Overflow box design
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: DIY
Forum Description: Do it Yourself
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6221
Printed Date: July 06 2026 at 2:30pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Overflow box design
Posted By: Hey Mikey
Subject: Overflow box design
Date Posted: April 16 2005 at 1:41pm
|
I need help with the design, construction, advice, or a recommendation for an overflow box for my non-drilled 20g setup. Here's the deal... Since I'm new to the hobby, at first I didn't think I was going to add a sump to this tank because it's so small. Now I have changed my mind. I have a 10 gallon tank just laying around that could easily fit in the cabinet under my 20g that could be converted to a sump and probably for fairly cheap too, I hope. I live in a small studio apartment and for me every inch of space counts. I looked online at some pre-fab overflow boxes but some of these stick out the back like 6 inches. Which is fine I guess but I would really like my tank as close against the wall as possible. Right now it's only like an inch away from the wall and I like that look. I moved my tank/stand like 7-8" away from the wall to see how it would look and it just looks awkward to me. I have absolutely no experience with overflow boxes and so I don't know what my options may be. Are there overflow boxes that could take more room inside the tank instead of outside? Does the section on the outside have to hold a certain amount of water and if so couldn't it be done by making the outside part longer across the tank and narrower in depth? Is there prefab overflows that I can add to my tank that would fit the application I just described? Or would it be better to just build one? Oh, another thing I would like to add is that I really don't want to empty out my tank now to drill a hole. This overflow design is very important to me because I live in an apartment I cannot afford to have my tank spill water in any way where it may damage the floor or leak into the apartment below. |
Replies:
Posted By: Will Spencer
Date Posted: April 16 2005 at 1:53pm
|
This may be just my opinion/experience, but I think anytime you have a sump/overflow type system on a tank there is always a chance of getting water on the floor. If you are looking for a 100% safe system an overflow is not it. I would suggest a hang on back refugium. I know there are a couple people in the club who have used them, I just can't remember who. These systems cycle water slowly through an acrylic box hung on the back of the tank where you can grow pods, macro etc. I used to think a tank was way better off with a sump, but when several other club members and myself went to the Idaho Reef Tour, the cleanest tank we say had no sump. Only hang on back power filter and hang on back skimmer. It was a beautiful 55 or 75 tank. (Can't remember for sure which.) |
Posted By: ewaldsreef
Date Posted: April 16 2005 at 11:06pm
|
I have heard it is possible to drill the tank while it is setup. you would have to get someone out to your house to do it though.
Knowing what I know now. I would have the tank drilled. You could borrow a 20 gallon tank from someone, transfer the contents( or use a rubbermade), Run your tank down to the LFS, and have it drilled. Then get it all set back up. It would make your life easier for one day of work. If you insist on a hang on back overflow you are probable going to want to go with a custom design. ------------- Contact me for professional aquarium maintenance and localy grown coral frags. [URL=http://www.aquatitranquility.com][/URL] |
Posted By: ssilcox
Date Posted: April 16 2005 at 11:40pm
|
I agree with Bruce. You will be happier later if you spend a little extra time and effort to have it drilled. |
Posted By: Jake Pehrson
Date Posted: April 17 2005 at 2:21am
|
I also agree. In fact it if you can't get it drilled as it is, it would almost be worth taking it down, getting it drilled and setting it backup again (I know that would be a pain, but worth it in the end). ------------- Jake Pehrson Murray http://coralplanet.com" rel="nofollow - coralplanet.com http://utahbeeranch.com" rel="nofollow - :) |
Posted By: Hey Mikey
Date Posted: April 17 2005 at 11:18am
Dang it! Have you ever asked a question that you pretty much already
know the answer to and you already know what every one is going to say
but you're kinda hoping someone will come along and tell you what you
want to hear. That an awesome alternative will present itself. Then it
doesn't but you know everyone else is probably right. You guys suck!  I'm just kidding, you guys are cool I guess.So some of you mentioned being able to drill the tank while it is set up. So how would this be done? I would probably be able to drain my water into another container leaving it about half full without moving too much stuff around. Completely removing everything from my tank down to the LS is something I really do not want to do. Also, is Will right about there being no absolute way to make this spill proof? I've heard there's things you can do to make things a little more secure, like making my sump only filled half way, etc. What about Will's suggestion on a hang on the back refuge/skimmer deals? I've looked them up online. They only take up 4" off the back of the tank. Who has dealt with these and are they worth the money? Can you really grow stuff back there? Does anyone have this right now that I could come check out, or do you know someone that does that wouldn't mind showing me? I've also heard from some people that with such a small setup like my 20g I really don't NEED a sump or anything like that. I started with good LS, LR and LW from people on here. The tank has been running for about 2-3 months now and everything seems good so far. The rocks that were not covered with green and purple are starting to color up real nice, I have a xenia that stretches out everyday and looks awesome as she pulsates and a green chromis that swims happily all day. I just want to add a few more easy to maintain corals, mushrooms maybe, a small goby and a tang or something and I would be happy. So I've heard if I do my water changes every week I would be fine. What do you guys think about that? If you could point me in the direction of some good reading material on this or on "how to's on overflow boxes", I would appreciate that too. I guess the fact that all of you guys that replied to my questions have "PRESIDENCY" titled under your screen names should be a hint for me to listen to you huh  .Thanks guys. |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: April 17 2005 at 11:48am
|
The safest way is to drill the tank. ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: Jake Pehrson
Date Posted: April 17 2005 at 1:02pm
|
You could either get a glass bit and drill it yourself, or I think that Eric at Marine Aquatics will come and do it for you. I may be cheaper to buy a drilled aquarium with an overflow built in. Transfer everything to the new aquarium and sell the undrilled aquarium. If you are looking for over flow box designs you may want to get a hold of Mark Peterson (do a search and you will find his contact info). He has a pretty good design (although IMO I would avoid overflow boxes). ------------- Jake Pehrson Murray http://coralplanet.com" rel="nofollow - coralplanet.com http://utahbeeranch.com" rel="nofollow - :) |
Posted By: nick
Date Posted: April 18 2005 at 7:45pm
|
Mark where are you...... we need your input on this. ------------- The Eyes Of Texas Are Upon You. Hook'em Horns. |
Posted By: nick
Date Posted: April 18 2005 at 8:01pm
Hey Mike you seen my tank and the overflow.I've had my set up about 4 mouths now and never had a problem even when the power went out a mouth ago I had enough room in the sump to hold all that excess water.You just have to set it up right for it to work.Drilling your tank is a safe and convenient way to go true, but let we warn you now, will always happen don't care if you send $10000,or $250 on you tank.------------- The Eyes Of Texas Are Upon You. Hook'em Horns. |
Posted By: Will Spencer
Date Posted: April 18 2005 at 10:46pm
|
Please don't let me scare you away from a sump/refugium. I'm not trying to tell you that you will get water on the floor. Only that the chance will be much greater than it would be if you just left the water in the tank. Anytime you flow water out of the tank and back you chance leaks, or worse overflows. If a "U" tube gets plugged by a snail or crab for instance the water doesn't get to the sump as fast as it gets back and suddenly it up over the top of the tank and onto the floor. "Been there. Done that." I would also suggest drilling the tank if you can. I currently have an overflow box on my 180 and am seriously considering having Eric come out and drill it. He did a nice job on my friends 29 gallon tank. He even custom built a sump/refugium that would fit in her small stand. |
Posted By: Jake Pehrson
Date Posted: April 18 2005 at 11:29pm
|
IME, overflow boxes will fail eventually without meticulous maintenance and a whole lot of luck. It make take 6 month it may take 6 years, but I don't trust them. I have had one too many fail, even when using "fail proof" designs. ------------- Jake Pehrson Murray http://coralplanet.com" rel="nofollow - coralplanet.com http://utahbeeranch.com" rel="nofollow - :) |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: April 19 2005 at 4:11pm
|
Nothing is fail proof but I have made many inexpensive hang on overflows and helped others make some as well. If you would like the plans and instructions, email me here: mailto:[email protected] - [email protected]
Note: Not all presidency members think the same about everything 
------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
|
Posted By: shaggydoo
Date Posted: April 20 2005 at 7:54pm
|
Hey I have an 18G with a HOB filter I converted into a little fuge. The macro grows well in the back and I also hide my heater and some extra LR in it. I occasionally also run carbon in it. It works really well and the best part about it is I never have to worry about anything overflowing. It only holds about 1.5 or so gallons so it doesn't add the benefit of extra water volume like a sump does, but it does provide a haven for pods and other little critters to grow as well as a place to grow some macro. ------------- 60g LPS Cube |