HOB Overflow Pump/Suction

[toy4x4]

Ok, came across this today and was wondering if anyone saw any issue with using it on the output of the return pump from the sump. This would eliminate the need for the powerhead used for the venturi for the overflow suction. I trust my sump pump more than a powerhead and in addition, I never have liked the little tube barely stuck in the venturi opening in the powerhead.

http://www.championlighting.com/e/e...ing.html?link=/Products/Plumbing/venturi.html

 

[Len]

If this is your return pump (pumping water from the sump back into your main tank), these venturis aren't recommended. They produce A LOT of fine bubbles that are designed for skimmer applications. I'm also not sure which return pump you're using, but they need to be sufficiently powerful as theses mazzei-style venturis need a lot of power to drive them. Again, these aren't intended for return pump use but rather skimmer use. I don't know many people that actually use the venturi portion of their powerheads when they're used for circulation purposes.

 

[toy4x4]

If this is your return pump (pumping water from the sump back into your main tank), these venturis aren't recommended. They produce A LOT of fine bubbles that are designed for skimmer applications. I'm also not sure which return pump you're using, but they need to be sufficiently powerful as theses mazzei-style venturis need a lot of power to drive them. Again, these aren't intended for return pump use but rather skimmer use. I don't know many people that actually use the venturi portion of their powerheads when they're used for circulation purposes.

Yes, was thinking from a return standpoint, but could use it on a standard pump in the sump. I just like the thought of having the little hose from the Overflow more securely attached than the simple slip in part of a powerhead.

 

[Len]

I know that slipping on vinly tubing to a powerhead's unbarded output is not the most secure connection. I recommend you get a plastic hose clamp to secre it if your concern is about it slipping off.

Since you have a return pump that I'm guessing has a threaded male output (most bigger pumps do), you can get a male to barbed slip adapter to more securely connect the vinyl tubing to the pump. There is no need to get a Venturi injector simply so you can have a more secure connection; they aren't designed for that application. If you saw how much air they pump into your display tank, I promise you you'd be quite upset

 

[toy4x4]

The connector on the power head is the kind you slip the hose into. so maybe 1/16" or 1/8" is all that is used for contact.

Seeing how the venturi tube is used to suck the air out of the u-tube on the overflow box, the only air that should come through would be what has to be removed. Mostly it is water that comes through.

 

[mooner]

I agree with Len from what I can tell here. That much water flow and air just don't mix. Micro-bubbles are a major PITA to eliminate so I would not go that route at all.

Whatever you do just make sure you hook the overflow vacuum return to a venturi suction that is AFTER the impeller of the pump/powerhead you choose. I tried a Maxi-Jet on my CS90 and it created a fog of micro-bubbles as it is a pre-impeller suction that is, as Len stated, designed for skimmer applications. I now use a standard power head witha post impeller venturi and I have the same concerns that you do about it slipping off. I used a plastic zip-tie to fasten the suction hose to the power cord to the power head and that will hold it pretty steady. You also need to clean and maintain the power head you use as a overflow vacuum retainer and many recommend you replace it yearly even with regular cleaning.

Losing a power head with this duty could spell disaster.