Hello Everyone!
So I don't know if this is a new method to creating a overflow for people who have a Durso overflow and want to go to a siphon method.
So my first tank was an Durso but I was able to get it quiet but I can still hear it in the evening when watching TV. I recently was able to buy a used tank and stand for stupid cheap. I checked all the silicone and even resealed the inside. However the tank is drilled for a Durso also. I have plumbed the tank with a gate valve on the return so I can run a Siphon. I tried the Siphon method and really dialing in the gate valve but it seems even with a long period of time the water line will drift. So for now I have moved back to a Durso overflow. I was able to get a Reef Octopus Varios pump and plan to use it with my Apex to control the pump.
The Varios comes with a nice controller with 5 flow levels. And if connected to a 0-10v you get double the amount of flow levels. So I'm thinking if you can use 2 float valves to control the water level in the overflow by adjusting the flow of the return pump.
I will need to look up how it is written but basically: The water is dialed in as much as possible to drain at a super slow rate. First float valve closes and pump increases flow. This then will push the waterline back up. When the water opens the float valve it then sets the pump to the normal flow rate. This process will repeat depending how well you are able to control the rate of the siphon. A second float valve is there as a safety check. With the float flipped over so there will be about a 1/2 gap between when the pump return to the normal flow rate and when the water opens the second float valve and triggers the safety shutoff. Which can be set to run at a much lower flow rate than what is set as the normal flow rate. As to get the water level back down to normal operating ranges faster.
This can be easily adjusted over time as things change with flow and the efficiency of the siphon. For a third backup you can set a minimum time for the pump to increase it flow. If the time goes over then the flow will return to the normal flow rate automatically. This will be a backup to the safety float switch if it will fail. This is also power loss proof. When power is lost the siphon will go all the way to the lip of the siphon drain. Which will be way below the first float switch. When power is restored the pump will refill the overflow until the first switch is opened.
I use my Apex to run my ATO which has not failed me since 2013 when it first setup. So I think there is merit in this method.
This does require a Aquarium Controller, some sort of breakout box and two float switches.
I currently have the Apex Classic with a breakout box.
This is a bit complex but it will allow people who have a Durso Drilled tank to run a silent siphon.
Please tell me what you guys think? I will provide an update when the materials for the contraption are all together.
So I don't know if this is a new method to creating a overflow for people who have a Durso overflow and want to go to a siphon method.
So my first tank was an Durso but I was able to get it quiet but I can still hear it in the evening when watching TV. I recently was able to buy a used tank and stand for stupid cheap. I checked all the silicone and even resealed the inside. However the tank is drilled for a Durso also. I have plumbed the tank with a gate valve on the return so I can run a Siphon. I tried the Siphon method and really dialing in the gate valve but it seems even with a long period of time the water line will drift. So for now I have moved back to a Durso overflow. I was able to get a Reef Octopus Varios pump and plan to use it with my Apex to control the pump.
The Varios comes with a nice controller with 5 flow levels. And if connected to a 0-10v you get double the amount of flow levels. So I'm thinking if you can use 2 float valves to control the water level in the overflow by adjusting the flow of the return pump.
I will need to look up how it is written but basically: The water is dialed in as much as possible to drain at a super slow rate. First float valve closes and pump increases flow. This then will push the waterline back up. When the water opens the float valve it then sets the pump to the normal flow rate. This process will repeat depending how well you are able to control the rate of the siphon. A second float valve is there as a safety check. With the float flipped over so there will be about a 1/2 gap between when the pump return to the normal flow rate and when the water opens the second float valve and triggers the safety shutoff. Which can be set to run at a much lower flow rate than what is set as the normal flow rate. As to get the water level back down to normal operating ranges faster.
This can be easily adjusted over time as things change with flow and the efficiency of the siphon. For a third backup you can set a minimum time for the pump to increase it flow. If the time goes over then the flow will return to the normal flow rate automatically. This will be a backup to the safety float switch if it will fail. This is also power loss proof. When power is lost the siphon will go all the way to the lip of the siphon drain. Which will be way below the first float switch. When power is restored the pump will refill the overflow until the first switch is opened.
I use my Apex to run my ATO which has not failed me since 2013 when it first setup. So I think there is merit in this method.
This does require a Aquarium Controller, some sort of breakout box and two float switches.
I currently have the Apex Classic with a breakout box.
This is a bit complex but it will allow people who have a Durso Drilled tank to run a silent siphon.
Please tell me what you guys think? I will provide an update when the materials for the contraption are all together.
