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:

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

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.