DIY overflow works, but questions before i finish.

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T

Tokay

Candiru
MFK Member
Apr 22, 2006
167
3
48
Here is my DIY overflow i build for my 150.
Set it up outside to test it out.
Followed the sticky and a bunch of other info on MFK when building it.
I ran it a few different ways, and none of them would self prime after i shut off the power. I tried changing a few things but nothing would work.

To get it to prime after the power shuts off i have to suck some air from the air bleeder valve. So i know i need to add a power head with an air line which should fix my problem.

Its run quiet with the pump i have on it.
My questions are.
1. Is there anything i can change to have it self prime after the power shuts off without a powerhead? Maybe if i used 3/4" instead of 1" piping.
2. If i run a stronger pump i should just duplicate the overflow, and run a powerhead to the second overflow as well. Will haveing two overflows cause problems if the pump isn't strong enough?
3. Any other modifications i should make before set it up inside the house.?

thank you for your time.

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you can hook an aqualifter to the bleed valve. Big Al's Online has them for $10. I use them on all of my overflows.
 
It started to self prime now for some reason but im still going to add powerhead/aquarlifter.
I have a small aqualifter. I wont test it out till tomrrow, but will it pump air or water?
I believe its designed for water.
Thanks
 
I made one recently and it primes just fine after a shut off - not sure what you mean by an aqualifter, could you please explain?

I recommend adding a ball valve or some way to stop the flow - it will make it easier to prime in the first place, as well as being good for emergency shut offs. Stuffing the outlet with a plastic bag and holding it in place with a harness is a cheap way of doing this.
 
Also, put a cap on the top - make sure it has a few holes drilled in. This will greatly reduce the sound. You can also put a smaller pipe inside it, wrapped in a sponge, to enhance this.

The important thing is that air can still escape, so that it doesnt drain completely when the power goes out.
 
Triple post :D

Cover the inlet with mesh so that the fish can't get through, but assorted crap can ;)

Also, if you're going to paint it than now is the time - i've read that the correct technique is to lightly sand it, clean it (with alcohol preferrably), then use Krylon fusion for plastic. I can't comment on the effectiveness of this, because I can't find the damn brand in Australia :(

In regards to your second question, I'm currently making a second overflow based on the design for the inlet that can be submerged, rather than skimming the surface - I've modified the design so that it has several branches at the bottom, so that it sucks up crud from the corner of the tank where crud likes to sit.
 
Thanks for the info. It started to prime naturally after awhile but i still put the aqua lifter i had lying around and it works great.

Painted overflow, put egg crate in overflow as a screen, setup filter, etc etc.
Everything is running smoothly. Pretty quiet, only sound is air pumps and some from the filter from the tubing.

So far so good, just a few final touches before i add the fish and rest of the decor.

Ill make new post for the entire setup.
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