A few years back, I initially set up a set of tanks to run with a diy sump/overflow unit then recirculate water contineusly to each tank. My plan was to change water in the sump daily, and that will serve as my water changes to each tank. After a month of trial, I wasn't happy with it, so I scrapped the build.
I'm trying to modify the system right now to make it simpler. The goal will be to open each valves to drain the water then Fill the tanks via overhead feed to each tank. I've attached a hose that will drain the water to a floor drain.
Some tanks are drilled but some are not. I'm planning on doing diy pvc overflow on tanks that are not drilled. The drilled ones are easy. Here's what I have so far...
comments/suggestions?
This is initially the drilled tank set up...
This is the modified set up with a valve to drain each tank...
The drain going to the floor..
Bottom of each tank will still be suctioned manually...
""diy pvc overflow""
...Jehmco carries a type of these....Josh Clark used them....
Here are no thoughts:
1) The final drain to the floor drain looks small. This will have (potentially) a lot of flow, but looks to be the smallest dia tube.
2) I would squirt water into each tank and then just let it drain via the overflows or siphon drains. The inflow could be automated easily, not the drains.
3) The siphon type drains can easily get air in them and need to be fixed. This makes them not a goo choice for having a system with automated water inflow (like #2) or other situation where you want more dependability.
Quote from: BillT on March 23, 2018, 01:03:49 PM
Here are no thoughts:
1) The final drain to the floor drain looks small. This will have (potentially) a lot of flow, but looks to be the smallest dia tube.
It is small, I agree. I used an old python. I might use a bigger/regular garden hose later on. Floor drain is 2 rooms away. I wanted something that I can put away when not in use.
Quote from: BillT on March 23, 2018, 01:03:49 PM
Here are no thoughts:
3) The siphon type drains can easily get air in them and need to be fixed. This makes them not a goo choice for having a system with automated water inflow (like #2) or other situation where you want more dependabability.
Siphon type drains are not dependable. I've learned that the hard way awhile back. I'm planning on just manually activating this siphon when it's time for a water change. I'm not planning on automating at this time. I use the same submersible pump (like Jon's) to fill individual tanks right now. I'm planning on attaching it to a PVC so I can fill the tank all at once via overhead piping.
Thank you for the comments and suggestions.
Bill is right about those DIY overflows. Its only a matter of time until an air pocket builds up at the high point, and then you have a flood. But thats when you are using them for a continuous drip system. If you use the same overflow design with a valve and pump, and do batch water changes, it should work and you won't have to restart the siphons.