NEEED HELPPP new pvc overflow

[turtlesrock]

i have a 550 gph pump on my 100 gallon and i have a pvc overflow (the first pic). the diameter of my overflow i 1.25 inches and i works fine. my pump doesn't pump as fast though. if nothing works out for you, just build another overflow and that should work. PS make sure your second overflow has the exact same length of tubes.

also i dont have a check valve and my overflow is fine. to prime it i just suck on the tube on the out side of the tank. not the one in the sump but the one on the outside of the tank that is pointing up. after i suck on that for a while, i put a cap on it and i open the ball valve. THEN THE OVERFLOW IS WORKING.

 

[bitteraspects]

your overflow seems to work fine... for now
but then again, you though kitchen sponges were a good media choice too, even after you were told over and over again that it wont work.

the check valve is important to long term operation, as it protects against cavitation. without it, air can build up in the bends of your pipe causing slower flow and ultimately loss of prime. its a crucial piece of the PVC overflow.

... unless you like flooding your house.

lol

 

[redtailshark1]

if in doubt you can always connect a powerhead up to it so it always sucks any trapped air out

 

[nolapete]

PVC overflows are so simple, yet people try to make them complicated and F*** them up. Follow the directions in the sticky and quit trying to reinvent what already works. You don't need 1.25" pipe, you do need a check valve, you don't need a powerhead, and you do need to follow the directions. Asking the same question over and over and expecting a different answer is lunacy.

 

[bitteraspects]

Actually, using the venturi of a powerhead as an "aqua lifter" works well as a failsafe.

 

[nolapete]

Actually, using the venturi of a powerhead as an "aqua lifter" works well as a failsafe.

It's not necessary on a PROPERLY designed PVC overflow. Seems people have a hard time following simple instructions.

 

[bitteraspects]

clearly you don't understand the function of an aqualifter.
Even a "properly designed" overflow risks cavitation. The whole point of the check valve and airline is so you can manually remove excess air from the pipe periodically. (manually of course meaning, sucking on the airline until you get all the bubbles out. this also leaves you with mouthfuls of tank water).
The aqualifter provides this same function without drinking tankwater in the process.
if you don't want to buy an actual aqualifter, you can simply connect the airline to the venturi of a powErhead (of you happen to have one already). It basically provides the same function, while also helping with circulation. A properly placed powerhead can increase the mechanical function of your surface skimming PVC overflow exponentially.

If you're into drinking tankwater, its absolutely not "necessary" to have an aqualifter or powerhead.
But considering it will only benifit your system to add a powerhead, which many people already have lying around, there's no reason not to add it.

 

[Midknightskie]

My 135gal has a 1.5" overflow pipe and the flow is just fine. Do you have a dorso rig in there? If so I had the same problem when I made mine out of PVC and just drilled a small 1/8" hole in the top cap to keep it primed.

 

[CHOMPERS]

PVC overflows are so simple, yet people try to make them complicated and F*** them up. Follow the directions in the sticky and quit trying to reinvent what already works... ...Asking the same question over and over and expecting a different answer is lunacy.

Welcome

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[CHOMPERS]

manually of course meaning, sucking on the airline until you get all the bubbles out. this also leaves you with mouthfuls of tank water

Not really:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218721