The idea for this standpipe is actually a combination of designs borrowed from
Richard Durso, the inventor of the
Durso standpipe, and
Ken Stockman , who created this modified version for use in a smaller overflow box, where space is at a premium. If you use an
external overflow box you'll know that the sound of air entering the drainpipe, can be quite annoying. the durso standpipe, puts a stop to that! all that's needed is about a 6-8" piece of 1" pvc pipe (depending on how big your overflow box is) a 2" to 1" reducer bushing. a 2" coupler. and a 1" end cap. in my pipe, I also purchased a 1" female adapter to replace the one that came with my overflow, because it already had a piece of pvc approximately 3" long. my total bill at lowes for all 5 pieces was $4.30! And it actually came with a 5' length of pvc, because it was the shortest they sold.
Building and installing is quite simple. drill several holes in the pvc pipe for water drainage. be sure to make them close enough together, that they will be covered by the couple. next, you'll need to trim the inside lip of the reducer, so that the pvc can slide all the way through it. slide it on so that it begins at the top of your drilled holes. you'll want at least 1" or more of pipe sticking out the top, for the end cap to be placed over. next slide on the couple and press it into place on the reducer. place the end cap over the top. if you are adding a female adapter, go ahead and press that into place as well. now drill a small hole ( 1/8" ) through the end cap and the pvc pipe. having the hole through both, will allow you to adjust the size of the hole by simply turning the end cap, rather than drilling a lager hole, or more holes. (for my unit my pump was pushing too much flow, so I connected my holes and made 4 rectangles in the pvc to accept the higher water flow. install the unit into the overflow box, and turn on your pump. to quote a member of TheReefTank, "it turned my waterfall into a stream!"
