Jump to content

DIY overflow system


Melvin
 Share

Recommended Posts

  • 2 weeks later...
  • SRC Member

Hi guys,

can help me see whats wrong with my design. I am unable to start the thing. tried the ###### method and filling up with water method. also covered the hole on the top cap with my finger too. but still didn't work... help help

post-9-1147777386.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Or did u close the valve when u are ###### air out of the external pipe?

the water level in the main tank should be above the strainer holes when starting the pipe.. suck air out of the external pipe till u taste some salt water.. Next, keep your fingers crossed and open the ball valve.. water should start flowing...

this method worked for me.. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • SRC Member

yup thats what i did. i sucked the external pipe till i tasted salt water when the valve was closed. then i replaced the cap and place my finger across the hole. the water level is about 2 cm above the overflow. then opened the valve, only water inside the pipe flowed out. after that it stopped....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • SRC Member

mm.. what will happen if the pipe inside the overflow compartment is longer than the 'U' joint just outside the tank?

and i'm thinking it maybe because my overflow compartment takes in water too slowly. what if i dun use an overflow pipe?

lastly, the T joint in my sump tank (pic 2) shouldn't affect the siphon right? i ran out of 'r' joints so i thought i'll use a T joint as a substitute first.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

mm.. what will happen if the pipe inside the overflow compartment is longer than the 'U' joint just outside the tank?

If i understand this statement correctly, yes, the pipe going into the skimmer pipe should be longer than the level at the tee-joint, ie to say, if your pipe inside the main tank is of the same length as pipe just outside the tank, you're ok.

and i'm thinking it maybe because my overflow compartment takes in water too slowly.

doubt the slow intake of the water would cause the device to not work..

what if i dun use an overflow pipe?

That is not advisable cos when your return pump stops, the water in your main tank would drop to the level of the pipe intake. All this water would then end up in your sump which i doubt would be able to take such a huge amt of water..

lastly, the T joint in my sump tank (pic 2) shouldn't affect the siphon right? i ran out of 'r' joints so i thought i'll use a T joint as a substitute first.

don't think that'll affect. just beware of water splashing out of the open hole B)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

oh i noticed the external pipe with the cap is much longer/higher than the pipe in the overflow partition and the pipe just outside the tank. will this cause a problem? should i shorten it?

the external pipe should be slightly longer than the pipe in the overflow.

the problem with your design should be the position of your control valve. it is place too near to U portion of the overflow, thus there is lack of water suction to draw the water down to the overflow. try placing the control valve further down the pipe (just reverse the control valve and its linking length of piping the other way round). it should be able to work. ;)

also after ###### the water at the external piping, replace the end-cap immediately. for the initial starting of the overflow, make the skimmer holes further down into the water, i think a 2 cm might be quite insufficent. adjust the skimmer to desired position only a full siphon is establish, and remember to remove or replace the end cap with an air hole to enable auto-restart of the overflow. else you will be tasting salt water again.. :lol::lol:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

have tried out,base filter with surface skimmer

hmm.. when the return pump is cut-off, wouldn't the water drawn out till the point where the overflow pipe is inserted into the main tank?

cos the water be still able to enter from the base filter up into the overflow pipe?

(ok.. i know my england sucks and not powderful to describe what i am trying to say.. hope the pic helps to provide a better mental picture)

the eventual water level that would remain in the main tank with the return pump cutoff is indicated with a red line...

post-9-1148141297.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

hmm.. when the return pump is cut-off, wouldn't the water drawn out till the point where the overflow pipe is inserted into the main tank?

cos the water be still able to enter from the base filter up into the overflow pipe?

(ok.. i know my england sucks and not powderful to describe what i am trying to say.. hope the pic helps to provide a better mental picture)

the eventual water level that would remain in the main tank with the return pump cutoff is indicated with a red line...

dun think this will happen. if you look carefully at his other picture, there is another pipe inside the surface and base skimmer (i think might be sealed at the bottom).

however dun think the suction will be effective for the bottom filter..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i think helldust got the picture. the inner pipe bottom is sealed infact u can see the bottom covered with a cap ....wanted to provide u guys with more details but my pc knowledge u know la....

base suction will be strong as the inner pipe is lower than the tank water level thus water between both pipes will always rush up to maintain tank water level but before it could do so (remember inner pipe lower than tank water level)it rushes into inner pipe and getting the draw out pipe to do the siphon process....got it?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share




×
×
  • Create New...