Mini Fuge for BioCube DIY Thread w/ Pics

Sweet! I think imma do it! What size PVC? 1/2"?

 

1 inch only!!!! You want to be safer then sorry. ;D

 

Cool

 

Install starts tomorrow!!! Wish me luck!!

 

Sweet

 

When i first started coming across these DIY PVC overflows it made me really want to do it. I have a 20 gallon tank sitting around (needs to be cleaned out) and all I need is a return pump and I could have a sump up and running. However after reading some other threads, it sounded like these PVC overflows were not completely fail safe.

I guess what im wondering is:

1) Using this design, if everything is sealed probably will it lose siphon randomly due to air/leaks?

2) What happens under the power outage scenario, I have heard that these overflows retain water in the U part of the overflow but it doesnt not make clear sense to me.

As far as looks go, i have a large rock structure which the pvc overflow could hide behind so Im not worried about bulkiness or anything inside the tank. But I need a for sure fail safe method. Any input on you guys that use this system?

 

1. You will need to make sure there are NO leaks in this system, if there are you will loose "suction" and the overflow will not restart on its own.

2. When the power goes out the flow stops but there is water still inside the U shape, because of physics and gravity and a little Chris Angel magic it will restart on its own again when power is restored but only if there are no leaks.

I have been only running mine for about a week now, but I have seen this exact same overflow funning in previous threads back in 2006. Just please make sure you have a minimum of 1 inch PVC and test it over and over outside your tank to confirm its working properly.


I hope this helps.

 

hey bio, what pump you using for a return?

 

Sicce Syncra 2.0

 

i used 3/4" all around, its running great and very quiet