Can this setup work?

[FlyingChicken]

I've been cracking my brains for an alternative overflow setup that do not need to drill holes in the tank and I thought of this workaround. But the problem is, can it work? What do you guys think?

[rocketshrimp]

don't think so...you have 2 different flow rates...either one of the tank will overflow.

[catus36]

This method is quite risky.

Alternatively, you can buy a ready-made overflow pipe or
overflow box(eg:I-box) which can solve your problem.

However, if it's intented for planted tank, i'll suggest you go for the
overflow pipe as, i think it'll minimise the co2 lost as compare to the later.

Cheers

[tawauboy]

any specific reason/s for wanting an overflow setup?
your intended setup is tricky.

consider:
1) you'll have to balance the inflow and outflow of your tank
2) you'll need to have a flow cutoff valve in case your pump head fails
3) when flow valve along the water main is turned on, the water will be flowing into main and sump tanks simultaneously. the sump tank will fill up quicker. you may need to install an additional on/off valve on the sump tank branch.

[FlyingChicken]

I've included some more description of my idea so it would be more understandable. My main purpose would be to allow ease of water change(so I don't have to carry pails of water from my toilet to the tank) through direct pipe connection and still enable normal filtration to work by controlling the flow using valves.

So during water changes, all I have to do to introduce new water is to fiddle with the valves! Sounds pretty easy right? But still, it had to work first...so here is my detail breakdown of concept.


The zoom in diagram below shows the purposes of the 2 inlets inside the main tank.



This second diagram describes the flow of new water coming in and how a normal filtration flow would work.

[BFG]

Here's my 2cts.

Flying chicken, you could get the I-Box to solve the problem of transferring the water from the main tank to the 2nd tank or sump. There is a major flaw in your 1st diagram.

Yes, you are right in thinking about a power failure but what happen if the power supply return back to normal? When there is a power failure, your setup will break the siphon and water will stop flowing into the sump. But if the power supply is switch on without you being aware of it, the pump from the sump will continue to pump water from the sump but the water from the main tank will not go into the designed piping as the siphon has been broken. The main tank will overflow from the water that came from the sump. If you are not around when that happen, chances are you will have a mini flood in your home.

The return pump can be replaced with an external canister filter. This will pump water and also filter your tank water. This is the controlling factor for the water level in the main tank. The water level in the main tank will be maintained at a certain level and will not drop but the water level in the sump will drop due to factors like evaporation.

Do you really need the piping from the main to your tank? Continue to ask more so that we can think of something better.

[FlyingChicken]

Here's my 2cts.

Flying chicken, you could get the I-Box to solve the problem of transferring the water from the main tank to the 2nd tank or sump. There is a major flaw in your 1st diagram.

Yes, you are right in thinking about a power failure but what happen if the power supply return back to normal? When there is a power failure, your setup will break the siphon and water will stop flowing into the sump. But if the power supply is switch on without you being aware of it, the pump from the sump will continue to pump water from the sump but the water from the main tank will not go into the designed piping as the siphon has been broken. The main tank will overflow from the water that came from the sump. If you are not around when that happen, chances are you will have a mini flood in your home.

The return pump can be replaced with an external canister filter. This will pump water and also filter your tank water. This is the controlling factor for the water level in the main tank. The water level in the main tank will be maintained at a certain level and will not drop but the water level in the sump will drop due to factors like evaporation.

Do you really need the piping from the main to your tank? Continue to ask more so that we can think of something better.

Thanks for pointing that out to me! I miss that out!
Man, now I'am out of ideas...

An I-Box is too ex for me, SG$165 for the cheapest model would have bust me total budget...DIY is beyond me too cos I do not have the equipment to bend plastic and stuff....boohooohooo.....

The piping from the main to the tank is help to faciliate water changes, much like what LFS do. Turn a valve, water is drained, turn another valve and fresh water is filled in. Voila! Before one knows it, water's changed! hehe...

[solonavi]

You can try building a overflow pipe using pvc. Check out this thread in SRC for info. http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/inde...howtopic=32506



Cheers
JC

[BFG]

There are ready made ones being sold at Ginza plaza marine lfs. Check it out.

[solonavi]

Yap. Its Jireh Marine Aquarium.

Think its S$95 for one. A DIY one cost <$40.



Cheers
JC

[confusekid]

If your main purpose is for easy water change. Then consider a long hose with quick disconnect. Petfrd have a discussion on that.

Jack

[armani]

yeah, u should check out sgreefclub id u want to make overflow pipes... they usually can teach u to create ones which dun have to drill holes... some people call it the 'melvin's overflow pipe'...should be quite easy to do...

[simontay78]

Ohh I had created a overflow pipe DIY style :d
http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...497#post469497

[BFG]

This is a really old thread SimonTay78. Didn't you check the date of the last poster? Please check before posting as the topic might not be applicable now.