Looking for refugium overflow solution

[Fishy Jacket]

I am building out a new system with a stand alone refugium. My refugium is longer than wide and I was thinking of just cutting 1/8" slits in a 1" PVC pipe for my refugium overflow return to sump, but finding it hard to make it look even somewhat decent. I would not mind paying for a weir plate and attaching it to a drain pipe, but can't seem to find anything fairly long (6+") and thin (don't want to block light). Further, all the end of pipe darin attachments seem bulky and fairly short. Open to any ideas...build, buy, or some combination.

 

[KStatefan]

This is how my Lifereef is done>

 

[Fishy Jacket]

Thanks. Actually I had a Lifereef system way back when. Jeff builds really solid stuff. That pipe you show is one of the solutions I am looking at, but even with a hand router and appropriate router bit (with edge guide) my result looks like I drank a couple of six packs before starting. LOL

 

[KStatefan]

Thanks. Actually I had a Lifereef system way back when. Jeff builds really solid stuff. That pipe you show is one of the solutions I am looking at, but even with a hand router and appropriate router bit (with edge guide) my result looks like I drank a couple of six packs before starting. LOL

I think Jeff uses a radial arm saw to cut those.

 

[Fishy Jacket]

Yeah, that makes sense. Wish I had one of those. :)

 

[bblumberg]

Clamp the pipe in a cheap miter box and cut more but thinner slots with a hand saw?

 

[LightingBug]

I have been down the overflow rabbit hole recently for a similar reason to yours, refugium.
I have this one in my cart currently as it seems like a good solution and looks good:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/inout-overflow-and-pulsing-return-system-xaqua.html
Watch the video on that page as you can seperate the drain and the return if you want to.

 

[Fishy Jacket]

Turns out my neighbor has a miter saw and has some skill!

Found 1/8" cuts ~1/4" apart works well. Cuts very clean. Spacing a little varied (my marking, not his cutting). I am still thinking about replacing cut elbow on end with a 1"strainer. Also, my fug is not that wide and therfore will need to assess light loss from pipe in the way. May ultimately shorten pipe a bit to reduce impact.