I FINALLY UNDERSTAND IT.....sort of!!

[Matt181]

I have spent literally hours trying to understand this whole DIY overflow thing and i finally understand it!! but i have a few more questions;

1) can you have a 2 headed intake?

2) does the U shape on the outside have to sit lower than the U shape on the outside, (if that makes sense?)

2) does it matter where abouts the tee shape sits?

3) i assume the check valve is just for priming? to prime it just suck out the air?

4) can the vent be cut shorter than displayed on most models?

and more importantly...

Can you make these things quieter? the tank will be in my room and thus has to be quiet!!

Thanks
Matt

 

[hmt321]

overflows are hard to get quiet

you can simulate the overflow with 5 gal buckets, or plastic storage containers (really anything)

build the overflow but do not glue it up, use some Vaseline on the fittings to make them air tight (you may not even have to do that) that way you can play around with it.

 

[KaiserSousay]

If you don`t try to reinvent an overflow design and just follow a proven build, you should not have many problems getting it to work correctly.
As said, testing it before installing only makes sense.
From some of your questions, I really get the impression you really have not got it yet.
Take a look at this, see if it makes it any clearer
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_skimmerless_overflow.php
Bulldogg does a good job of explaining basic overflow concepts.
http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-overflow/120.asp
The above should help as well.

 

[Matt181]

Thanks guys

ive done a hell of a lot more reading and i understand it all now its such a good idea, wish i'd thought of making one earlier!

the only issue that remains is the noise. what ways are there to quieten it? anything in the design that can make it quieter?

Thanks
Matt

 

[Zander_The_RBP]

buy an end cap and drill a very small hole in it and put it on the up tube this will quieten the gurgle alot

 

[bitteraspects]

you can use some foam in the top of the vent pipe, but in the end, cavitation will cause the noise more than anything. make sure all the air is out of your overflow, and it should be relatively quiet. i have them in my bedroom and family room, and i cant hear either.

 

[dr_sudz]

drilling is much easier for an over flow, and I would think safer too.

 

[bitteraspects]

drilling is much easier for an over flow, and I would think safer too.

It is not necessarily easier or safer. It really depends on setting them up properly. Much the same with drilling. If you are not careful you can crack or shatter the glass during drilling or while installing the bulkhead fittings. That's not safer at all.
the DIY PVC overflow is both easy and safe. If you can assemble lego's, you can assemble a PVC overflow. And of built properly, the chance of the overflow failing are highly unlikely. There are members here who have been using them for many years who can attest to their safety.

Now, of you would have said, drilling the tank looks better, I would agree 100%. However being easier or safer has more to do with the person doing the job than the system itself.

 

[oblrman]

In an earlier post I asked about overflow noise.

Here is what Pharaoh suggested to me:

My advise... buy a standard overflow, such as the one pictured and then put a gurgle buster on it.

http://home.everestkc.net/jrobertson57268/HGB/
​

 

[Matt181]

Thanks, to pull all of the air out, could i install some airline tubing after the check valve and attach it to a powerhead? would this pull out all of the air? cool, il put an end cap on it and drill a small hole in it and if its still to loud, i might put some foam in the top.

Drilling the tank isnt an option, although i think it does look better.

im afraid i dont have the money to but a premade overflow at the moment, funds are a little tight!

Thanks for all the help
Matt