Need help with DIY wet dry filter

[fcamargo6thave]

It will not work you need an overflow or a U tube cut to the length of were the overflow would end. But if u make it work let us know how u did it

 

[bitteraspects]

An overflow can not flood your sump. I think you are misunderstanding the function of an 'overflow'.

What you are proposing is a siphon from your tank to the sump, with a hole drilled just below the water line. and you're right, that would not overflow the sump because the hole would stop the siphon. However, when the power returns and the pump turns back on, your tank will overflow as the pump pushes all the water from the sump to your tank.

All you need is about $8 in PVC and supplies and some free time. A DIY PVC overflow is simple, safe, and effective. There are many threads about building them here on the forum. I'd suggest giving the stickies a good read through.

 

[fcamargo6thave]

when the power returns and the pump turns back on, your tank will overflow as the pump pushes all the water from the sump to your tank.

that would not be good at all this is what i was trying to explain but i couldnt get it out in words

 

[JakeH]

I think this "airline-siphon maneuver" would be in addition to the overflow he already has... He mentioned it was routed somewhere else. I would say move things around so that the overflow is feeding the main sump, then use powerheads or siphons INSIDE the sump to route water through your wet/dry or reactors or whatever else you have going. The link between the tanks is the weakest part of the chain, so I say keep that piece very simple & experiment with other stuff in the sump. I've even seen people with large pumps use a tee on their return line to route water to a separate system, but it usually all runs off one main sump inlet (even if thats fed by several overflows).

 

[turtlesrock]

I was going to put an air tube in the display tank and have it drain to the plastic drawers which then drain into the sump. What im trying to do is instead of using an overflow why cant i drill a small hole in the air tube just below water level in the main tank so if my power goes out the small hole prevent a flood in the sump. My question is do i really need an overflow or will the tube with a small hole drill into it suffice/?

YES!! you do need an overflow. if you just use a normal siphon to get the water to your sump then the siphon might push more or less water than your pump, which will make either your sump overflow or you tank over flow.

 

[spongebob281]

Guys i talked to a friend who's an owner of a LFS here in Houston. He said it can be done but to make sure my bulkhead is at least 1.5" Anything less will not work. As far as flooding for either the main tank or sump won't be an issue since I already have a built in overflow.