U tube/Overflow

[::pete::]

Im getting ready to set up my sump/fuge with an overflow box and am wondering about the U tubes. How do you get them flowing (primed)? The U tube is higher than the internal and external box where it makes the bridge. Im looking to not make a mess ;) . Thanks.

[brewercm]

The way the manufacturer says to start the siphon is push a section of flexible air tubing up and into the tube and suck the air out. This will start the siphon then you just remove the airline tubing.
I've modified mine with a plastic close off air valve and drilled a small hole in the top of the U-Tube then epoxy the close off valve into the u-tube. This will need to be an air tight fit since you will open the valve with hose attached at the top then close it once siphon is started. It was just easier than always dealing with putting the hose up into the u-tube and pulling it out without much of a mess.

[SaltyJim]

I like that idea. I always have a little trouble removing the airline myself. It seems that I always let a little air back into the overflow, which eventually decreases the flow.

Brewer....thanks for the idea.

Jim

[reefer]

you might consider a cpr c-siphon overflow if you haven't purchased and overflow yet. i have one on my 50gl. tank now, and it used a powerhead to start the flow. as far as performance it works great!

[brewercm]

It works really well, so far I've had it up and going that way for a couple of years without a problem.
Also no nasty water splash when pulling the airline out.

[::pete::]

brewercm ... any pics?

[DeletedAccount]

Reefer, I had one of those buggers and bought the pump and everything and somehow it still overflowed 4 times.... Don't trust it.....

[reefer]

which one did you get, i have the cpr c-siphon 90 with the cyclone192 and a mag500 w/swcd, it looks perfectly balanced.

[brewercm]

Pete,
I can post some tonight once I get home.

[wkopplin]

I've got the CPR too and am considering just getting it over with and drilling my tank. The flow rate is never quite right, although it is better than it was.

[reefer]

wkopplin, what size is you cpr overflow, and what size is your return pump?

[dan]

wkopplin, if you drill your tank,i can make your dam.2 sided: 3 sided in clear or black.i build most of the dams here in town :lol:building one right now for oceancube on his 58 gal.

[brewercm]

Here's a pic of the modification.

http://members.aol.com/brewerch66/private/u-tube

[matt]

That looks really dangerous to me; those U-tubes are not very strong, and the molding process I think they go through typically leaves them susceptible to crazing with any sort of solvent exposure. I'd consider just getting a new tube and doing the airline tubing bit. Maybe it will never break or leak there, but personally I wouldn't take the chance.

Wow, I just looked again and you said it's been running a couple of years! Lucky.

[wkopplin]

The cpr is the big one. It is either the 1400gph or the 1600 gph one. I think it is the 1400 gph. I will ask RAllard again as I got it from him. The return pump is a magdrive 9.5. I have a ball valve on it and can adjust the flow.

Dan, you can build it for me. I have one of your sumps that I got from another member and it is very nice. I was thinking of getting in touch with you about building one for my 180, but I need to unload some Cichlids in the tank first. I saw the one you did for Robert and really liked the design. I have heard nothing but good things about your work. Matt too for that matter. As soon as the giant sucking sound from my checking account stops after my first SW tank, I am getting some new toys and you two are the first on my list (along with CB Pets).

[brewercm]

I have an extra tube that I bought and have had sitting around just in case it didn't work. It was really just a little epoxy and then I went ahead and threw on some silicone around it just to make sure that it was air tight. You are correct about them not being very strong though, they are fairly flimsy. I probably wouldnt do the same thing now that I have the canopy on and access to the tube is minimal now. With all the hoods I had on before it was a real pain to get an airline into it before, then all the water that would splash when taking it out all over the pre-existing hood was a pain.

Just for info. I did find it easier to get the siphon started the old way if you can get some of the micro tubing. Easier to get in and out in my opinion.

[R.Allard]

WKopplin make sure you get all the air out of the cpr and that one is the 1600gph with the 1 1/2 drain.
also make sure you have the siphon hooked up to a powerhead like we talked about. i was running that
overflow with another one with just two tubes running and was useing a mag24.
the tubes run abouut 3-400gph each so that would put that overflow arround 1500-1600gph +/_ head pressure.
Robert