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Adding Overflow...

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by mikesams05p71, Sep 1, 2012.

  1. Sep 1, 2012 #1
    mikesams05p71

    mikesams05p71 Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    So I am ready to get this sump stuff done! I have 30 long for sump and Mag 7 pump. 75 gallon acrylic tank...Tank is stocked and up and running. I do not want to tear it down and according to research it looks like I can drill it partially emptied...So I am looking for some good advice on the best overflow setup?? Any ideas would really be appreciated.....
     
  2. Sep 1, 2012 #2
    Kpotter2 North liberty, IA

    Kpotter2 Expert Reefkeeper

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    You can drill a hole and use an over flow box like this appropriate to your needs. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1200-GPH-AQUARIUM-OVERFLOW-BOX-SURFACE-SKIMMER-/290389680963?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item439c92e343

    This is what I would do if I was drilling a tank.
     
  3. Sep 1, 2012 #3
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    I'm sure one of our acrylic vendors could make you a nice overflow box as well.
    Decide how many drains you want. For a 75 I think one would be sufficient. Then decide if you want to bring the return back through the box, of if you return over the top, or through other bulkheads added to the tank. You really only need an overflow box big enough to get your plumbing in, anything more is just taking up room in the tank.
     
  4. Sep 1, 2012 #4
    mikesams05p71

    mikesams05p71 Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Would be safer to drill maybe two holes for the overflow? Just in case a snail finds the hole? Any ideas of what sizes of bulkheads if I did two holes for the mag 7 as the return pump? I think I am making this ordeal alot harder then it has to be lol.As far as the return goes I was hoping to maybe do overflow in the center of tank and return on probably the right side of the tank. If I am drilling I might as well drill hole for return too I think...IDK
     
  5. Sep 1, 2012 #5
    MJB Tanks Pleasant Hill, IA

    MJB Tanks Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    The ebay box would work best of it could be bonded in place, silicone doesn't form the same structural bond with acrylic like it does glass. Unfortunately you would really need to lay the tank down to solvent weld or it will run everywhere. I suggest a 5 sided box inside and out held in place with a couple bulkheads for the water to pass through. Also, the ebay box has teeth which really reduces the efficiency of surface skimming greatly and really doesn't help keep critters out. A third hole off to the side for a return bulkhead and a nice loc-line fan tip would be ideal /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif

    If you don't want to take up much room in the display tank and you have room behind, I would suggest having a shallow box inside for surface skimming and an external box for your plumbing on the back.

    Check out some of the build threads that Bud and I have in the Commercial forum and you can see similar setups...like on my ~29g cube, same concept for the shallow skimming box.
     
  6. Sep 1, 2012 #6
    jstngates Toledo Iowa

    jstngates Experienced Reefkeeper

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    For the past year I have had an external overflow box and just bought a new tank from acc and moved it all. It sucked but finished everything this morning and the internal overflow is nice.
     

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