diy sump and overflow not working :( help?

[ale248]

i made a diy overflow and sump
for the overflow is 1 1/2" and the sump is a 5g bucket dripping into a 30g rubermaid
welli guess the problem would be the return pump. and priming my overflow.

what can i do to fix this problem? ill post pics when i get home

 

[619aquaponics]

Do you have gate valves on the return pump and overflow. Get gate valves instead of ball valves because ball valves are not made to regulate flow. How much gph is your pump rated for. You need to put an airline in the top to start the siphon and to prime it

 

[leather]

What is not working? I prime my overflows with a wet/dry shop vac. Once it is primed it will stay primed. The pump either works or doesn't work, it just has to pump less than the overflow can return. If you only have one overflow it doesn't need a gate valve to restrict it, the pump might need one if it pumps too much. Pictures are the best way to explain what you are doing and get help

 

[ale248]

Ok well the overflow works

The return pipe where and how do I do the airline? Would I just drill it and suk the end to get the air out of the tube?

 

[kdog]

I'm running a DIY overflow set up and sump I'm not sure why your return would need an airline. I know on the overflow it's nice to have the check vlv and air line at the highest point of the piping. As air will become trapped in it and slow water heading to your sump. I suck the air out of it weekly just to ensure maximum flow into my sump. I use ball vlv's to control flow into my sump and control the flow great and allow me to minimalize the amount 'gurgling' in the overflows.

Good luck and enjoy the fruits of your labor. I love my sump!

 

[Joe M]

Yeah no need for an airline on the return. That would make a mess.

 

[shriraj]

or you can just attach the airline to the input of the power head.no need to suck the air out it just suck the air out automatically .