More overflow questions!!

[Ali1]

okay fellas, i decided to do my first overflow as suggested by PVC. I hope i did this correctly. I've been browsing for a while and reading more than my eyes can handle about this overflow. I got the design from you guys http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15733&highlight=diy+overflow

I found an airstone(http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752251 and i ripped off the blue chunk, which left me with two end nozzles. one end i inserted into a whole on the top of the "u" tube of my overflow. the other end is connected with a hose so i can suck the air out to begin the siphon.
1- Is this correct or do i actually have to get a "check valve"?

2-How do i start the priming process?

3-Earlier, i was told that 1" PVC will take care of my rio3100(900GPH), but after actual head, 90/45 corners, I'm lookin much less right? So i guess my real question is will the 1" pvc i purchased suffice?

4- I tried sucking out the air as I turned on the pump, and got no success.

5-Based off the pics, does this seem correct?

other information.. main tank is 90g, sump is 30g, pump is rio3100, 1"pvc overflow, pengiuin 350b biowheel for mechanical along with a 200B.
thanks in advance!

 

[rallysman]

1- Is this correct or do i actually have to get a "check valve"?

You need a check valve, otherwise air will get into the system and the overflow will not work. If you can, get an aqualifter to put on it as well just to be safe.

2-How do i start the priming process?

Fill the vent tube as much as you can (plugging the outlet helps), fill the intake line, and suck the air out of the check valve.

3-Earlier, i was told that 1" PVC will take care of my rio3100(900GPH), but after actual head, 90/45 corners, I'm lookin much less right? So i guess my real question is will the 1" pvc i purchased suffice?

You should be fine. You'll lose a lot of flow with the head restriction.

4- I tried sucking out the air as I turned on the pump, and got no success.

Make sure that there is water before and after the loop that you're pulling air out if. It takes a while with a tube full of air.

5-Based off the pics, does this seem correct?

Looks good so far!



Edit: Make sure the vent cap is drilled. Otherwise it wont work correctly.

 

[Ali1]

your talking about the cap of the longest pipe, right? why does it have to be drilled?

 

[rallysman]

your talking about the cap of the longest pipe, right? why does it have to be drilled?

It allows air to flow through it so it wont gurgle like a toilet.

 

[dmopar74]

your talking about the cap of the longest pipe, right? why does it have to be drilled?

because if its not, its not a vent and will create a syphon.

 

[Ali1]

makes sense, heard enough of those with my previous overflow box.

 

[rallysman]

You'll hear some of it with this one, but if you put a ball valve after it you can slow the splash down and it'll help

 

[Ali1]

sound good, I'll head up to a further petshop tomorrow and keep you updated.Once i hook up the check valve, fill both sides of the U with some water. suck out the air from the valve until water comes out? and all this is happening while my pump is turned on slowly filling my tank>

 

[rallysman]

I usually let the water get above the overflow, take pump outlet out of the water (if you can) to keep it from flowing back through the pump, and then prime it and let it flow into the sump.

Then you can turn the pump on and make sure the overflow will keep up. Also keep checking it for air. Again, if you have fish that make waves or splash, it's a great idea to use an aqualifter to make sure air stays out of it.

 

[Ali1]

Fill the vent tube as much as you can (plugging the outlet helps), fill the intake line, and suck the air out of the check valve.

what do you mean by outlet? I'm assuming you mean the middle inlet in my Tee?