fedup with DIY filter

[bunty82]

I don't how many of you face this problem but i am facing it almost everyday,
The DIY filter thing looses vacumm everyday, and i have to make vacumm every day.I case you guys dont know what i am talking about here is a pic of what i am speakin on.

So, just to minimize this problem now i will be using a power head which will be inverted(suction part facing upward).

now the problem which i might face is the difference in there reading.
currently i got a 800l/h 18w rating powerhead which is working as return in this sump, I got two options either go for a 600l/hr rating or 1100l/hr.
I dont want to face the same problem again and again
Please help me choosing the correct powerhead.I feel this thing will also work in the same way as the previous one work.

 

[nfored]

I Used the same overflow and never had a problem. One thing you might try is taking out the pipe with the slits. Possible the over flow is not siphoning fast enough to suck out some of the air that gets in there. Also I found using only the check valve didn't work, I put a tube on the check valve and tied it in a knot to keep air out. I untied it if I had to restart the siphon for some reason.

 

[bob965]

You're planning on using a powerhead to pump to the sump and another powerhead to return from the sump? Won't work.

 

[bunty82]

Reason why it wont work.

 

[Pharaoh]

It will not work because you will never be able to get both of the pumps operating at the same rate. With the pump running at different rates, either the tank or the sump will eventually overflow.


I would check your overflow for leaks to ensure that you are not sucking air in through one of the seams. If it is OK, I would look at taking a powerhead with a venturi intake. Hook a piece of airline from the check valve on the venturi intake. This will draw in any air and a little water and help keep the overflow primed.

 

[I<3fish]

There is no way to even the flow of the two powerheads/pumps.

 

[frnchjeep]

I would suspect the check valve is leaking air into the overflow. Pharaoh's idea is awesome. Any air that ends up in the overflow will be instantly sucked out and used to aerate the tank.

Also, if you have big fish that like to splash a lot, especially when being fed, they might be causing the overflow to suck air from surface turbulence.

 

[Richies^Ghost]

There is no way to even the flow of the two powerheads/pumps.

There is, though it's relatively complicated: http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html

Of course, bunty could always try cutting of that bit at the end where the water comes in - my guess is that the slits up top (where the water comes in) suck in alot of air, more than the check valve can release before siphon is lost.

 

[bunty82]

the problem what i am facing is that the joints sometimes get leak, i am using PVC pipes. As previously lots of my fishes went into the sump and died(couple of them) so i cover the mouth with the fishnet, which usually get choked up with the dirt, leave me completely insane.Also,the joints are glued together and the L-bow used sometimes gets burst due to over stearing.Which i change later on.Thats y i am fed up and wanted to use a powerhead.which will be inverted place so when the water level comes down.
It will not suck water leave no water outside the sump(overflow).Anywayz as u guys told me there is no way out, so will do some homework on this
what i am feeling is to change the inlet mouth by attaching another L=bow
facing downwards so that it wound suck unecessary air.
I dont have much problem sucking water on a daily base but. as i will be out of the town for almost 10 days and my helper(my brother ) will not be at home so wont be possible for anyone to deal with this filter.
THough i brought a powerhead and will be using it as a filter temporarily if this sump thing dont work.

 

[bunty82]

The last pic i click cos these guys were hungry for some paparazzi moment.