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  • Overflow Box

    I think need to get an overflow box. Can someone tell me how does an overflow box work in relation to the pump return flow ? does it adjust to the GPH the return line is flowing ? I'm confused !!!  
    My name is Andri, and I'm an Ikoholic ! Back in the game !

  • #2
    Re: Overflow Box

    I'm not sure how they work exactly honkzz....mine has a single syphon tube about 7/8 diameter. The pool hose that runs from the overflow box to the sump delivers about 200 to 300 gallons of water an hour, I would guess???
    And the pump I bought, seems to push the same amount of water up about 4 feet to the top of the tank to the return spout.

    This is why I started my W/D thread.......


    CF
    Truth is the cement that holds the bricks and stones of a sane and civilized society together. Remove the former and the latter will crumble.

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    • #3
      Re: Overflow Box

      well thats the problem i was having ... i didnt have a an overflow box, and only use a siphon 1" tube with a ball valve at the end to control the amount off flow ... i guess i was being a smart*ss   ... but yea i can't seem to get the same rate between downflow and return
      My name is Andri, and I'm an Ikoholic ! Back in the game !

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      • #4
        Re: Overflow Box

        You should get an overflow box....or drill the tank.

        I try to get a pump that is somewhat similar in gph as the overflow is rated for or put a ball valve on the output to control flow.
        700g Mini-Monster tank

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        • #5
          Re: Overflow Box

          What happens when the electricity goes out ?  I am more curious than anything else ?  Is there a way not to have a ton of water on the floor ?

          What fish do Jesper have
          180 WC T. Moorii Chilambo +1 Petro trewavasae.
          110
          Cyps, WC Xeno Spilopterus Kipili WC/F1/F2 T. sp red Kiku
          58 S. Decorus

          "The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." -Margaret Thatcher

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          • #6
            Re: Overflow Box

            That's one of the thing i was worried about without the overflow... from what i understand an overflow box will run the water down if only the tank maintain a certain level of water ? so there won't be flood like incidents ?
            My name is Andri, and I'm an Ikoholic ! Back in the game !

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            • #7
              Re: Overflow Box

              I dont know.. I was wondering if there was a system that only while there is current to the system a valve would stay open and as soon as current died out the valve would close, or some other mechanical way.. I just dont know.

              What fish do Jesper have
              180 WC T. Moorii Chilambo +1 Petro trewavasae.
              110
              Cyps, WC Xeno Spilopterus Kipili WC/F1/F2 T. sp red Kiku
              58 S. Decorus

              "The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." -Margaret Thatcher

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              • #8
                Re: Overflow Box

                OK - weather you have a hole in the side, an overflow tube up from the bottom or a overflow box, they all work the same.  If you add water above that level, it goes out the hole and down the tube.  It is important that this overflow device can never plug and can let the water out faster than you can put it in.... other wise you get a lot of water on the floor.

                Fill your tank all the way up and add enough water so that the overflow fills the sump/filter to it's maximum level, with all the media, heaters and goodies installed and start your pump.

                The pump in your sump/filter should have a chart showing flow rate vs head.  The higher the pump has to move the water, the slower the flow rate will be.  If the pump flow rate is higher than the overflow rate, all the extra water in the sump will end up in the tank (on the floor) and the pump will run dry (not good for the pump). Rather than buy a smaller pump, you can add a valve and reduce the flow rate of the pump. As long as the pump flow rate is less than the overflow rate all things are good to go. The return line from the pump should eather be mounted above the tank water level so that the water splashes in or a check / foot valve to prevent the aquarium water from running back down the into the sump when the power is off.

                If you use an overflow box with a syphon tube, do not let the water get low enogh to break the syphon as you will loose your overflow and the pump will send all the sump water to the tank (floor)

                Every day check the level of the water in the sump.  Before it gets low enough to suck air into the pump intake add more water but do not excede the max level for the sump.  Mine looses about 1 gallon per day to evaporation.   If you have a water supply close to your sump, I recomend you install a float valve in the sump to maintain the water level.

                Thought you might be interested in one of these   HELP
                'Dear Lord,' the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. 'Without you, we are but dust ...'
                He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four-year old girl voice, 'Mom, what is butt dust?'

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                • #9
                  Re: Overflow Box

                  Aif you use an overflow box the water level in there should never get low enough where it breaks siphon.

                  When the water level in the tank gets low or is drained out below the actual overflow box it will just stop overflowing which is also when you should turn off the pump if you are draining water since the pump will continue to pump water out of the sump and into the tank.
                  700g Mini-Monster tank

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                  • #10
                    Re: Overflow Box

                    Originally posted by eklikewhoa";p="
                    Aif you use an overflow box the water level in there should never get low enough where it breaks siphon.  
                    The only trouble with an overflow box is that if you do 25% or larger water changes you will have to restart the siphon,
                    and being in the back of a large tank they are a pain in the @$$ to get to.
                    'Dear Lord,' the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. 'Without you, we are but dust ...'
                    He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four-year old girl voice, 'Mom, what is butt dust?'

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Overflow Box

                      Thanks for the info guys. so i guess, there is still risk of flooding with using an overflow box ... I can't have that with me being out of town few days every week ...

                      i ended up doing this, with the pump in the tank, and all the media i can fit in the bucket ... its ugly but works for now ... the only thing i was worried about is the little noise the pump makes, (its the harbor freight pump PP recomended). Do you guys think it bother the fish ?


                      My name is Andri, and I'm an Ikoholic ! Back in the game !

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