Air bubble in overflow u-tube.. DIY Fixes?

The smaller U-tube definately worked good. Just some issues. I believe the Eshopp's stock U-tube is 1 1/4". First I tried a 1/2" (which I thought was 5/8"). It worked well, as I watched any bubbles zip thru the tube, yess! The only problem was the water level in the DT rose to the rim's plastic lip.. umm no! Next I tried a 3/4", which also worked like a charm. The water level stayed where it should. The only problem is the 3/4" tubing has no elasticity! Whe the tube bends, it narrows or flattens a little, which I don't see a problem, but because of the elasticity, it was pushing outwarrds on the overflow box (which wsa slanting), and I was afraid of the acrylic cracking, and the box coming undone and a flood. I'm at work right now and I am bending the tube with rubberbands, so I can get it permanently bent. Then I will use this tube and also try lowering the box.

 

Oh and I may try 5/8" also since it's more bendable like the 1/2". Maybe the tiny difference in size will work better.

 

no to sure if this would work or maybe you have tried it already.but take the 3/4 flex hose and push it through the plastic U tube and maybe it will hold it in place better...dont know just something I would try..good luck..

 

HA! I was thinking about that! Was thinking about also using the original U-tube, and puting smaller PVC pieces inside each end to see if it would increase the flow. Hey I'll try anything!

 

So your using flex tubing? Doesn't sound like a good idea long term. All of the flex tube I've ever used goes flat when you try to bend it. I gotta go home and measure my you tube, maybe I can downgrade a 1/4" or something to make the water pour through faster.

J-tube vs. Contin. Siphon overflow - Saltwaterfish.com Message Boards

 

Awesome thanks for the link! Calling my LFS now to find an acrylic u tube. If not I'll try the sand trick to bend one.

 

1/4"? Do you mean 3/4?

 

Just found this link if you try and bend your own pvc..(if it dosnt play,click on the right side diy pvc bend)
Reef Videos

 

I was under the impression that my u tube was 1 and 3/4 " wide.....but that sounds quite large. I bought my overflow used and it was said to pull 600gph. I don't know the standard sizes of u tubes that are commonly sold, but I think it it was a quarter inch smaller, it might do the trick. Maybe a one incher could handle it too. I guess I will have to play with it. I actually bought a new one from my LFS for $2. It was 2 inches, so slightly bigger. I was thinking that the wider, the faster, but it is just the opposite. So now I have an extra 2"er. I believe my overflow is 1 3/4". But I would have to measure.

 

I know mine is 1 1/4". My LFS said they have a 1" (will find out after work), but they seem to all be a standard 1 1/4". The 3/4" tubing is holding it's form (rubberband..lol), and it doesn't seem that flattened at the arc (just wider and flatter.. seems to have plenty of pass thru).. so I am gonna try it. Also gonna pick up 1" flex tubing and try that.