DIY Overflow Question

[idle0095]

So I have a 90 gallon saltwater tank. I’m using a external overflow. It’s getting old and there is two cracks forming on each side of it and I’m afraid one day it’s just going to give out.
My 90 gallon tank has a hole drilled on it. It has a bulkhead installed it’s about 6 inches from the top on the right hand side of the tank. About 6 inches from the side. Is there anyway to make a Durso pipe out of that?
See pics. It does not have a overflow build into tank.

 

[Sean Clark]

So I have a 90 gallon saltwater tank. I’m using a external overflow. It’s getting old and there is two cracks forming on each side of it and I’m afraid one day it’s just going to give out.
My 90 gallon tank has a hole drilled on it. It has a bulkhead installed it’s about 6 inches from the top on the right hand side of the tank. About 6 inches from the side. Is there anyway to make a Durso pipe out of that?
See pics. It does not have a overflow build into tank.

Yes you can turn that into a durso. That looks like 3/4 inch. Can you confirm the size and if it is threaded or slip on the inside and outside? Put a strainer on the inside and you will be good to go.

 

[idle0095]

Yes you can turn that into a durso. That looks like 3/4 inch. Can you confirm the size and if it is threaded or slip on the inside and outside? Put a strainer on the inside and you will be good to go.

It’s a 1” bulkhead. Any idea how to make a pipe for this?

 

[Sean Clark]

It’s a 1” bulkhead. Any idea how to make a pipe for this?

This is what I came up with from what I could see in your picture.

You will want the center of the tee to be where your existing waterline is so that it doesn't cause interference with your overflow box that is already set up. I keep it all 1 inch.

 

[Sean Clark]

You will also want to install a strainer on the inside of the tank to keep critters out. You will need either a threaded or a slip version depending on what bulkhead you have.

1 inch threaded strainer

1 inch slip strainer

 

[idle0095]

This is what I did. It’s having a hard time adjusting.

 

[Sean Clark]

This is what I did. It’s having a hard time adjusting.

It is having a hard time adjusting because you didn't go up to the waterline.
Water is able and wants to drain down to the bottom of the bulkhead.
That is why in my drawing the pipe elbows up first to the waterline before it can go back down. Make sense?

 

[idle0095]

It is having a hard time adjusting because you didn't go up to the waterline.
Water is able and wants to drain down to the bottom of the bulkhead.
That is why in my drawing the pipe elbows up first to the waterline before it can go back down. Make sense?

Yes. It’s adjusting up and down by about 3/4” in the sump.

 

[idle0095]

What size hole should the vent be?

 

[Sean Clark]

What size hole should the vent be?

1/8 to 1/4 inch is fine. You can leave it wide open if you want but it is noisier.

 

[Sean Clark]

You can fix what you have if you make a few modifications.

-Cut your pipe above and below the tee.
-Add a cap to the bottom of the tee.
-Add a tee above the existing tee with the branch facing towards you if you are looking at this photo.
-Add the top piece of pipe with the cap that you cut off to the new tee.
-add a 45 to the branch of the new tee that is coming toward you.
-add the piece that you cut off of the bottom of the original tee to the new 45.
-the drain should now be coming out towards you at a 45 angle.
-loosen the bulkhead slightly
-rotate the entire assembly clockwise 45 degrees as viewed from the front of the tank.
-Tighten the bulkhead.

This should put the spill over point of the durso very close to your waterline. You can also adjust it higher or lower by rotating the bulkhead slightly.

 

[idle0095]

I think I’m just going back to the external overflow. I don’t want to but this just isn’t working. I saw a video where the guy did it just like this and it worked great.