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Post by Frank on May 18, 2014 19:33:49 GMT -5
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Post by ryansweatt2004 on May 18, 2014 19:55:32 GMT -5
Looks great but.....what are you going to do if it breaks siphon? I don't see anyway to easily restart a siphon? Looks like your design mimics the CPR overflows that require an additional lifter pump to keep the air out of the u-channel. By the way, correct me if I'm wrong but is that acrylic siliconed together or is that just the thicker weld on type acrylic glue? How'd it go bending everything? I've been thinking of making my own internal overflow box for quite some time.
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Post by Frank on May 18, 2014 23:02:05 GMT -5
I made a tube specifically for starting the siphon, I'm hoping it won't be a problem. There shouldn't be enough water in my pump chamber of the sump to overflow the DT. Yes there is acrylic glue I didn't have weld-on, and I siliconed because I'm paranoid.
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Post by speedyron on May 19, 2014 3:37:02 GMT -5
well as ryan said u will need to drill into top of u channel and put in a little hole for a lifter pump or else u will have a tank overflow sooner or later. and is not the snails ull be worried about, it will be the algae that will clog it up. better paint it black
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Post by speedyron on May 19, 2014 3:38:19 GMT -5
I dont think silicone will stick to it, but u did do a good job looks pro
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Post by jasonandsarah on May 19, 2014 4:19:45 GMT -5
I dont think silicone will stick to it, but u did do a good job looks pro I think he said he used acrylic glue and then silicone just to be safe. |
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Post by Frank on May 19, 2014 7:25:44 GMT -5
It is GE acrylic silicone and works with both glass and acrylic.
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Post by jasonandsarah on May 19, 2014 7:41:20 GMT -5
It is GE acrylic silicone and works with both glass and acrylic. Nice thanks for the info I didn't know they made acrylic silicone. It's aquarium safe to? |
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Post by gotareef on May 19, 2014 8:22:24 GMT -5
looks great. I like the u-channel design overflow but like everyone else has said, be carefull you dont lose siphon...
I had a marineland sos overflow, it has a u channel but it is separate so when it would start losing suction you just shake the u channel and it pushes the air out...
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Post by speedyron on May 19, 2014 17:53:56 GMT -5
I have a u channel on my 55. they are a PITA. if it is not losing siphon its getting clogged algae. mine came with a 1/8" barbed nipple on it and I used a long tube with a valve on it to get the air out of it till finaly I got a lift pump but even then u got cut off some of the tube evry now and then cuz it kinks or somthing comes in and clogs it. Id like to paint it but would mean Id have to shut it down. Id like drill it so I could just do away with the overflow. What will probably happen is Ill get a different tank thats reef ready and the 55 will become a sump
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Post by speedyron on May 19, 2014 18:12:29 GMT -5
least with a tube siphon u can push a small bottle brush type thru to clean it. u channel cant get anything way up in there
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Post by Frank on May 20, 2014 7:45:22 GMT -5
Looks great but.....what are you going to do if it breaks siphon? I don't see anyway to easily restart a siphon? Looks like your design mimics the CPR overflows that require an additional lifter pump to keep the air out of the u-channel. By the way, correct me if I'm wrong but is that acrylic siliconed together or is that just the thicker weld on type acrylic glue? How'd it go bending everything? I've been thinking of making my own internal overflow box for quite some time. Bending wasn't much of a problem, I factored in about 1/4" of loss at each bend marked the centerline of he bend and heated with small torch. I did use some wooden blocking as jigs but overall if you go slowish (not too slow acrylic will cool and never become soft and pliable) it's not bad at all. Practice on a scrap piece or two and your good to go. Also I started at the center and worked my way out. I figured any additional loss due to bends would split the difference this way. |
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Post by Frank on May 20, 2014 7:50:44 GMT -5
I think after reading everyone's concerns and thoughts, I do agree that cleaning the new one will be a big PITA, but I really like the added flow. I may still make a third closer to my second design but using u-tubes that are more cleanable/replaceable. My problem is coming up with a good way to make u-tubes 1" that can make a tight turn over the top of the tank that stay in the shape that I make them without pinching or crushing.
But I think for now I'm gonna make an emergency PVC overflow that is separate from the overflow box. That would be useful in either case of overflow box.
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Post by jasonandsarah on May 20, 2014 7:55:30 GMT -5
For the snails would it work to add a new piece on the front and cut out teeth like a regular over flow that go all the way up almost to the top on the front? 1/4"slits should keep out any snails unless you have small snails? Keep fish out to.
Should still allow the same flow as well.
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Post by Pokahpolice on May 20, 2014 7:56:09 GMT -5
Seems like it would be a lot easier and cheaper to just drill a hole. Is the back panel of the tank tempered glass? Why don't you want to drill the tank?
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