DIY Overflow

Rhino · Oct 2, 2012

So since the beginning of my 20 long reef build I have been contemplating the addition of a sump. I have a brand new 10 gallon aquarium that has been laying around my house for about 6 months. Originally it was going to be a planted tank in my bedroom until the wife rearranged furniture and left no room for it. So after watching a few videos on Youtube I decided to build a DIY overflow. Here is a link to the video that features the design I will be using: HOW TO: DIY Overflow - YouTube

I have a few questions though before I get started. The whole idea for a sump is very new to me as I have never had one before. My first and main question is, what size pvc should I use I am thinking 3/4" will be sufficient but I wanted to see what others thought. I am pretty sure I have seen others on this forum who have used the exact same design, in fact one of the MRTC members I think uses this design. Thanks in advance for any insight you all can provide.

revsgirl · Oct 2, 2012

:bump2:

SmyrnaReefer · Oct 2, 2012

gmoney is the only one inthe club that i know of that has attempted this

gmoney243 · Oct 2, 2012

I've heard of few others have also. Size depends really on what return pump you have. 3/4" I used on a 10g before handled around 200gph as I recall. 1.5" can handle a mag9.5 at least. Hard to say exact since its a syphon and not a drain like a drilled tank would be so it's much slower. Also the shorter the pvc tube in the tank is the faster flow. Lmk if u need help

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ironworker · Oct 2, 2012

i cirrently use on it works great. use 1inch pipe and if you will check my old build thread i think there are some pics of mine during constuction. i will tell you you have to build it EXACTLY as the video shows if you dont it will not work properly. if you need to give me a call you had my number at one time when you wanted the aqua c skimmer i had

Rhino · Oct 2, 2012

Thanks everybody, I think I will give it a try. Looks like most of the parts will cost me less than $15 so I am not going to be out much if I don't like it.

gmoney243 · Oct 2, 2012

paint it black with krylon fusion paint. looks a lot better

Rhino · Oct 3, 2012

gmoney243 said:
paint it black with krylon fusion paint. looks a lot better

Yeah that is what I did with the intake pipe on my aqua clear as well.

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kakemono · Oct 3, 2012

I would add - This video shows an airline check valves, but they are quite sketchy when using them to create the initial siphon. If water gets into the AIRLINE check valve, it will stop the check valve from working - and your overflow will stop working. Mine very slowly leaked air when it became wet causing a loss of siphon.

I suggest a water check valve.

gmoney243 · Oct 3, 2012

Don't use a check valve at all. Just use the hole out of the air intake tube thing in the back to syphon. Or exhaust port whatever u wanna call the air hole that allows the water to flow down. Drilling a hole and putting in a check valve in that first elbow going over the tank is what ends up causing failures.

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