cheap but "elegant" way to drill/plumb an overflow on rimmed tank?

[MoshJosh]

Trying to figure out how to do the overflow for my 20 gallon rimmed tank. I just can't seem to figure out a way that is both affordable and attractive. If the tank were rimless I would just drill a hole as high as possible and use a bulkhead strainer. . . would cost like 3 dollars, but doing this on a rimmed tank would cause the water level to drop below the rim of the tank, and I don't want to do that.

There are some premade overflow boxes on BRS, however, they are all like $100 plus. . .

I could drill just under the rim and add a 90 degree elbow angled up to set the water level, but not sure I like this idea. . . what are your thoughts?

Could buy a cheapo overflow from eBay, but not sure the quality?

AQUARIUM OVERFLOW BOX WITH LID - SURFACE SKIMMER FOR CORAL SALTWATER TANKS | eBay

Use the BRS overflow video for installation instructions. Easily attached to tank with silicone. Don't see your size?. Made in the U. 1800 GPH: 13.0 W x 1.75 D x 5.25 H.

www.ebay.com

 

[ZombieEngineer]

The benefit of a pre-made overflow setup is the ease of doing a more reliable overflow configuration like a herbie 2 pipe or bean animal 3 pipe design.

If the more reliable design is not of value for you and you don't mind the extra noise from a strainer type overflow, then I would just silicone in a cheap ebay one. Acrylic is acrylic, so if all you want is something to get the water level right, the ebay ones are good enough for that.

Personally, after seeing how sleek and effective my Modular Marine ghost overflow is on my newest build, I will never go back to the more inexpensive corner overflow or standard overflow box. Well worth the money IMO.

 

[Sean Clark]

How about something like this:

INOUT Overflow and Pulsing Return System

The INOUT from XAQUA is a super compact and easy to install overflow and a return system in one! Made out of thick molded plastic that is 100% reef safe, adding an overflow for a sump to your tank is now easier than ever! Max Flow up to 660 GPH Great for nano tanks Installs in minutes Molded...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[MoshJosh]

How about something like this:

INOUT Overflow and Pulsing Return System

The INOUT from XAQUA is a super compact and easy to install overflow and a return system in one! Made out of thick molded plastic that is 100% reef safe, adding an overflow for a sump to your tank is now easier than ever! Max Flow up to 660 GPH Great for nano tanks Installs in minutes Molded...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I do like that in out overflow, but think I would run into the same issue with the water level falling below the rim.

 

[MoshJosh]

How does this plumbing sound?

Drill 3 3/4” bulkheads, two on one side and one on the other. Then use a street elbow on the two overflows, one of which will be trimmed down to set the water level, other will be the emergency overflow. And the other bulkhead will be used as the return? Probably at a gate valve to the overflow.

 

[Sean Clark]

How does this plumbing sound?

Drill 3 3/4” bulkheads, two on one side and one on the other. Then use a street elbow on the two overflows, one of which will be trimmed down to set the water level, other will be the emergency overflow. And the other bulkhead will be used as the return? Probably at a gate valve to the overflow.

Sounds pretty clean as long as you can make the cut look good on the primary drain elbow.

 

[fishface NJ]

Look at Modular Marine. The outer box sits higher on the trim. The box is notched for the trimming

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

If you don't want to add a premade/purchased overflow box this is your best option, and probably only adds 60 cents to your original $3 estimation.

Imo it's "more elegant" Then just doing a strainer into the side because you have no control at that point. Over height and chances are if you put it up close enough to the top for it to be effective it would also be pulling air.

I could drill just under the rim and add a 90 degree elbow angled up to set the water level, but not sure I like this idea. . . what are your thoughts