Overflows and sumps

785 Views 6 Replies 2 Participants Last post by FishStix, Apr 10, 2014

FishStix

Discussion Starter · Apr 10, 2014

For those that have built in overflow and using sump, are you using the standard plumbing that comes with the overflows, or do you use something that makes them silent?

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the standard plumbing won't give you a quiet sump.

I'm using a herbie style overflow for a 100% silent system. No drip/trickle filtration either.

I sometimes requires fiddling with, but that has become less and less as I keep up on maintenance and remove leaves from the overflow.

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FishStix

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 10, 2014

scapegoat said:
the standard plumbing won't give you a quiet sump.

I'm using a herbie style overflow for a 100% silent system. No drip/trickle filtration either.

I sometimes requires fiddling with, but that has become less and less as I keep up on maintenance and remove leaves from the overflow.

Do you have 2 overflows?

If so how do you have it setup, one primary and backup drain in each overflow and returns over the top?

Thanks

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scapegoat

· #4 · Apr 10, 2014

I have a factory drilled aqueon 125. so it has two overflows, but I really only use one piece of pvc as the drain, with another as the emergency. both of those in an overflow. the other side is used for the return to the tank, both of the drilled holes.

incredibly I don't have any recent pictures of the setup, but can take some this evening.

the single PVC drain drains plenty fast b/c it's at a full siphon; hence why it is silent (no air). a full siphon is many hundreds of gallons per hour, into the thousands even. so it's held back w/ a ball valve.

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FishStix

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 10, 2014

scapegoat said:
I have a factory drilled aqueon 125. so it has two overflows, but I really only use one piece of pvc as the drain, with another as the emergency. both of those in an overflow. the other side is used for the return to the tank, both of the drilled holes.

incredibly I don't have any recent pictures of the setup, but can take some this evening.

the single PVC drain drains plenty fast b/c it's at a full siphon; hence why it is silent (no air). a full siphon is many hundreds of gallons per hour, into the thousands even. so it's held back w/ a ball valve.

OK, so that would be the same as mine. So you have primary and backup drain, in one overflow box, and 2 retuns out of the other overflow box? Am I understanding that correct?

That would be great if you could post some pictures. I had my old tank years ago setup with primary and backup in each overflow box with returns over the back, and felt like I was always having to mess with it, would be silent one day and loud the next.

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scapegoat

· #6 · Apr 10, 2014

FishStix said:
OK, so that would be the same as mine. So you have primary and backup drain, in one overflow box, and 2 retuns out of the other overflow box? Am I understanding that correct?

Correct

FishStix said:
That would be great if you could post some pictures. I had my old tank years ago setup with primary and backup in each overflow box with returns over the back, and felt like I was always having to mess with it, would be silent one day and loud the next.

Your problem there is ensuring both sides receive the amount of water that is necessary. you change the flow on one you change how much water the other is getting.

I did purchase the aqueon overflow kits. So the returns each came with a split... so there are 4 nozzles in the tank through 2 return lines. I feel like the water flow is too low, but I get plant movement through out.

I'm not sure how well that set up would work for a 180 since you've got a lot of water to move. I have a fluval 1850 gph rated pump, and I think that just about does the job. you might need something with a little more oomph.

I keep debating on picking up a couple waterflow meters to slap onto my returns to see just how much i'm getting post co2 diffuser. I'm still messing with that part of my system though... micro bubbles all over the place.

if you're in the philly area you're more than welcome to come check it out too.

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FishStix

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 10, 2014

scapegoat said:
Correct

Your problem there is ensuring both sides receive the amount of water that is necessary. you change the flow on one you change how much water the other is getting.

I did purchase the aqueon overflow kits. So the returns each came with a split... so there are 4 nozzles in the tank through 2 return lines. I feel like the water flow is too low, but I get plant movement through out.

I'm not sure how well that set up would work for a 180 since you've got a lot of water to move. I have a fluval 1850 gph rated pump, and I think that just about does the job. you might need something with a little more oomph.

I keep debating on picking up a couple waterflow meters to slap onto my returns to see just how much i'm getting post co2 diffuser. I'm still messing with that part of my system though... micro bubbles all over the place.

if you're in the philly area you're more than welcome to come check it out too.

Thanks for the info. Yeah I am in NC, so I don't get up that way very often.

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