how to keep overflow primed during poweroutage?

[fish head )'>]

I have made my own overflow.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=23331&stc=1
overflow1.jpg
Any DIY people out there have to check out www.meleevsreef.com
this guy is awesome. I based my overflow on his work. Lots of great tips!

my question: To keep this primed during a power-outage, the use of an aqua lifter (a small water pump) is suggested. Any ideas on how to make sure that it starts up when the power comes back on, other than a aqua lifter?

 

[fish head )'>]

Here is the application. The one pictured is on the peninsula tank. Both tanks overflow to a single sump.

 

[ethnics]

as long as the entrance is lower then the exit, it will stay primed.

 

[CHOMPERS]

Ditto. Have you had this in operation and simulated a power outage? If not, try it. I am not seeing why you would have a problem with restarts.

 

[CHOMPERS]

by the way, nice work

 

[thrinfo]

I didn't use overflow boxe for that reason, powerflow drain stoped and overflow mess, maybe I way to scare to try, but I did'nt take any chance, and in my region we miss electricity often.

 

[Martin H]

cool

 

[WyldFya]

That is an amazing DIY overflow! you are quite handy with acrylic I see. Easiest way to keep it primed even when power goes out is by adding one more wall. Also I would suggest hooking up a small powerhead with air tubing that goes from the overflows top to the powerhead to suck any trapped air out, and back to the tank. If you can find one that has a fitting for this, have the power head intake attach to the other end of the air tubing. Also a one way valve won't hurt. The biggest danger of overflows like this is if you ever get air into the siphon which can happen, but the powerhead will pull the air back out and release it into the tank. See picture below. Hope this makes sense.

 

[fish head )'>]

I am currantly running this set up with a $15 water lifter. (Opposite of an air pump.) however, since I already have a powerhead running in that tank, I might as well take advantage of it. I also never thought of using a one way value. nice!
As far as the extra wall....My second overflow that I made has it. It was an oversight and glad that you pointed it out. THANKS! It will help keep water in that side from draining out during an outage or water cleaning shutdown.

BTW: I am handy and have a lot of tools. This was my first acrylic project. I was surprised how well it went. I have not made any tanks yet. But have done many small acrylic projects.

 

[WyldFya]

Hey if ya want more practice you can make me one!