DIY PVC overflow

[CodyRst]

Anyone build an overflow from PVC?

Looking at building one for my 54 corner.

I'm under the assumption that all sides are tempered, and therefore I don't plan on drilling anything.

I know the basic desgin, from googling. However, I'm not sure what size I should go with?

Looking for any advice.

 

[Jr'sReef]

I used this design, still working 6 years later. I used the original version but his new version seems fail proof. Biggest tip, glue all pvc parts and don't skimp on glue as air leaks are the enemy.

 

[CodyRst]

I used this design, still working 6 years later. I used the original version but his new version seems fail proof. Biggest tip, glue all pvc parts and don't skimp on glue as air leaks are the enemy.

Does the sizing of PVC apply to any application?

 

[Jr'sReef]

I believe I used 3/4 pvc for my overflow, soooo if you go the new method you'd use 1.5" pvc for the sleeve. However I did the original version and then used great stuff expanding foam to cover it and then painted it to look like a false rock on the wall. Can't tell I'm running a pvc overflow.

 

[KJAG]

Anyone build an overflow from PVC?

Looking at building one for my 54 corner.

I'm under the assumption that all sides are tempered, and therefore I don't plan on drilling anything.

I know the basic desgin, from googling. However, I'm not sure what size I should go with?

Looking for any advice.

Why are you under the assumption that all sides are tempered?

 

[Mandelstam]

Change out the back panel for a non tempered one and drill that.

 

[Benga]

I built one for my 40B, 1 inch for everything and 2 inch for the weir. If I had the energy i'd go back and make the weir 3"-4". For yours
The pvc overflow is just so loud for me. I mean i'm pretty sure i built mine to spec so not 100% sure why mine is so loud. My only assumption is that my weir is too small and pulls air from the surface down the overflow which causes noise.

 

[CodyRst]

Why are you under the assumption that all sides are tempered?

The front is tempered, 100%.
I know if you call aqueon, they tell you to assume that all of it is.

I'm not sure how to go about checking. Plus, tank is already up and running, which would make drilling difficult

 

[KJAG]

The front is tempered, 100%.
I know if you call aqueon, they tell you to assume that all of it is.

I'm not sure how to go about checking. Plus, tank is already up and running, which would make drilling difficult

In that case, it prob is. Polarized sunglasses will help identify tempered glass if you have them.

 

[CodyRst]

In that case, it prob is. Polarized sunglasses will help identify tempered glass if you have them.

Yeah. I figure an easy PVC overflow, painted black, is very easily added over taking the tank down, and attempting drilling(I've never drilled a tank before) and possibly breaking an entire side panel.

 

[KJAG]

Yeah. I figure an easy PVC overflow, painted black, is very easily added over taking the tank down, and attempting drilling(I've never drilled a tank before) and possibly breaking an entire side panel.

Agreed. Although a more radical, although probably more beneficial route would be Mandelstam’s suggestion above. Personally that’s what I’d do. That way you could run at least a Herbie etc and gain some flood failsafe capabilities in addition to surface skimming etc with a horizontal overflow box, and run more flow. Would be fairly easy and cheap. Razor blade, a glass shop matching the back pane, masking tape and some momentive rtv series silicone. Just a suggestion, not for everybody. Your original idea will work.

 

[Mandelstam]

I didn't know it was already up and running, that makes my suggestion a lot more radical of course.

 

[Reef-junky]

Aren’t PVC overflows know for problems? Might be better off with a HOB overflow. The best thing would really be to drain the tank out and replace the glass if you have to so you can drill it.

 

[jd371]

Slap a HOB overflow on the tank and be done with it. I've been running a HOB overflow for 2.5 years now with no issues at all. Made a stockman standpipe for it and it's super quite, it had to be because the tank is right next to where I watch TV, all I hear is the faint trickle of the water going down the tube into the sump.... barely noticeable.

 

[tank o tang]

I would drain it a little and test the glass you have on it now. You will be much happier with a drilled tank. They aren't hard to drill just make sure you youtube vids and keep it wet. Done a few now and wouldn't hesitate to do more. Even popped a tempered tank due to not testing.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

I built one for my 40B, 1 inch for everything and 2 inch for the weir. If I had the energy i'd go back and make the weir 3"-4". For yours
The pvc overflow is just so loud for me. I mean i'm pretty sure i built mine to spec so not 100% sure why mine is so loud. My only assumption is that my weir is too small and pulls air from the surface down the overflow which causes noise.

Noise from the overflow can be mitigated by adding a gate valve on the primary drain pipe down at the sump. Once installed adjust the flow so the water level is almost to the top of the secondary or emergency pipe. What this will do is completely fill the primary line with water so it will not make any noise. Just be sure that the outlet of the line after the valve is right at or just under the waterline in the sump. If an issue ever arises with the primary line the water level will rise and over-top the secondary/emergency line and make all sorts of noise. This will alert you to there being an issue with the primary line so you can investigate it and resolve the issue.

 

[Benga]

Noise from the overflow can be mitigated by adding a gate valve on the primary drain pipe down at the sump. Once installed adjust the flow so the water level is almost to the top of the secondary or emergency pipe. What this will do is completely fill the primary line with water so it will not make any noise. Just be sure that the outlet of the line after the valve is right at or just under the waterline in the sump. If an issue ever arises with the primary line the water level will rise and over-top the secondary/emergency line and make all sorts of noise. This will alert you to there being an issue with the primary line so you can investigate it and resolve the issue.

I'm going to do this on the weekend! If this works my tank is going to be so much more peaceful

 

[Porpoise Hork]

I'm going to do this on the weekend! If this works my tank is going to be so much more peaceful

You can do it with a checkball valve, but they tend to make noise and can get bumped out of adjustment fairly easily. That's why gate valves are recommended over them.

Something like this will work very well.

https://www.amazon.com/King-Brother...8645304&sr=8-1&keywords=pvc+gate+valve+1+inch

 

[BOWHUNTER4250]

dude PVC overflows work like a champ !! they self prime and are very quiet ! made one for a 75 i used as a fuge , had that drain into my sump for 2 years with zero issues , its cheap and easy , you just have to drill a hole in the top and add a check valve to vent

 

[CodyRst]

Noise from the overflow can be mitigated by adding a gate valve on the primary drain pipe down at the sump. Once installed adjust the flow so the water level is almost to the top of the secondary or emergency pipe. What this will do is completely fill the primary line with water so it will not make any noise. Just be sure that the outlet of the line after the valve is right at or just under the waterline in the sump. If an issue ever arises with the primary line the water level will rise and over-top the secondary/emergency line and make all sorts of noise. This will alert you to there being an issue with the primary line so you can investigate it and resolve the issue.

Trying to get a mental picture of what you're talking about. Definitely want to keep it quiet.