DIY overflow not working.

Jay levesque · Jul 17, 2015

I recently set up a 55 DIY dirted tank, but my overflow doesn't seem to be working. Every time I get it working it seems to stop after 5 minutes or so. I have made many adjustments, but still can't seem to get it working.

Everything is glued but the final street elbow. The check valve seems scrappy, but I leave it in the water, so it can't draw in air.

Jay levesque · Jul 17, 2015

I originally had 1 1/4 tubing running into my filter, but thought it might be the culprit.

The overflow seems to keep a very low level of suction, but barely.

I would assume I have a leak. If the design looks good I'll cement the last piece. But other than that I don't get it.

joekidwell · Jul 17, 2015

I'd ditch the hang on and drill that thing, it's easier and cheaper than you may think.

beaslbob · Jul 23, 2015

Is the back tube taller then the tank capped? If so it should be open.

I use a maxijet powerhead to suck out the air in the over the back part. I would not trust check valves.

How exactly does it fail. if syphon breaks then try the maxijet.

Also air will accumulate at the "back" of the elbow where the drain is. Not at the front.

You should have this working even though I prefer my own super duper designs. LOL

my .02