Should I go with a "reef ready" tank, drill a tank myself or just use a HoB overflow? For drilling and installing my own overflow, what are some good brands to use?
Help Picking an Overflow
- Thread starter Shep
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Reef_Tank_Fan_SC
Well-Known Member
I drilled my own tank. Went with the Eshopps eclipse L overflow. Went with the bigger one so I could use the bean animal style plumbing. Drill bit comes with the overflow as well as a template to go by. Nothing to it at all
This was the first tank i ever had with a sump underneath it so I was a bit nervous at first. Watched a few how to videos on YouTube and just went for. If really is a simple process... Just let the drill do the work, no pressure on it
This was the first tank i ever had with a sump underneath it so I was a bit nervous at first. Watched a few how to videos on YouTube and just went for. If really is a simple process... Just let the drill do the work, no pressure on it
I think "reef ready" is becoming less and less popular. Depending on the brand of tank, the standard reef ready overflows take up a ridiculous amount of real estate in an aquarium. With half a dozen companies producing "silent" overflows I wonder how long this will be the standard. Drilling aside, I assume most people continue to use reef ready because the aquariums aren't typically hard plumbed, which for whatever reason is more of an advanced hobbyist route.
I would definitely recommend drilling a tank yourself with any of the more appealing overflows personally. If you're patient and have the right materials its very easy. If you're really hesitant to do it I recommend talking to your LFS and see if they would be willing to drill it. Most have a lot of experience drilling glass. They will most likely not offer any guarantee in terms of not cracking it.
I would definitely recommend drilling a tank yourself with any of the more appealing overflows personally. If you're patient and have the right materials its very easy. If you're really hesitant to do it I recommend talking to your LFS and see if they would be willing to drill it. Most have a lot of experience drilling glass. They will most likely not offer any guarantee in terms of not cracking it.
I've used the old synergy overflow, no complaints there. I've seen/installed multiple of the Eshopps overflows and never had a problem with them. Elite Aquatic's also looks like they have a nice overflow on their website.
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I like my 1500 Glass-Holes overflow....relatively small and quiet. Unfortunately I can't compare to others because that's the only overflow I've had (other than the HOB I had when I first started).
I would never, ever buy a "reef ready" tank....those overflows are so large and obtrusive, they end up being the "center piece" of your tank, and that's what you see.
I would never, ever buy a "reef ready" tank....those overflows are so large and obtrusive, they end up being the "center piece" of your tank, and that's what you see.
OP
OP
I have looked at the Synergy ones and I love the look of them but they are like $250 for just the overflow, which is a bit much
That is a good point! I think I will drill a tank (which will be terrifying!)
Eshopps large is the cheapest at around 120$ (But it includes the diamond bit). Synergy' s overflow is on sale for 160 on their website and BRS as far as I know. Elite aquatics is about the same price but I think they are made to order.
cracker
5000 Club Member
I love my synergy overflows. But they are pricey for sure. The glass hole& eshopps are less I'm pretty sure. Drilling a tank is not difficult. It is a little intimidating 1st time.
I may have missed it. How big is the tank we are talking about?
I may have missed it. How big is the tank we are talking about?
OP
OP
Not sure on the size, I am currently shopping around for tanks to see what options I have. It will probably be at largest a 50g
jd371
Valuable Member
HOB overflow now for 2 years without any issues. I did make a Stockman Standpipe to cut the gurgling noise and it's very quite. I've heard stories of the siphon breaking and causing a flood, but in my set up the return section would run dry before that happens ( I tested it), in the 2 years it's been running I have never lost a siphon. If I had to do it over again I would definitely drill for aesthetic reasons.
A4goulet
Active Member
I have one of modular marine's older model overflows and I have been happy with it. If i had a new build i would deffintly go with modular marine's new version over any other options. Its low profile, comes with bit AND template, Removal wier, very good quality with a good price. Found them on ebay.
Big G
captain dunsel
I have the Eclipse L overflow. I like it. It works well and has plenty of room to work and clean it. But the back close to the house wall is warping outward a bit right in the middle by about 1/8th inch. Too thin of plastic?
Devaji
5000 Club Member
what really?
dang I was just about to order one..
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