I wasn't exactly sure how these worked so I figured I'd make one, more so to observe it. Pretty crazy, like everyone said the flow through the pvc will match the flow of the pump. I just had it running into a garbage can so I could watch it. Another thing I love is that its designed to keep prime, so if there were a power outtage it would drain to the entry level then when power kicked back on, the tank level would raise allowing for water to flow back into the overflow and start the process again. It's a nifty little invention, I dont have a powerful pump so I'm not sure if I will use it, cause I'd probably have to get a stronger pump, but if anyone has any questions on making one i think I have it figured out, and I'm not very handy so I can dumb it down lol. I'll attach pictures. The one question I have is how do you guys get them to sit right, i had mine held by two suction clamps but they werent that strong and put it at a tilt.
My first DIY drilless overflow.
- Thread starter fhawk362
- Start date
heres pics
the first pic shows the pieces you need, I have them going from tallest to shortest here
The second pic is it assembled, the first pipe is the third tallest. the second pipe is the longest which is the same length as the pipe behind it.
The third pic is it in progress!
the first pic shows the pieces you need, I have them going from tallest to shortest here
The second pic is it assembled, the first pipe is the third tallest. the second pipe is the longest which is the same length as the pipe behind it.
The third pic is it in progress!
Well, you got it mostly right except for that you want the intake flat against the glass not extended into the tank. It's only shown like that in the picture so you can see how the plumbing is set up. Even says that on the post. You also need a small check valve in the pipe that goes over the tank wall so you can get the air out.
Yup. The check valve is crucial. If you don't have it in place, you will run into big problems.
Also, the pipe does not simply "match the flow of the pump". Different size pipes give you a different maximum flow rate. If your pump is rated higher than the max flow rate of your overflow pipe, the tank will overflow.
Also, the pipe does not simply "match the flow of the pump". Different size pipes give you a different maximum flow rate. If your pump is rated higher than the max flow rate of your overflow pipe, the tank will overflow.
yes the overflow will decrease in flow to match the pump but will never increase beyond the pipes normal gravity-fed max GPHbitteraspects;3860629; said:
Yea, I should have clarified, I knew all that, except for the check valve thing. I've seen people without them, what exactly do they do (in accordance to this set up) and where can I get one. Whats their intended purpose so I can find one at a store, they look like tire valves?
You can get an airline check valve at any LFS. Even walmart has them.
The check valve allows air to be let out of the pipe. When too much air builds up in your overflow, it can stop it from flowing and it will lose prime. Especially if your pump is a lot smaller than the max flow of your pvc.
The check valve allows air to be let out of the pipe. When too much air builds up in your overflow, it can stop it from flowing and it will lose prime. Especially if your pump is a lot smaller than the max flow of your pvc.