Am considering adding a sump ant some point (too much hardware in the tank :roll: ). Don't know what to do about an overflow. I have heard the CPRs have a design flaw that causes them to break siphon. I have heard the Lifereefs are noisey. So what are the alternatives?
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External Overflows
- Thread starter madrefkepr
- Start date
I am ready to add two overflows to two tanks also. My plan is to add overflow boxes on the inside of the tank and add siphons over the top to the refugia below. This should be the same as any filter that uses a siphon. By using an overflow box you restrict the amount of "problems" that can occur if the pump goes out or the siphon breaks, ie. I will use a large enough reservior to allow for all water to overflow that can and lower tank water level to allow amount to be pumped back to not overflow the tank.
You can get a cheap overflow box from Big Al at www.bigalonline.com. I have two boxes that I plan to modify by getting a Demel tool and work some plastic myself- which, if you in it for the long term you may want to consider- Demel costs about $70 and you can get the plastic you need at Lowes or Home Depo and make your own overflows and refugia, etc. Also, you can get all the tubing at these places, test it out, get it the way you like it, then hook it up!
All part of the fun of the hobby.
Good luck!
You can get a cheap overflow box from Big Al at www.bigalonline.com. I have two boxes that I plan to modify by getting a Demel tool and work some plastic myself- which, if you in it for the long term you may want to consider- Demel costs about $70 and you can get the plastic you need at Lowes or Home Depo and make your own overflows and refugia, etc. Also, you can get all the tubing at these places, test it out, get it the way you like it, then hook it up!
All part of the fun of the hobby.
Good luck!
I just got back from Lowes and boought a Dremel for $79 with all the bits.
I figured out the only design flaw with what I posted earlier is the problem with using siphons for taking the water out of the tank down to the sump. My solution will be to use a small pump in the overflow box to move the water. This way, after a power outage, the water levels will equilibriate on their own as both pumps do their job.
The guy at lowes also helped me pick out all the tubing needed to plumb the system. I'd say it was about $30. The big expense was getting ball valves to control the flow out of and back into the tank- and this was for two systems.
I already have a few maxijets (4) laying around so I think I am set. The maxies will to into vinyl tubing that will go into a tapered connector that screws into PVC plumbing, through a ball valve, out and down more PVC, to another threaded connecter, to another tapered connector, back to some vinyl and into the sump; and pretty much the same thing back up.
Since this will be a refugium, I do not feel that the flow needs to be too high- Maxi 900 or even less would be fine. With the ball valves at each end, I will be able to adjust flowin case one is driving too much water down, etc.
Good luck on your project!
I figured out the only design flaw with what I posted earlier is the problem with using siphons for taking the water out of the tank down to the sump. My solution will be to use a small pump in the overflow box to move the water. This way, after a power outage, the water levels will equilibriate on their own as both pumps do their job.
The guy at lowes also helped me pick out all the tubing needed to plumb the system. I'd say it was about $30. The big expense was getting ball valves to control the flow out of and back into the tank- and this was for two systems.
I already have a few maxijets (4) laying around so I think I am set. The maxies will to into vinyl tubing that will go into a tapered connector that screws into PVC plumbing, through a ball valve, out and down more PVC, to another threaded connecter, to another tapered connector, back to some vinyl and into the sump; and pretty much the same thing back up.
Since this will be a refugium, I do not feel that the flow needs to be too high- Maxi 900 or even less would be fine. With the ball valves at each end, I will be able to adjust flowin case one is driving too much water down, etc.
Good luck on your project!
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