Small Overflow Options for a Nano

[Biglurr54]

I am building a small nano at my work from home desk. I had a 7gallon minibow at my last job and that was one of my favorite tanks. I spent so much time with that tank. Now, Since i have been sent home for work as the new normal, i can build a nice desk tank. I am between a Mr. Aqua 12g or a UNS 60l (6 gallon). I need to do an overflow with a small sump.

What are some options for tiny, low profile overflows? If I cant find one, I can make something out of acrylic but I would rather buy one.

 

[New&no clue]

What about buying an AIO tank?

 

[Biglurr54]

I like the long dimension and Im not a huge fan of all in ones. I want to keep the tank clean of all equipment and have everything hidden in the sump under the tank.

 

[New&no clue]

Do you plan to drill it?

 

[Biglurr54]

Yes. Drilling is not a problem. I plan on drilling for the overflows anyways. (2x 1/2 VGA random flow accelerators.

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

Yes. Drilling is not a problem. I plan on drilling for the overflows anyways. (2x 1/2 VGA random flow accelerators.

I drilled 3 holes in my mini bow, and then threaded strainers into 2 of them and an output flare for a return. When I get home today, I’ll take a picture and show you.

basically, I didn’t do an overflow so much as direct drains from it.

 

[Biglurr54]

I drilled 3 holes in my mini bow, and then threaded strainers into 2 of them and an output flare for a return. When I get home today, I’ll take a picture and show you.

basically, I didn’t do an overflow so much as direct drains from it.

I considered that idea. Do you get much surface skimming? I like that method because I can tune the overflow with a durso vs a Herbie overflow for noise purposes.

Also do you have a large amount of water drain into the sump when there is a power outage?

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

I considered that idea. Do you get much surface skimming? I like that method because I can tune the overflow with a durso vs a Herbie overflow for noise purposes.

Also do you have a large amount of water drain into the sump when there is a power outage?

I only ran that tank for a few months, I got only surface skimming, I did ball valves and both the drains and the return, and I ran a 10g sump so it had a ton of overhead for the draining water, that being said check valves are very easy to put in, and I would recommend that you do one if you’re nervous about overflow water.
I also recommend painting the back of the tank to hide the plumbing.

 

[JoshH]

You could go with a Fiji Cube overflow or an Eshopps Eclipse S, both are herbie setups designed for a max of 4-600GPH...

Do not rely upon a check valve to keep your sump from overflowing. Design your system so your sump can handle the overflow if a power outage occurs and you'll never have to worry about it again. On a small tank like that a slightly larger sump shouldn't be an issue and will easily handle the excess water.

 

[Biglurr54]

Nope, I wont rely on check valves.

Im wondering if I did a closed loop for circulation, put an inline heater in place, and then did a 2 gallon a day water change from my main tank everynight with a DOS. My tank already does a 2.5g water change every night. Instead of dumping the water, I could use the does to pull the water from the main tank and put it in the nano and at the same time, pump out of the nano, and down the drain.....

That would not work with the ATO though.

I was thinking of doing the 800gph Fiji overflow and instead of the external box, just use a durso. Then I have a shallower clearance to the wall.

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

Pictures as promised, however the tank doesn’t have the thread in guards for the drains, or the return bulkhead in right now.
“some imagination required” :)
Also, I would again recommend painting the back. I really disliked seeing my plumbing on this one, and regret not having painted it the first time around.

I hope all goes well for you!

 

[laverda]

Yes. Drilling is not a problem. I plan on drilling for the overflows anyways. (2x 1/2 VGA random flow accelerators.

You will need a big drain to handle enough flow to make two 1/2” returns with VGAs work properly. I think one would be plenty for that size tank, unless you plan on alternating between them.

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

Agreed, I did 2) 3/4” drains for 1) 1/2” return.

 

[laverda]

I put a 1” drain in for my 1/2” return. It is just a modified street elbow with a screen over it. It is silent.

These are my second and third drains as the first Two were too high. The holes are so it will drain low enough I can detach my drain line and move the tank. The screen is temporary until I come up with a better one. The street elbows can be angled to Lower the water level if desired.

This it the drain installed and running.