Big DIY Weekend: DIY Overflows

[coolnicks]

(To see why I mean big DIY weekend, checkout my marine DIY here)

I want to link 3 of my tropical tanks together, and use a sump.

Bought the bits, and cut the pipes, and in about 5 minutes had it done, wanted to do a test run first to check it really worked. Taped up the joints and gave it a go. Unfortunantly.....it sucked. Not enough flow. Back to the store for bigger pipe.... (see below)

The bigger one rocks, seems to work great. So its all PVC welded up, and will give it a proper go tommorow. Very easy.

The bigger design:

Nick

 

[Rbishop]

Nice.

 

[ThePBM]

how do you prefilter an overflow like that without slowing down the flow too much?

 

[coolnicks]

how do you prefilter an overflow like that without slowing down the flow too much?

I dont think Im going to filter it - that can be done in the sump.

Unless you mean to stop fish getting in. I'm proberly going to put a 90degree bend in the tank, welded to what ive currently got, with a lose piece of pipe on the other side, so it can be removed to clean, with the end sealed, and lots of slats cut into it.

 

[ThePBM]

ahh, good idea. yeah i was referring to the method of keeping out fish. how much did all of the supplies cost you for either one?

 

[dieselman]

Looking good!

 

[coolnicks]

how much did all of the supplies cost you for either one?

The smaller one cost just under £10, and the bigger one £20 BUT I went to a really really expensive place next door - went to a superstore today and the parts cost £10.

 

[coolnicks]

We have action!

Got it setup just now, and gave it a go. Works GREAT.

One thing ive noticed is it needs the length of pipe on the overflow to create a syphon to pull more water out, if its just flowing its too slow. Ive tried a "power failure" and it starts again fine - syphon starts very quickly.

Some pics:

Gurgle stopper: