Overflow VS. Drilling

bch044 · #1 03/12/2007, 06:35 PM

I have a 6' 125 gallon very thick glass that is not drilled and am wondering what are some of the advantages, disadvantages, pros, cons and opinions of a overflow box versus drilling and also the difference in price between the 2?

Thanks
Steve

gkelly · #2 03/12/2007, 06:43 PM

Basically I think it's just that after a power outage the overflow box may lose siphon. When the pump starts and the tank doesn't drain due to lost siphon you get wet floors.

Drilling is gravity fed, so you don't have to worry about it restarting.

May be other pros\cons as well.

bch044 · #3 03/12/2007, 06:46 PM

Thanks but with the drilled and gravity flow wont it overflow my refugium?

Blackacid · #4 03/12/2007, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bch044
Thanks but with the drilled and gravity flow wont it overflow my refugium?

You set your sump up so that it can handle the the drain. When at capacity my 20g sump can handle the overflow drain from my tank with a about an inch to spare.

Deep6 · #5 03/12/2007, 07:16 PM

I have a siphon overflow on my tank and it doesn't flood when the power is down. I kill the power to all the pumps everyday when I feed the fish to keep it from sucking all the food out of the tank before they have a chance to eat. then I hit the switch and turn it all back on, and never a problem. the siphon is keept from breaking by a small devider in the unit that keeps the water level from dropping where the "U" tube is, and thus, no break in the siphon. The return line from the sump has a check valve that closes and keeps water from backing up from the other end as well. The thing works like a charm. I got the thing off of ebay and it was a lot cheeper then the name brands in the fish stores and was the exact same design. The check valve I think I got from Marine depot. The rest is just done with PVC from Home Depot.

JMC1 · #6 03/12/2007, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Deep6
I got the thing off of ebay and it was a lot cheeper then the name brands in the fish stores and was the exact same design.

Do you remember who you bought it from? I am interested in getting an overflow, but would rather not spend what CPR and others want for one. Thanks.

Dogfaced Puffer · #7 03/12/2007, 07:38 PM

bch044,
It sounds like you are using your sump as a fuge as well. If you still planning your set up, and you have room, consider a fuge AND a sump. This way you can adjust your flow to each, have more room for your skimmer, concentrate your light to the fuge, get water filtering sponges growing in your dark places, many advantages down the road.

Deep6 · #8 03/12/2007, 07:41 PM

I don't remember who I got it from but, go to ebay and type in "OVERFLOW BOX " and there is a gang of them. Look for one that has that devider in it. You can get one for about $50 or $60 bucks shipped.

bch044 · #9 03/12/2007, 07:45 PM

Dogface,

So what you are saying is setting up a sump with my protein skimmer in it and that then pumped across to my fuge then pumped back to my tank.

wingmans10 · #10 03/12/2007, 08:14 PM

http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

Dogfaced Puffer · #11 03/12/2007, 08:15 PM

Fuge first then sump. There are many opinions on which schematic is best. I like the idea of using a two way valve to send most of the water to your sump close to the skimmer and then the remainer to your fuge. The water from your fuge than flows to your sump near the return pump and back to your tank along with all the other water. This way your fuge gets unskimed nutrient rich slow flow for things to grow in and your pods will then not get skimmed and be sent to your tank for more growing and eating for your fish. Fish think they are yummy!

If this is to tough to set up - don't worry, any set up is good, even all if the water goes to the fuge and then to the sump.

AZDesertRat · #12 03/12/2007, 08:31 PM

All of the Pros go to the drilled tank with an internal overflow I can't think of a single Con when compared to a hang on box. Whatever you do don't put check valves in it or drilled siphon break holes. Both are prone to failure and require maintenance. A good internal overflow and properly designed returns do not require either one and are about as maintenance free as you can get.

bch044 · #13 03/12/2007, 09:08 PM

Internal overflow?

I can't just have it drilled and us a spa cover over it like I am planning for my closed loop?

AZDesertRat · #14 03/12/2007, 09:12 PM

No, if power goes out it will drain down to that point and overflow the sump. You need the overflow wier or fingers close to the surface for both surface skimming and to stop the back flow when it reaches that point when power goes out. Usually that less than 1".

bch044 · #15 03/13/2007, 07:40 AM

anyone else

jayreef1213 · #16 03/13/2007, 08:24 AM

I would perfer the drilled tank less things to worry about. I have a 125 w-external overflow and I am soon planning on the upgrade to a Reef Ready tank. Noise, Tank Clearance in the back, Cleaning of overflow boxes just to name a few. If you haven't bought a tank yet get a RR tank.