Can I make an "overflow" without drilling my tank?

[Jeff000]

I want to do a reef tank, and put a refugium under to hold the protien skimmer and some livesand and lr.

But my tank is made completely with tempered glass.

I dont want one of them hang on back things either.

Using two pumps.... well that would be a nightmare.



Anyone know how I can do this?

PS, I am new and dont know exactly what things are called, so I hope I used the right words.

[Jester75]

2 pumps will most likely not work, youll never get them pumping exactly the same. About your best bet is going to be some kind of HOB overflow. There are a couple of different kinds ( weir type, U-tube). Here (http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/overflow.html) is a weir type and here (http://www.lifereef.com/siphon.html) is a u-tube design. Maybe some others will chime in with some other thoughts.

[electric130]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8519885#post8519885 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jeff000
I want to do a reef tank, and put a refugium under to hold the protien skimmer and some livesand and lr.

But my tank is made completely with tempered glass.

I dont want one of them hang on back things either.

Using two pumps.... well that would be a nightmare.



Anyone know how I can do this?

PS, I am new and dont know exactly what things are called, so I hope I used the right words.
not possible. you've either got to have a HOB overflow or drill the back panel of the tank. most tanks only have a tempered bottom. the sides are usually fine to drill. i've drilled the backs of tanks from 10 gallons up to 125 gallons without problems. don't drill it unless you know what you're doing though. it's easy to crack the tank if you drill incorrectly or don't use the proper equipment.

[Jeff000]

Hmm, what type of HOB would be the quietest then?
I hadnt seen a HOB like you linked befor, all the ones I saw were like a mini refugium on the back.


I saw a silencer some time ago for the internal overflow, but cant remember where I saw it now.

Is there a way to know for sure if its tempered or not?
I have tungston carbide and diamond bits and hole saws, but I wouldnt know where to drill either, I see some with the holes high and low and in the bottom.

[electric130]

wier type
http://www.championlighting.com/home.php?cat=404

u-tube
http://www.aquabuys.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=pca_pre-overflow

[electric130]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8520135#post8520135 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jeff000
Is there a way to know for sure if its tempered or not?
I have tungston carbide and diamond bits and hole saws, but I wouldnt know where to drill either, I see some with the holes high and low and in the bottom.
you need a diamond coated hole saw. if you don't have one, don't try to make something else work. it's not worth it. i would put the hole low on the back and then you can silicone in an acrylic overflow. that would be the ideal case. if not, you can just drill it low, put a bulkhead in with a 90deg fitting, and then go up with standpipe. you'll want some type of strainer though to prevent fish from getting sucked in which is why i suggested the acrylic overflow.

[electric130]

i found it. it's called the "Jet Stream" by Marineland. http://www.marineland.com/products/consumer/con_jssuper.asp i don't know if anywhere sells them seperate. you could contact marineland and ask them.

[DHyslop]

You can tell if a pane is tempered with two polarized filters--do a forum search for more details.

If it isn't tempered then definately drill, it isn't difficult and you can get the diamond hole saw for $10. I would drill high and put in a Calfo-style "coast-to-coast" overflow made from a couple pieces of glass.

Dan

[stugray]

Another option:

Put the Sump/fuge ABOVE the tank.

Pump UP to it & allow it to overflow back down to the tank.

Stu

[electric130]

disregard my post above about the overflow. it was meant for another thread.

[jeffgp]

your better off just getting an overflow it will the easest way to get water to the sump ..
they dont look that bad in the tasnk
just build up the rocks around it