How to prevent buildup in overflow boxes!?

[threebuoys]

I fear in a power failure you would drain the overflow at best and the entire aquarium at worse. My overflows have maybe 5 slots about 3/4 of the way down that would continue to fill the overflow compartment. Not sure how this would prolong the siphon, but I would not try it in my tank.

 

[zheka757]

Holy bejeeebus

Why is there cheato in there

This is my overflow box. I use a lid. It has never been cleaned in 10 years

The lid keeps almost all light out so you don’t get algae and stuff growing inside.

I have lids to, but for some reason they were clear. During this maintenance, I did paint them so light doesn't go through, I'll see how that will go. As far as cheato, I don't how it end up in there, but I thought it was cool thing to have at one point, and I just left it grow in there

 

[Dburr1014]

I fear in a power failure you would drain the overflow at best and the entire aquarium at worse. My overflows have maybe 5 slots about 3/4 of the way down that would continue to fill the overflow compartment. Not sure how this would prolong the siphon, but I would not try it in my tank.

The slots are all the way thru the overflow?
Are they custom made? Generally, there's a cover and the slots are in the cover but then the water has to travel up and over the back side of the weir.

 

[threebuoys]

The slots are all the way thru the overflow?
Are they custom made? Generally, there's a cover and the slots are in the cover but then the water has to travel up and over the back side of the weir.

Could be, I'll need to look more closely. You are probably correct.

 

[dadnjesse]

I used to get algae growth in mine until I put a black acrylic cover on it. I also will shop vac it every once in a while.