Overflow boxes

[robbiej]

I want to use a sump with the 30 gal I am setting up. Are external boxes a good idea? What are some suggestions on setting up an internal one? My aquarium doesn't have a built in one. I know it needs to be drilled but how would you fit a box around it? Everything else I seem to understand and I have read some of the articles on sumps on Reef Keeping online.

Also, is there a place where I can look up the anacronyms? :lol:

 

[big t]

Well on the acronyms, just make a list and ask, we will answer no biggie. On the overflow you simply build a box from glass or acrylic and glue it in w/ silicone or weldon depending on if your tank is glass or acrylic. You will need to drain the tank down to below the level of the overflow that you are gluing in also.

 

[robbiej]

Mine is glass. Got some suggestions?

 

[big t]

Yes you can either make a overflow box from glass or acrylic. If you make it from glass you just buy a piece of glass and cut it w/ a glass cutter, Then glue it together w/ aquarium grade silicone. Once it is dry glue it onto the back of your tank abou 1/2" or so below where you want your water level in the tank. Get some gutter guard (plastic grate) and wrap this around the top of your overflow to keep the fish and snails out of your plumbing. If you make if from acrylic it will be a similar process except you cut it w/ a table saw and use a router to cut teeth into the top and that serves as your guard to keep the fish and snails out. I would go w/ glass becuase it is difficult to glue acrylic to glass.

 

[dnjan]

Not exactly sure what you mean by an "external" box. Normally, the box goes inside the tank to take care of surface skimming.

Drill a hole in an upper back corner of the tank. Make sure you have enough clearance to have the entire bulkhead flange contact the glass (you will probably want to use either a 1-1/4 or 1-1/2" bulkhead, so the hole will probably be around 2" or larger. Get the bulkhead first, and then drill the hole to fit the bulkhead).

Then make a box from acrylic. Here is an example:

This box is about 4"x5" by 4"tall. It handles about 400-500 gph. For more capacity, make the box longer.

Glue it on with silicone aquarium sealer.

 

[robbiej]

I think the external box I am refering to is called a wier sometimes. The one I have seen on the market is a CPR CS50 Overflow. I heard they lose thier siphon some times though.

 

[cronicreef]

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=KTALP

This is just in case your siphon breaks on hang on overflows. It works really good. I have tested it a couple hundred times in between my power going off and me pulling the wrong plug.

I would say it would be easier to buy an overflow rathere than drilling the tank and making an overflow.

Just my thoughts.
Good luck

 

[dnjan]

I have never heard of anyone regretting that they had drilled their tank for an overflow. Hang-ons are easier, but a drilled tank is the more robust solution.

 

[Angelscrx]

I have an overflow and will never do it again. Next tank is going to be drilled. Too many problems with loosing siphon and having to reprime once a week depending on water level. It is too much work!!!

 

[Elmo18]

I have never heard of anyone regretting that they had drilled their tank for an overflow. Hang-ons are easier, but a drilled tank is the more robust solution.

I agree

- Elmo