DIY PVC overflows - safe?

[FSM]

If the power goes out, does it restart? I looked at the sticky and it appears to be designed so power outages don't effect it.

I am considering buying a tank but it isn't drilled and comes with a sump. My only experience with a sump is on my drilled 75 gallon. If I can easily build a PVC overflow that can't kill the pump if the power goes out, the tank is a lot more appealing.

thanks

 

[mdb_talon]

They are relatively safe if done well, but there is always going to be some risk. You should be fine when the power goes out (especially for short times). Air will build up in the overflows over time though so will need to get that out occasionally as well. I have a couple I have to suck the air out every couple weeks. Have others that have went months and never had an issue.

I would assume you could hook it up to a lifter pump to a check valve at the top of the overflow that could eliminate the air automatically, but I still think there is some sort of risk there that you would not have with a drilled setup.

The only 2 time I have really had an issue was just cause I was stupid and let the sump water level get too low so it blew some air into the tank which all went into the overflow. Luckily I only use these in my basement with a concrete floor and drain.

 

[bitteraspects]

if they're built properly, they are just as safe as any other overflow. there are a lot of people on this board who have been using therm successfully for a long time.
the key is building it right the first time, and making sure you have the right sized components.

 

[redtailshark1]

 

[prcdslnc13]

the ones I built start and stop better then all the overflow boxes ive ever used. just make sure you get your pieces glued well.

 

[Pharaoh]

if they're built properly, they are just as safe as any other overflow. there are a lot of people on this board who have been using therm successfully for a long time.
the key is building it right the first time, and making sure you have the right sized components.

Agreed.

 

[FSM]

How quiet are they? I can get the 210 gallon tank (great condition) stand (hideous textured finish, but that's easy to fix) and the sump for $400 delivered.

The sump on my 75 makes a lot of noise, ironically the only place I can put it is my room because I sleep with a fan on (drowns out the noise from the tank)

 

[Pharaoh]

How quiet are they? I can get the 210 gallon tank (great condition) stand (hideous textured finish, but that's easy to fix) and the sump for $400 delivered.

The sump on my 75 makes a lot of noise, ironically the only place I can put it is my room because I sleep with a fan on (drowns out the noise from the tank)

If designed correctly, they will be very quiet. I cannot hear Mike Dunagan's overflow running.

 

[bitteraspects]

indeed/ in the end it all comes down to design.
the only time i hear any of mine is when the water in the ump is running low, but even then, its not the pipe making noise, its the drip plates in the sump (cause im too lazy to retrofit the lid on my sump, so i leave it wide open)

 

[FSM]

Cool. It will be delivered on Sunday.