What exactly is an overflow?

[bjbass]

Sorry to be such a newbie, but I did a search and I can't really find out what this is? Obviously the word overflow probably explains most of it, but I am not sure what it is used for or if I need one?

 

[Twigg]

Sorry to be such a newbie, but I did a search and I can't really find out what this is? Obviously the word overflow probably explains most of it, but I am not sure what it is used for or if I need one?

An overflow is the method of getting water out of your tank into a sump filter.

The pump in the filter moves water into the tank, and the water displaced flows out through an overflow device, which can be internal or external through a complicated siphon arrangement.

Google is your friend on this one, you will read about dozens of different types of sump and overflow.

 

[bjbass]

Thank you for your reply! Would you need one if you were using a Fluval Fx5? I think the answer would be no since it is a cannister filter rather than a sump, but I am not sure. I will definitely google to learn more then.

 

[zennzzo]

Overflows are not a complicated siphon at all...they are just what they are called an "OVERFLOW"

water that is pumped by a return pump, into the tank from the sump/wet-dry/trickle filter that reaches the desired water level is held in the display tank, as usual. any more water that is pumped into the tank is removed by an 'overflow". It is a very simple gravity fed drain that drains into the filter below the tank...this is the water that is filtered and then returned to the tank to overflow again and again over and over...

very simple reliable system...also known as an open loop system...


A canister like the FX5 utilizes a closed loop system, where as water that goes to the filter is, siphoned from the tank, filtered and the returned to the tank...

 

[slapnutz]

Yep, an overflow does just what it sounds like. It's set at a determined water height in the tank, and when the water gets to high, it empties the tank via the overflow.

 

[redtailshark1]

there are also two types:
there is the pvc overflow wich is commonly made at home (diy)
and there is the overflow box, that is able to be bought at a very high price, this makes the diy overflow more affordable

 

[CHOMPERS]

Somebody put together a thread in the sticky section explaining the ins and outs of overflows.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219465

 

[leather]

Somebody put together a thread in the sticky section explaining the ins and outs of overflows.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219465

ins and outs of overflows, haha I get it

 

[CHOMPERS]

LOL. I get it now too. I didn't realize it could be taken two ways.

 

[leather]

It is funny thought you meant to do it, quick question about that link. The diagram of the pvc overflow with the check valve off the top for sucking the air out, I wondered why wouldn't you instead make an attatchment on the open pipe outside the tank and put a valve on the drain to the sump. Then back fill the overflow to eliminate air. You could use a hose or even a tee off of your pump line. Those little check valves seem like they might be problematic and easy to break off.