DIY PVC overflow

CodyRst · Feb 17, 2018

Jr'sReef said:
I believe I used 3/4 pvc for my overflow, soooo if you go the new method you'd use 1.5" pvc for the sleeve. However I did the original version and then used great stuff expanding foam to cover it and then painted it to look like a false rock on the wall. Can't tell I'm running a pvc overflow.

For the 3/4s PVC, any idea what type of flow that supports?

I'm looking at doing aroind 300gph through my sump. I assume that I don't need near the 1" piping, but not sure how small I can go

Jr'sReef · Feb 18, 2018

Found on google

CodyRst · Feb 18, 2018

Jr'sReef said:
Found on google

Sweet.

Going 3/4

CodyRst · Feb 19, 2018

Okay

!

Sump is running. PVC overflow is working (finally) and I even got it dead silent. Awesome!

Here's my question. My pipe runs down into the same chamber as the skimmer (see pic. Ignore the messy sump please

)

The microbubbles in this chamber, can it cause the overflow to lose siphon?

Thoughts on this?

BOWHUNTER4250 · Feb 19, 2018

CodyRst said:
Trying to get a mental picture of what you're talking about. Definitely want to keep it quiet.

Dont ever restrict your drains , the slightest change can cause a lot of water on the floor , if the tank fills faster than the emergency can drain it your getting wet ! restrict your return line to adjust the water level in your overflow box ......... a durso standpipe with a vent hole is very quiet , i have a 180 and im using all 4 pipes in my overflow boxes as drains , i have a 1-1/2 " return line up the back ( basement sump ) i use durso standpipes in all 4 , 1 side is dead silent and almost to the top , the other side is slightly lower and very minimal noise with a vent line for air .

CodyRst · Feb 19, 2018

Porpoise Hork said:
Noise from the overflow can be mitigated by adding a gate valve on the primary drain pipe down at the sump. Once installed adjust the flow so the water level is almost to the top of the secondary or emergency pipe. What this will do is completely fill the primary line with water so it will not make any noise. Just be sure that the outlet of the line after the valve is right at or just under the waterline in the sump. If an issue ever arises with the primary line the water level will rise and over-top the secondary/emergency line and make all sorts of noise. This will alert you to there being an issue with the primary line so you can investigate it and resolve the issue.

Hey man. For the gate valve - I only saw metal ones at Lowe's/home Depot.

Can you use a metal gate valve on PVC pipe?
I can totally see how a gate valve is much better than a ball valve, and I'm wanting to swap mine out

Daltrey · Feb 19, 2018

CodyRst said:
Hey man. For the gate valve - I only saw metal ones at Lowe's/home Depot.

Can you use a metal gate valve on PVC pipe?
I can totally see how a gate valve is much better than a ball valve, and I'm wanting to swap mine out

Definitely don’t use a metal gate valve. Your best bet is BRS or Marine Depot. I have never found a brick and mortar store that carried them. They are Definitely easier to fine tune. Also make sure and put a drip loop in your cords running to that outlet because water will follow the cord straight to the outlet.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/spears-gate-valve-slip-x-slip-1-46dfb1fd21d4e16401260f54d2b6a88a.html

Also I cant tell where your emergency drain is located. If that return valve gets clogged your tank will overflow into the floor.

CodyRst · Feb 19, 2018

Daltrey said:
Definitely don’t use a metal gate valve. Your best bet is BRS or Marine Depot. I have never found a brick and mortar store that carried them. They are Definitely easier to fine tune. Also make sure and put a drip loop in your cords running to that outlet because water will follow the cord straight to the outlet.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/spears-gate-valve-slip-x-slip-1-46dfb1fd21d4e16401260f54d2b6a88a.html

Also I cant tell where your emergency drain is located. If that return valve gets clogged your tank will overflow into the floor.

Yeah, I'm going to keep my eye open for a hob overflow someone may end up selling.

Porpoise Hork · Feb 20, 2018

I got some of these from Amazon and they very well. Less expensive than other vendors and if you have Prime you can get it in a couple days.

https://www.amazon.com/GVG-1000-T-1-Inch-Threaded-Schedule-Valve/dp/B000KKSAU2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1519144526&sr=8-2&keywords=1"+gate+valve+pvc

Daltrey · Feb 20, 2018

They're even cheaper since you have 3/4 pvc pipe. Just be aware you can't service them like the more expensive ones.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000KKQA5O/ref=psdcmw_3226897011_t1_B000KKSAU2

Porpoise Hork · Feb 20, 2018

CodyRst said:
Yeah, I'm going to keep my eye open for a hob overflow someone may end up selling.

You can pick up an EShoppps Eclipse box off Ebay for a decent price if you hunt for one, and there are a couple sellers that custom make acrylic overflow boxes as well. I ordered a custom made internal box from an Ebay seller from Texas, Modularmarine or something like that. He does amazing work and a very short lead time considering what I had him make. One thing I noted about his boxes are the slots on the weir gate are beveled unlike all the commercially available options available that are flat. As a result they are much quieter since the water flow hugs the inner wall of the box instead of creating a stream. \

Willbiker · Dec 23, 2020

I know this is an old thread! But I built a pvc overflow like diy King using 40mm waste pipe. I made a large weir box out of acrylic.

My problem is noise. I have added a gate valve to the drain but its not reccomended and I constantly have to adjust It.

How do you make these pvc pipe overflows silent without restricting flow? My weir is silent and there Is no gurgle noise from the air vent pipe at the top as I put some floss in the tip. The problem is the noise of the water mixing with air and thundering down the pipe.

Any suggestions ?

Reef-junky · Dec 23, 2020

Willbiker said:
I know this is an old thread! But I built a pvc overflow like diy King using 40mm waste pipe. I made a large weir box out of acrylic.

My problem is noise. I have added a gate valve to the drain but its not reccomended and I constantly have to adjust It.

How do you make these pvc pipe overflows silent without restricting flow? My weir is silent and there Is no gurgle noise from the air vent pipe at the top as I put some floss in the tip. The problem is the noise of the water mixing with air and thundering down the pipe.

Any suggestions ?

Playing with firer. Waste of time when there are better more reliable overflows out there with proven track records. You will never make it dead silent in any case.

Willbiker · Dec 23, 2020

I dont think I am playing with fire. I have a powerhead drawing from the overflow pipe to start the siphone should it break and I have a small return chamber in my sump which doesn't have enough capacity to overflow my tank. My sump can handle all water which flows down from the dt should i have a powecut. Ive been running 9 months with it and it cannot cause a flood. Not possible.

I cant drill as the tank is up and running and I cant fit an off the shelf hang on back filter in the space I have between the tank and the wall. So i want to see if anyone on here has managed to silence their diy pvc overflow successfully

Reef-junky · Dec 23, 2020

Good luck

You do know you don’t have to have an outside box.

Willbiker · Dec 23, 2020

It already is silent with a gate valve. I just wanted to see if anyone has achieved silence without restricting flow. If not, I'll stick with the gate valve and just adjust it every now and then