My DIY pvc overflow, will it work?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Gasses in the water can accumulate in the overflow. Its not just from air, but actually from the water and the debris in the water.

The overflow may not fully stop, but the more air that is in there, the slower the overflow will run.
 
MBilyeu;3638579; said:
Check on the vent pipe.:headbang2


I don't want anything else in the tank, that is one reason I am going the sump route instead of an fx5 or the like. So I am not really sure about the air check valve. It would seem to me that after the first priming, that it is pointless(I have never had a sump/overlfow before). Pharoh mentioned that air will eventually get caught in the overflow, and then the siphon will stop. It seems to me that if that air check tube isn't there, then air wouldn't be able to get in.

I am probably sounding pretty ingnorant (which I am), but I just can't understand the purpose of it. I watch you-tube videos on overflows, and it seems like they just use it to prime the overflow, then they disconnect the air pump and that is that.

I am going to try and find some different articles online, because this is still a little confusing.
Click to expand...

The aircheck valve is to allow you to suck the air out of the system to prime it and any air that builds up over time. Air build up over time comes from the water itself so you need to check it regularly to ensure there is no build up, though this system has less of an issue with air build up than the surface feeding overflows. Also,I don't use a powerhead in conjunction with a valve.

The reason I use a powerhead(without the air check valve) is because I have had several Aircheck valves fail to seal which allowed a back flow of air into the system. No need to say what happened next. I find good quality powerheads much more reliable.
 
Ok, I read a little more, and I think my brain is done fighting me. It is making sense now. Thanks for both of your replies. If it is the safer method, I migh as well just get the smallest powerhead possible then. I really don't want anything else in the tank, but it's better than having a wet floor from the overflow failing. Thank you guys!
 
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