DIY Overflow

[xtc]

Kinda directed to Stan- since he seems to have the good pics and knowledge- but all are welcome to participate.

Post up some pics and explain your overflow system. That's the next step for me and I want to make it correct the first time. I've read all sorts of junk about different variations and have parts and whatnot- but I want some input (pics) from an experienced standpoint.

Without hijacking the "custom 33g tank" anymore than it already has been jacked. :hehe:

[greeneyed]

I haven't built one, but this looks pretty simple
http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-overflow/70.asp

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/1350/overflowyo6.gif

[flamenco-t]

Chris,

First thing first...how much flow are you going to have going thru the sump ? If you are not familiar with this, find out how much your return pump can push at the height that you're pushing it up through.

Second,

Design your orverflow box. You can do from one end to one end, or you can do 36" box like mine...I chose a box because I may want to have some corals along the far side of the tank that goes all the way to the top of the tank.

Get your glass cut and silicone the bottom to the front sides and the side panels (if you're doing a box.). Hint: I left a lip about 1/2" between the bottom panel and the front to grow some zoanthoids to cover up the overflow...you can do similar with freshwater plants. I use 4" tall and 3" wide

Now it's time to decide where and how many holes you will need.

Hint: Use 1" bulkhead (this requires 1 3/4" hole diameter to insert the bulk head). It's best to get slip slip versus slip/threaded bulkhead. I'll show you why later one.

If I were to do mine all over again, I'd use 3 bulkheads versus 2. The more bulkheads equals water flowing pretty easily rather than requiring siphon to dump the water into the sump. You will be able to control how much flow going to each bulkhead later on.

Position the overflow box about 1/2" to 3/4" below your INTENDED WATER LEVEL IN THE DISPLAY TANK. I like mine to be 1/2" from the plastic rim, so my overflow box sits 1" below the plastic rim.

Get a 1" 90 degree street elbow PVC, Position that elbow pointing down and have the bottom lip of the elbow 3/4" from the bottom of the overflow box. You may have to trim the smaller part of the street elbow so that you can insert the elbow in and out of the bulkhead easily for maintenance and cleaning. This is where you can drilled the tank for the bulkehads..

Wanna come over and bring a notepad and I'll show you how it's done ? lol...

stan

[flamenco-t]

I'll take some pics tonight and get you all the detailed pics..

[biggin]

It's best to get slip slip versus slip/threaded bulkhead. I'll show you why later one.

This I want to see.

I am not saying your wrong or anything I just have not had a really good reason for it yet. I am sure there is people seem to have strong opinions on this subject.

[AndrewH]

Yeah, I figured the threaded would be better (for the simple fact that it's easier to change or take down).

[flamenco-t]

On the bulkhead, I used slip slip because..

The back of the tank, I am going to glue it once and be done with it.. I use a PVC union to remove the back PVC pipe. A lot of time with the tank being so close to the wall, having to screw fitting in and out is impossible to do as you;re limited on room.

The front of the tank, I did not use a glue, so I can slide the street elbow in and out when I need to clean, maintenance and etc..

Besides, with the right glue, I never have any problem with leaking. I did have few problems with overtightening :)

stan

[kewlkatdady]

so if you have the extra couple of inches behind the tank and you do not over tighten...
is there any other reason no to use the threaded version?

I personally feel more comfy with the threaded version if it was not glued.

[flamenco-t]

If I have the room, then yeah, I'd use threaded too with teflon tape.

It's all a matter of prefrence really...I like using PVC union to make things easier for a tear down for maintenance or to clean pipe.

As far as fitting, I like gluing it with slip/slip. CHeaper too :)