DIY overflow system

[hammerhd]

if using 25mm 50mm pipe is good enough

[chefrt]

Thank,

Will try to do it tonight..

[sunrisesunset]

Hi,

after reading thru i am still not sure how the pipes are connected to the skimmer portion? I am sure its not left hanging but i just cant think of a proper way to fasten the skimmer to the rest of the pipe.

thx

[hammerhd]

the skimmer is a piece on its own. u can hang it on the glass.

the pipe just "poke" in to it

[tan]

guys,by placing the whole surface skimmer pipe into a bigger diameter pipe,do u think it can coverts to a base filter .hope u guys understand wat i mean

[markietan]

Hi guys,

can help me see whats wrong with my design. I am unable to start the thing. tried the ###### method and filling up with water method. also covered the hole on the top cap with my finger too. but still didn't work... help help

[markietan]

another view

[markietan]

another view

[hammerhd]

mark: how long is the pipe going into the skimmer

Tan: Got no idea man.

[hammerhd]

wait.... did u open the valve??

[markietan]

the length of the pipe going into the overflow is the same length as the pipe beside it (i.e. the pipe outside the tank)

yup yup i did open the valve

[TntR2]

Or did u close the valve when u are ###### air out of the external pipe?

the water level in the main tank should be above the strainer holes when starting the pipe.. suck air out of the external pipe till u taste some salt water.. Next, keep your fingers crossed and open the ball valve.. water should start flowing...

this method worked for me..

[markietan]

yup thats what i did. i sucked the external pipe till i tasted salt water when the valve was closed. then i replaced the cap and place my finger across the hole. the water level is about 2 cm above the overflow. then opened the valve, only water inside the pipe flowed out. after that it stopped....

[markietan]

mm.. what will happen if the pipe inside the overflow compartment is longer than the 'U' joint just outside the tank?

and i'm thinking it maybe because my overflow compartment takes in water too slowly. what if i dun use an overflow pipe?

lastly, the T joint in my sump tank (pic 2) shouldn't affect the siphon right? i ran out of 'r' joints so i thought i'll use a T joint as a substitute first.

[markietan]

oh i noticed the external pipe with the cap is much longer/higher than the pipe in the overflow partition and the pipe just outside the tank. will this cause a problem? should i shorten it?

[TntR2]

mm.. what will happen if the pipe inside the overflow compartment is longer than the 'U' joint just outside the tank?

If i understand this statement correctly, yes, the pipe going into the skimmer pipe should be longer than the level at the tee-joint, ie to say, if your pipe inside the main tank is of the same length as pipe just outside the tank, you're ok.

and i'm thinking it maybe because my overflow compartment takes in water too slowly.

doubt the slow intake of the water would cause the device to not work..

what if i dun use an overflow pipe?

That is not advisable cos when your return pump stops, the water in your main tank would drop to the level of the pipe intake. All this water would then end up in your sump which i doubt would be able to take such a huge amt of water..

lastly, the T joint in my sump tank (pic 2) shouldn't affect the siphon right? i ran out of 'r' joints so i thought i'll use a T joint as a substitute first.

don't think that'll affect. just beware of water splashing out of the open hole

[markietan]

urrggg this is frustrating. keep tasting salt water and not seeing it work sucks. i've cut the external pipe with the cap shorter. still not working...

[helldust]

oh i noticed the external pipe with the cap is much longer/higher than the pipe in the overflow partition and the pipe just outside the tank. will this cause a problem? should i shorten it?

the external pipe should be slightly longer than the pipe in the overflow.

the problem with your design should be the position of your control valve. it is place too near to U portion of the overflow, thus there is lack of water suction to draw the water down to the overflow. try placing the control valve further down the pipe (just reverse the control valve and its linking length of piping the other way round). it should be able to work.

also after ###### the water at the external piping, replace the end-cap immediately. for the initial starting of the overflow, make the skimmer holes further down into the water, i think a 2 cm might be quite insufficent. adjust the skimmer to desired position only a full siphon is establish, and remember to remove or replace the end cap with an air hole to enable auto-restart of the overflow. else you will be tasting salt water again..

[tan]

have tried out , works fine base filter with surface skimmer

[tan]

have tried out,base filter with surface skimmer

[TntR2]

have tried out,base filter with surface skimmer

hmm.. when the return pump is cut-off, wouldn't the water drawn out till the point where the overflow pipe is inserted into the main tank?

cos the water be still able to enter from the base filter up into the overflow pipe?

(ok.. i know my england sucks and not powderful to describe what i am trying to say.. hope the pic helps to provide a better mental picture)

the eventual water level that would remain in the main tank with the return pump cutoff is indicated with a red line...

[helldust]

hmm.. when the return pump is cut-off, wouldn't the water drawn out till the point where the overflow pipe is inserted into the main tank?

cos the water be still able to enter from the base filter up into the overflow pipe?

(ok.. i know my england sucks and not powderful to describe what i am trying to say.. hope the pic helps to provide a better mental picture)

the eventual water level that would remain in the main tank with the return pump cutoff is indicated with a red line...

dun think this will happen. if you look carefully at his other picture, there is another pipe inside the surface and base skimmer (i think might be sealed at the bottom).

however dun think the suction will be effective for the bottom filter..

[tan]

i think helldust got the picture. the inner pipe bottom is sealed infact u can see the bottom covered with a cap ....wanted to provide u guys with more details but my pc knowledge u know la....

base suction will be strong as the inner pipe is lower than the tank water level thus water between both pipes will always rush up to maintain tank water level but before it could do so (remember inner pipe lower than tank water level)it rushes into inner pipe and getting the draw out pipe to do the siphon process....got it?

[TntR2]

ohh.. now i get the picture... hmm.. good idea.. and brilliant workmanship!

[jun]

is 16 mm piping suitable? or what size is best to use??

thanks