DIY: PVC overflow, and wet/dry filter

DIY: PVC overflow, and wet/dry trickle filter

another recent project:

first day of the build




basic PVC overflow. I made it with 3/4" PVC because I'm doing a low flow system

sealed with pvc glue and painted with krylon fusion.




here are the overflow and return pipes



first test:

after it cured, I connected all the overflow and return pipes, and hung it on the tank to test for flow and leaks.




I didnt install the bio-tower yet. I just wanted to do a wet run on the pipe and pump.
at this point, I still hadn't installed the check valve on the overflow either.




seems to be working fine. (with the exception of the check valve)

installed the bio- tower, and filled it with media.
installed the check valve
ran the pipes behind the tank, and under the tank for wet test #2:

 

problem solving:

came home today to one of my exodons stuck in a pipe.
the grate I had slipped over the end of the pipe had come off (probably knocked off by the fish), so I had to come up with an alternative plan.
I cut a piece of eggcrate to fit the tube, and fastened it with silicon. looks like it should be just small enough.




I also added another drawer to my biotower with scrubbies




and lastly, because I'm using a low flow trickle system, there is a much higher chance of cavitation, and ultimately, the overflow loosing prime. to combat this without using a bigger pump, I hooked the airline coming off the check valve to the venturI of a powerhead in the tank. this should pull out any excess air.




installed the spraybar and UV filter today. I'm probably going to change the placement of the UV, but I wanted to run it first for a day or two and make sure it still works.

 

Welcome to FishLore! Your DIY projects are awesome!
Just curious since I recently switched to an overflow and sump system. Is your overflow loud?
In my HOB overflow something about the water falling into the pipe at the bottom of the overflow box creates a swirling swooshing sound. What you made looks like it would have the same effect as a Durso Standpipe since it looks like the intake is under water.

 

the intake is not completely underwater, the water level is just below the top of the elbow that sits in the tank. there was a little slurping initially, but if you put a breathable sponge or foam in the tall vertical pipe, it cuts down on a lot of the noise.
for the most part, the only noise I hear is the water spilling out of the overflow, into the bio tower because I do not have a lid on the sump.




this is just a strip of dense filter pad rolled to fit the pipe. its still breathable enough for the overflow to run undisturbed, and it mufles the extra noise from the pipe

 

This is what I have to say about your DIY wet/dry sump system and the way your detailed pics show the good work you have done:

Pepetj
Santo Domingo

 

Thanks.

I also wrote up a part2 to this build in the day section, where I built a riser for the tank and wet/dry. Ill post the link when I get home.