If any one ends up trying this out, or already has done one in the past. I would love to see it in action! So post some pics on my FaceBook fan page. The link is on my channel!
uarujoey 9 months ago