DIY overflow box ?

[Yusuf]

Anyone have experience with diy overflow box ??

 

[Spendley]

Bump - and not to hijack but kinda hijack...

I am looking for an overflow box. I want to drill my tank. I am looking for one that will house two 1" bulkheads. Where might I find one of these boxes? Are they mostly DIY made from acrylic?

 

[Jlobes]

need more details. what type of system are you thinking about? what type of overflow system do you desire? Do you want to drill the bottom or out the side/back?

it is possible and feasible to build and install your own overflow, but you have many options, as far as placement, design, and so on. These option will affect the end result. What ya thinking>

 

[Spendley]

Herbie overflow, drilling the back as I believe the bottom is tempered.

 

[KorL]

Fairly simple diy project as long as you have a decent table saw and correct blade for clean cuts.

What are you looking at building? Depending on the size of the box that will determine the thickness of acrylic you use to prevent bowing. Or you can reinforce with glass. Honestly though if you have an acrylic shop nearby you. See if they can make you one. Most likely won't cost too much.

 

[Spendley]

I am looking into a overflow that will fit two 1" bulkheads for the back of a 40B; does anyone have any helpful links on a DIY acrylic box (most of these are acrylic right?) or know how big I should make it? I have heard 12" tall but that seems awkward in a 40B

 

[Spendley]

I'm also confused as to the design of the overflow; I have read a good amount up on it but can't really come to a conclusion as to what is a better design.

In the attached picture, the upper diagram (can something that poorly drawn be considering a diagram?) shows a box on the outside, with bulkheads allowing water to flow into it, and PVC going straight down.

The lower diagram has the PVC and box inside the tank, and is then transferred down to the sump after two 90 degree elbows.

Is one more popular than the other? Is one more effective? Are both real things or am I just really bad at processing this information visually?

Please share pictures of your overflow boxes, I am having a hard time figuring out what to do.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Personally I would much rather have the overflow box inside the tank. I trust a well made and properly installed bulkhead not to leak way more than an aftermarket or DIY outside overflow box attached to the tank by silicone.

 

[KorL]

I would go with "inside the tank" design as well.

If you did decide to go with the "outside the tank" overflow box. You would want to position the drain pipe lower than the bulkhead that's attached to the tank.

 

[Reefing Madness]

DIY Overflow Box
DIY Overflow Using Only PVC Pipe (DIY OVERFLOW PROJECTS)

 

[Spendley]

Thanks for the advice on going with an inside the tank box, makes a lot of sense.

And thanks madness for providing those links, however I think I am going to go the drilling route.

Sorry OP, hope you've learned as much as I have in this thread!

What kind of dimensions for the overflow box should I be looking for - again, for a 40B internal overflow box in which I aim to fit two 1" bulkheads

 

[Jlobes]

definitely go with the OB inside the tank. much safer and easier to accomplish. Additionally, if you went with an outside box, you would still "need" on inside for proper surface skimming. With the box inside the tank, you create a weir, as large as the length of the box, which will pull the water off the surface and into the overflow.

You should do a bit more digging around to find more ideas and concepts, to fill out your plan. Check out melevs, calfo overflow, C2C, etc. HtH

 

[shovelrider]

Sorry this is kinda late...

Boom!

Easy peasy.

 

[snuffles]

I made my own ghost overflow box recently.

http://imgur.com/xa5aVgz.jpg
http://imgur.com/hJrsVC0.jpg

Basically the width of the inside is 1" height 4" back is 4" wide and 4" tall and 12" long with 3/4th holes cut on glass and the overflows, and then 1/2" drains.