DIY PVC Overflow ?s.

[Mavrick813]

Ok, so I got the built in Overflow out of the tank because quite frankly it's design was useless. I'm goign to build a DIY PVC overflow and run them into a 40B that is going to sit under the tank. I am actually contemplating breeding something under their that would make good snacks for my Os.

Inside this 40B I am going to hide my Heaters and my K1 Media Filter. I am also going to hook 2 FX5s to the 40B and run the returns up the back to my main tank. One return will be an Underwater spray bar, that should help to mix up any debris or waste that tries to settle on the bottom of the tank. And the other return will be used as a surface water agitator and increase flow for the tank.

QUESTION: Will one 2" DIY PVC overflow be able to keep up with 2 FX5 returns. Or should I put in two 2" DIY PVC overflows.

Anything you guys can think of that may go wrong with this idea I'd be happy to hear.

Thanks
Mike

 

[Juxtaroberto]

I would do two just to be safe. That's a lot of water you're putting into the tank.

After a couple of weeks, the flow lessens. I'm not sure why, I suspect it has something to do with the gunk that grows in the PVC, but it happened to me. I was okay with one PVC overflow, and it worked awesome for about 2-3 weeks, and then one day, as I was leaving for school, the tank started to overflow. Good thing I was there... I ended up building an extra overflow, and now it works great.

 

[Mavrick813]

I would do two just to be safe. That's a lot of water you're putting into the tank.

After a couple of weeks, the flow lessens. I'm not sure why, I suspect it has something to do with the gunk that grows in the PVC, but it happened to me. I was okay with one PVC overflow, and it worked awesome for about 2-3 weeks, and then one day, as I was leaving for school, the tank started to overflow. Good thing I was there... I ended up building an extra overflow, and now it works great.

Cool. The back of the tank has a rim that is drilled. Should be easy to mount the two overflows. One on each end should work well.

Mike

 

[Mavrick813]

Thinking of using these at the tops of my Overflows. Drilling a hole, gluing them in, then adding 6 inches of line or so. That way I can start my siphon and then close the valve. Anyone ever try this? I figure the valve should be air tight. And I like this idea better then plugging a piece of air line with something.

Feedback?

Mike

 

[Mavrick813]

After some more planning and measuring I have settled to the fact that I will not be able to run the 2 fx5s but instead will use the 2 Eheim Pro II 2028 Filters I have. I am using a design similar to this for the DIY Overflows.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHrpG8jG0Uk

I was wondering is 2" pipe going to be overkill for Two Eheim 2028s? I already purchased the PVC but haven't started the project yet so I can always exchange it.

Mike