Ways to mount powerhead on back wall when there's a coast to coast internal overflow

[hllb]

I'm still trying to decide between an IM EXT and IM INT for my new tank.

On the INT, the overflow is the entire back of the tank, which means placing a powerhead on that wall would be difficult since the external magnet would be submerged. Has anyone done something like vacuum sealing the external magnet and putting it in the overflow that way?

 

[SnowyFox]

Some external magnets are already capable of being submerged. The ones from Red Sea should be safe to submerge. Not sure about other brands, but I imagine there are others out there

 

[hllb]

Some external magnets are already capable of being submerged. The ones from Red Sea should be safe to submerge. Not sure about other brands, but I imagine there are others out there

I'm using AI Neros. I suppose not opposed to using a different brand.

 

[exnisstech]

I've sealed magnets using a food vacuum sealer and placed them in the overflow. I like to attach a piece of fishing string or similar to be able to retrieve it if it gets dropped inside.

 

[bobnicaragua]

I wouldn’t use a sealed magnet in the overflow unless you have a way to get to it if it falls.

 

[exnisstech]

I wouldn’t use a sealed magnet in the overflow unless you have a way to get to it if it falls.

I like to attach a piece of fishing string or similar to be able to retrieve it if it gets dropped inside.

 

[X-37B]

I'm still trying to decide between an IM EXT and IM INT for my new tank.

On the INT, the overflow is the entire back of the tank, which means placing a powerhead on that wall would be difficult since the external magnet would be submerged. Has anyone done something like vacuum sealing the external magnet and putting it in the overflow that way?

Tunze sells water proof magnets.
A Sea sweep would work well on either.

 

[hllb]

This is helpful guys, thanks!

 

[buruskeee]

Just pick the EXT and be done with it. There’s no point in the INT at all. You’re going to need to keep the tank a certain distance from the wall regardless.

 

[hllb]

Just pick the EXT and be done with it. There’s no point in the INT at all. You’re going to need to keep the tank a certain distance from the wall regardless.

I am so torn on it. I'd prefer the EXT, probably, but that will require me to get a custom lid made to account for light mounts (I'd prefer to have a lid to keep fish in and cats out), and means an extra 6" from the wall. That may require me to put it in a different location in the room (which I'm not sure is possible as I don't know the location of the floor vents and can't see them in pictures), or get different furniture than I'm planning on getting, but it is possible. I have a slightly irrational fear the external overflow could break as well, though I recognize that's irrational LOL.

 

[exnisstech]

Set a couple of mousetraps on top, that will deter the cat from climbing up. Just set the trap and toss it on the floor near the cat a couple of times and you won't even need to set the trap. They'll run when they see it. Also works well for dogs and children as well as some adults

 

[buruskeee]

I am so torn on it. I'd prefer the EXT, probably, but that will require me to get a custom lid made to account for light mounts (I'd prefer to have a lid to keep fish in and cats out), and means an extra 6" from the wall. That may require me to put it in a different location in the room (which I'm not sure is possible as I don't know the location of the floor vents and can't see them in pictures), or get different furniture than I'm planning on getting, but it is possible. I have a slightly irrational fear the external overflow could break as well, though I recognize that's irrational LOL.

It wouldn’t be an extra 6”. It would just be the same distance you were planning on (I’m guessing 6”? Because any less is just asking to kick yourself later).

I don’t follow the lid thing or mounting lights. It wouldn’t make a difference. The lid would actually be easier to make for the EXT. you don’t need to have the lid extend to the overflow, but on internal overflow, you’d have to have a cutout if you want to done right. Not to mention the eurobrace is a full span on the EXT and cut short on the INT (making the build structure more rigid on the EXT).

Also the overflow would be the last thing to bust in terms of water pressure - it holds very little water.

What model tank are we talking here?

 

[hllb]

It wouldn’t be an extra 6”. It would just be the same distance you were planning on (I’m guessing 6”? Because any less is just asking to kick yourself later).

I don’t follow the lid thing or mounting lights. It wouldn’t make a difference. The lid would actually be easier to make for the EXT. you don’t need to have the lid extend to the overflow, but on internal overflow, you’d have to have a cutout if you want to done right. Not to mention the eurobrace is a full span on the EXT and cut short on the INT (making the build structure more rigid on the EXT).

Also the overflow would be the last thing to bust in terms of water pressure - it holds very little water.

What model tank are we talking here?

Looking at the Innovative Marine EXT 75 and INT 75. They both come with lids already. On the INT, it does not cover the overflow, so lights can be mounted to the back of the tank. On the EXT, I'd opt to use the RMS multi light slide mount, which would mount to the sides of the tank, and I'd have to get a different and custom lid for that.

 

[buruskeee]

Looking at the Innovative Marine EXT 75 and INT 75. They both come with lids already. On the INT, it does not cover the overflow, so lights can be mounted to the back of the tank. On the EXT, I'd opt to use the RMS multi light slide mount, which would mount to the sides of the tank, and I'd have to get a different and custom lid for that.

Spend money on a 80/20 kit to attach to the back of the tank stand instead. It’s similar cost to arm mounts light manufacturers sell you but way more convenient and universal. Looks way better.

 

[hllb]

Spend money on a 80/20 kit to attach to the back of the tank stand instead. It’s similar cost to arm mounts light manufacturers sell you but way more convenient and universal. Looks way better.

More info please! Those stands are aluminum with panels, so not sure anything can be attached to them though.

 

[RedReefer]

I've sealed magnets using a food vacuum sealer and placed them in the overflow. I like to attach a piece of fishing string or similar to be able to retrieve it if it gets dropped inside.

Love this idea!

 

[SnowyFox]

More info please! Those stands are aluminum with panels, so not sure anything can be attached to them though.

You could also attach the aluminum extrusion to the wall instead of the stand.

On my tank, the extrusion isn’t actually attached to anything yet. It’s just cantilevered between the back of the tank stand and the wall using a spacer that keeps the base of the extrusion pressed against the back of the stand. I’m likely going to permanently attach it later once I get everything finalized. Still working on getting everything setup how I like it first.

I’m using black 3030 extrusion I got from Amazon. It’s a lot stronger than I expected, and it holds my lights up unsupported on the far end of my peninsula (the span is roughly 30” long)

 

[PharmrJohn]

It wouldn’t be an extra 6”. It would just be the same distance you were planning on (I’m guessing 6”? Because any less is just asking to kick yourself later).

I don’t follow the lid thing or mounting lights. It wouldn’t make a difference. The lid would actually be easier to make for the EXT. you don’t need to have the lid extend to the overflow, but on internal overflow, you’d have to have a cutout if you want to done right. Not to mention the eurobrace is a full span on the EXT and cut short on the INT (making the build structure more rigid on the EXT).

Also the overflow would be the last thing to bust in terms of water pressure - it holds very little water.

What model tank are we talking here?

That's really good Info. I was going back and forth between those two options myself. Thanks!

 

[exnisstech]

More info please! Those stands are aluminum with panels, so not sure anything can be attached to them though.

This is mine on a WB 330.7 a fellow member designed it for me but unfortunately he doesn't hang out here any longer. @Reefer Reboot was so generous designing light mounts for fellow members.

EDIT : something like this could attach to the wall also. Mine attach to the 80/20 of the stand. My stand has no panels on the back so the slots in the t slot are accessible.

 

[hllb]

This is mine on a WB 330.7 a fellow member designed it for me but unfortunately he doesn't hang out here any longer. @Reefer Reboot was so generous designing light mounts for fellow members.

EDIT : something like this could attach to the wall also. Mine attach to the 80/20 of the stand. My stand has no panels on the back so the slots in the t slot are accessible.

Oh, love that they flip up!