IDEAr: hob filter into overflow?

[evoIX]

i think i could use a hob filter and run a bulkhead down the bottom with a 90degree pvc elbow (which will let the pump/propeller pull through the necessary water.

everyone ever try this way?

[REEFLECTIONS]

i've thought about this and wanted to try it, but before i got around to it i got a rr tank. i think you would just have to put some vaccume break hose in the tube in the tank below water service, and a ball valve right below the bulk head fitting for getting it started again if you had to break the flow for any reason

[evoIX]

thought of that as well. i'll be doing flex pvc down to sump/refugium. it's a nano and minus well try a few things since i don't have my tank drilled.

[ds4x4]

Or if it's big enough just drill the holes and use the pump thats on it.. then if the power is out both return and to sump pump will stop, so no flow and both will restart without your intervention..

I have an emperor 400b tho like 500+gph

[redfishbluefish]

It sounds like a neat idea. However, I think you are going to have a difficult time balancing the two pumps. Slight change in either pump is going to be a problem. A little something gets on an impeller, flood.

[NJ_ychung1]

i'm sure every cost conscious reefer has thought about this. anyway, i agree with someone above. i'd try a DIY pvc overflow or diy acrylic overflow with bulkhead rather than using HOB modification. If you are going for a cheap way out, go for PVC. you don't even need a bulk head with this.

jay

[onefish2fish]

you could float switch it to prevent floods.

[evoIX]

i may be getting confused where others are thinking a floor may occur? hob has an overflow. the hob filter will stop pumping water to the hob and only the water with in the filter may go down.

the pvc elbow will be about half distance from the bottom, of filter, so that would minimize the amount of water would drop down to sump/refugium. the only problem i see is if the filter ever stops and no water going through to return pump which may cause problems.

i'll draw a diagram to further show the idea in better detail.

unfortunately, i do not have a saw to cut the acrylic if i decided to go that route.

[onefish2fish]

what we are saying is, if the pump fails the display will flood. if the return pump fails, the sump will flood.

[evoIX]

can't this happen to any setup? or would you think it would be more prone to happening to this type of setup?

[onefish2fish]

with an overflow and return its only one pump you have to worry about failing, and if it does fail there should be enough room in the sump to take whatever water gets sucked out until a siphon break including whatever water is in the plumbing.

with what you are talking about, the overflow is pumped out so there wouldnt be a siphon break until the water gets as low at the end of the intake of the HOB - hope that makes sense

[evoIX]

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll164/NJ_evoIXgsr/hoboverflowdesign.jpg

as shown. that's how i think it would work out.

the ball valve would stop any issues of return pump failure. as long as it is noticed before too late.
i think the design is almost exactly like a regular overflow box but the pump is what drives the water in and may be more consistent than a regular overflow box.

assuming god doesn't strike power outages. rarely happened 2008.

[onefish2fish]

power outages arnt the problem, because if the power goes out BOTH pumps will be off.. granted there is enough extra room in the sump for any water in the plumbing to drain down.

the problem is when 1 of the 2 pumps fails, gets clogged or stops working, either your display or sump tank is going to flood.

[NJ_ychung1]

i'd like to see it when you have it complete. it sounds doable but can't imagine it will be the prettiest overflow. any overflow is an eyesore i guess though....

what kind of HOB has enough real estate on the bottom for a bulkhead. anyway, i don't see why it wouldn't work. i don't think it's the cheapest or the prettiest solution though.... if this was the reason for HOB mod.

good luck and put up pics when done.

[evoIX]

i don't think it'll come out like how others have theirs drilled and setup but i think it would work.

i have had 3 hob filters and only failure shown was when i added sand with extremely small grain size which floated and tore up or filled the impeller.

i will get pics up but i don't think you should wait for it anytime soon. i think it'll take me 2weeks-month to complete. work, family, holidays are priority #1.

i guess noone has ever tried this cause no links or even a page with information on a try (google searches!)

[NJ_ychung1]

I've seen ppl have stranger overflows.
take a peak at.

http://www.cm.tc/diy.htm

i've seen another guy use a plastic paint-cup modified witha bulkhead - all the same idea.

i def have to say i appreciate the cost effectiveness but it is painful to look at.... good luck and happy holiday wishes and good wishes on the outcome of your project

[REEFLECTIONS]

i was gonna use an aqua clear 110 hob... lotsa room at the bottom

[evoIX]

QUESTION! anyone in the NNJ Bergen county region have a tool to cut out 3/4" bulkhead into a AC20 filter? all i have is a drill.

[panmanmatt]

QUESTION! anyone in the NNJ Bergen county region have a tool to cut out 3/4" bulkhead into a AC20 filter? all i have is a drill.


If cutting into plastic all you need is a hole saw bit for your drill. You can get them at any hardware store. You can take the bulkhead with you to be sure you get the right size.

[evoIX]

cool, i'll look into that. thanks for the info!

[ds4x4]

sweet, great excuse to kill that bottle of jack and use it for an overflow

[panmanmatt]

sweet, great excuse to kill that bottle of jack and use it for an overflow


You need an excuse to finish a bottle of Jack? LOL If the bottle is open it's a good enough excuse to finish it.

I'm not sure how it would work drilling the bottom of the bottle, it may crack. If you need a hand emptying it, just give me a holler.

[NYCREEFER]

Hey EvoIV any progress on this project? Please keep us updated. LOL... :)

[evoIX]

i would have done it if i kept my nano but it's been sold. i have a Reef ready 55 and no hob filter. can't test. sorry. i would still test it if i had readily available tools.