Addind an overflow to a tank

[jinoue]

I'm looking to buy a very nice 48x18 deepx24 tall acrylic tank, however it does not have an internal overflow.

I've found some online but they are like 8" deep. Where can go to find a full height unit or am I stuck making it myself?

 

[jinoue]

Also, I'd like some opinion on preferences regarding drilled out tanks versus internal overflow boxes.

 

[Squirmteben]

I'm actually doing the same thing to my 4' 90 gallon, and I think I'm going to drill three 1" holes for a Bean animal overflow, and build a 36"x6"x4" box for a long surface skimming. For the box, I'm going to get the acrylic from Tap Plastics: their prices are crazy cheap, if you look them up on the web. I want to get as much of the surface solids down into my sump and into my protein skimmer. And I can build this box for under $50.

-Steven

 

[Peppie]

Also, I'd like some opinion on preferences regarding drilled out tanks versus internal overflow boxes.

If the tank is not designed and built with an external overflow bow, it is much safer and easier for the occasional DIYer to add the box to the inside of the tank.
There is alot more to it than just gluing some acrylic together and hanging it on the back of the tank and HOPE it holds water.

You will lose a bit of real estate on the inside of the tank, but you will sleep at night knowing your external overflow box is not going to fall off or leak.
Just my 2 cents

 

[jinoue]

I would never choose an external overflow box. I'm either doing an internal overflow box, or just drilling a hole in each back corner and doing a simple drain/return setup.