DIY Overflow... - Aquarium Advice

BBReef · 01-09-2004, 07:04 PM

I've been reading the explanations on building overflows and have started building one myself, but have a few questions. What do you use to drill the holes in the acrylic for the bulk heads? When referring to a 3/4" pipe for the return, is that inner or outer diameter? How do you cut the teeth in the top of the inner box? What diameter should the U tube be in relevance to the drain pipe? Does the size of the box matter, or just the piping?

Sorry for all the questions but i want to make sure i do this right the first time.

Thanks

BillyZ · 01-12-2004, 02:46 PM

I'm going to toot my own horn here just once: If you want an easy overflow, check out this thread: http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=13892 total cost was around $7 US.

for your questions... there should be a few threads here on drilling acrylic, refer to those for what to use... references to pipe diameter refer to the inner diameter of the pipe. But you shouldn't have to worry much as, if you go to a hardware store and ask for 3/4" pipe, they'll know what you're looking for.

Folks use dremel tools, table saws, and the less acurate hack saw for cutting the teeth in the overflow.

THe U-tube should be large enough to allow enough siphon to handle your return pumps volume. a 1" U-Tube will handle about 300 [acronym:6809d5ef4b="Gallons per hour"]gph[/acronym:6809d5ef4b]... I think.

fishfreek · 01-12-2004, 07:29 PM

For the teeth in the overflow box you can use a router. if you dont have a router you can use a drill to cut the bottom portion of the tooth and then use a jig saw or table saw or hand saw to cut the verticle parts of the teeth.

1" U tube should be good for 600GPH

BBReef · 01-15-2004, 03:22 AM

OK I finally got the overflow built and ready to go. everything looks and works well, but i cant get the u tube prime. is there a trick to building these. i just made it out of [acronym:1433ccbd45="Plastic pipe"]pvc[/acronym:1433ccbd45] pipe like i saw others do on here. i tried sucking the air out with tubing, but that didnt work well. and when i finally did get going, it lost the prime within like 10 seconds. Any tips on these things? Thanks a lot.

01-09-2004, 07:04 PM	#1
BBReef Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: So Cal Posts: 412 Images: 32	DIY Overflow... I've been reading the explanations on building overflows and have started building one myself, but have a few questions. What do you use to drill the holes in the acrylic for the bulk heads? When referring to a 3/4" pipe for the return, is that inner or outer diameter? How do you cut the teeth in the top of the inner box? What diameter should the U tube be in relevance to the drain pipe? Does the size of the box matter, or just the piping? Sorry for all the questions but i want to make sure i do this right the first time. Thanks

01-12-2004, 02:46 PM	#2
BillyZ Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Western NY Posts: 3,622 Images: 6	I'm going to toot my own horn here just once: If you want an easy overflow, check out this thread: http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=13892 total cost was around $7 US. for your questions... there should be a few threads here on drilling acrylic, refer to those for what to use... references to pipe diameter refer to the inner diameter of the pipe. But you shouldn't have to worry much as, if you go to a hardware store and ask for 3/4" pipe, they'll know what you're looking for. Folks use dremel tools, table saws, and the less acurate hack saw for cutting the teeth in the overflow. THe U-tube should be large enough to allow enough siphon to handle your return pumps volume. a 1" U-Tube will handle about 300 [acronym:6809d5ef4b="Gallons per hour"]gph[/acronym:6809d5ef4b]... I think. __________________ Acronyms and Abbreviations

01-12-2004, 07:29 PM	#3
fishfreek Aquarium Advice FINatic Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2002 Location: Virginia Posts: 971 Images: 82	For the teeth in the overflow box you can use a router. if you dont have a router you can use a drill to cut the bottom portion of the tooth and then use a jig saw or table saw or hand saw to cut the verticle parts of the teeth. 1" U tube should be good for 600GPH __________________ Remember dont tap the glass, your fish will think you're an idiot -Anonymous mother Check out our articles area. 30+ Aquatic articles for your enjoyment Are you in or around the Shenandoah Valley area? If so click here to join our regional forum. Looking for affordable web hosting? Look no more We have the answer Learn more about Coral Reef Conservation. Free photo hosting

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01-15-2004, 03:22 AM	#4
BBReef Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: So Cal Posts: 412 Images: 32	OK I finally got the overflow built and ready to go. everything looks and works well, but i cant get the u tube prime. is there a trick to building these. i just made it out of [acronym:1433ccbd45="Plastic pipe"]pvc[/acronym:1433ccbd45] pipe like i saw others do on here. i tried sucking the air out with tubing, but that didnt work well. and when i finally did get going, it lost the prime within like 10 seconds. Any tips on these things? Thanks a lot.