What is the best overflow type?

[tzabor10]

Considering a new FOWLR. BIGish build. What is the best overflow for waste export?
I will have a large sump
Money is not a big issue

Currently have an overflow box on a 75
It’s loud, leaks often, and sticks out

Also have an internal overflow black plastic portion of my 120
It can’t be cleaned easily, takes up room in the tank,
Any thoughts or related articles would be appreciated

 

[bluemon]

I mean your options are internal and external, and both do the same job in terms of waste export.

The overflow itself doesn’t do anything special in terms of waste export; it’s just a place for water to drain out. As long as you have the proper size one, it shouldn’t matter.

But do avoid Hang on Overflows

 

[tzabor10]

Big enough for this guy

 

[vabben]

I prefer external overflows, clean looking and don't take up space inside the tank. I really like my Modular Marine external overflow.

 

[ColoradoReeferman]

+1 for internal overflow.

 

[tzabor10]

+1 for internal overflow.

Can we see yours?

 

[CBonito]

I prefer external overflows, clean looking and don't take up space inside the tank. I really like my Modular Marine external overflow.

Same here. all I have in the back of my tank are water slots. It's clean and no BS.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

external all the way. Cleaner looking and space saving.

 

[56longroof]

Bean Animal overflow is pretty dang good.

 

[Troylee]

Coast to coast is the best! It’s not an option thou unless you have a custom builder.

 

[tzabor10]

Coast to coast is the best! It’s not an option thou unless you have a custom builder.

Who would you recommend?

 

[areefer01]

Coast to coast is the best! It’s not an option thou unless you have a custom builder.

I was just going to say this. Coast to coast with a smooth weir is probably one of the cleaner looking installations not to mention functioning.

Overflows with teeth can, and usually will in time, slow down the return rate(s) as they clog. Algae, snails, coral (montipora comes to mind), and similar stuff can block. Blocking one gap may not matter. Two may not matter. In time as more area is blocked less water is passing through. Smooth weir that doesn't happen.

Internal vs external is a design issue. You can have the internal overflow installed at a 45 degree which will save space. Only need to factor in plumbing and bulkhead size. Internal allows the display to be closer to the wall. External may, or may not. A lot depends.

As far as what type of overfllow. Bean Animal.

As far as best, there is no best. That is saved for statistical sports crap. Overflow, maybe there is a best but it is more about design and safety. That is Bean. Plus he loves bacon and has a heck of a thread on RC. One still reference by many due to the technical help by many a user years past.

 

[Red_Beard]

Agree with Troylee and areefer01! External, coast to coast style with beanAnimal plumbing is top notch. Whichever route you go though, just keep in mind the basics.
* how is placement going to impact flow?
* how well will it be able to skim the surface of the tank?
* how well will it be able to pull floating detritus from the water column?
* can it comfortably handle the volume of water throughput you need it to?
* how well can it handle the unexpected? power outages, clogged weir, plugged pipe etc.

 

[HELLCO]

Coast to Coast is the way to go. If it's a custom build, I would go internal C to C since you only give up a couple of inches at the back wall.

 

[foamboy]

I’ve got a Prodigy Low Profile Overflow Box large external. I would not recommend it. The weir box is so thin it creates its own restriction through the bulkheads. Occasionally something that can pass through the weir gets caught in the internal box blocking the flow through the bulkheads and causes the display to fill to the brim. It has 3 total 1inch drains with one being 1 the safety overflow. It maxes out for me around 1000 gpm if I’m pushing the limit and you can only use one of the drains in full siphon. My display will overflow before I can even max out one 1 inch drain because of the restriction in the internal weir box. Even if I over flow my tank the safety over flow won’t spill over because of the restriction in the weir itself won’t allow the excess to pass through. Kind of wishing I would have went with the Fiji overflow instead. I’m running a 180g with a 75g sump.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

I’ve got a Prodigy Low Profile Overflow Box large external. I would not recommend it. The weir box is so thin it creates its own restriction through the bulkheads. Occasionally something that can pass through the weir gets caught in the internal box blocking the flow through the bulkheads and causes the display to fill to the brim. It has 3 total 1inch drains with one being 1 the safety overflow. It maxes out for me around 1000 gpm if I’m pushing the limit and you can only use one of the drains in full siphon. My display will overflow before I can even max out one 1 inch drain because of the restriction in the internal weir box. Even if I over flow my tank the safety over flow won’t spill over because of the restriction in the weir itself won’t allow the excess to pass through. Kind of wishing I would have went with the Fiji overflow instead. I’m running a 180g with a 75g sump.

I recently bought a 75 gallon tank off of FB marketplace with an eshopps prodigy L overflow. After examining the overflow for a bit I just didn't like what I seen. Your actual observations just validated my concerns. Thank you!

I contacted Modular Marine about replacing the overflow. They were quick to answer yes and ask for measurements. I am sending them measurements and pictures of the bulkhead holes. I used a caliper to measure. The holes are 60mm with a 52mm space between them. The bottom of the holes to the bottom of the tank frame is 101mm.

You may want to replace yours too!

I also contacted Exotic Marine Systems but they never responded. I'm not sure they are actually still in business but their website is up.

 

[foamboy]

I recently bought a 75 gallon tank off of FB marketplace with an eshopps prodigy L overflow. After examining the overflow for a bit I just didn't like what I seen. Your actual observations just validated my concerns. Thank you!

I contacted Modular Marine about replacing the overflow. They were quick to answer yes and ask for measurements. I am sending them measurements and pictures of the bulkhead holes. I used a caliper to measure. The holes are 60mm with a 52mm space between them. The bottom of the holes to the bottom of the tank frame is 101mm.

You may want to replace yours too!

I also contacted Exotic Marine Systems but they never responded. I'm not sure they are actually still in business but their website is up.

I wish I would have heard Modular Marien before I went with the Prodigy. Looking at their website the holes on their boxes isn’t going to match up with the holes I have in my glass I don’t think. They look far too wide. I sent Fijicube an email this morning asking for dimensions. Hopefully they get back to me. They have in the past with questions.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

I wish I would have heard Modular Marien before I went with the Prodigy. Looking at their website the holes on their boxes isn’t going to match up with the holes I have in my glass I don’t think. They look far too wide. I sent Fijicube an email this morning asking for dimensions. Hopefully they get back to me. They have in the past with questions.

Modular Marine will be customizing their overflow to match the prodigy L's holes. Nos that's customer service at it's best. :)

 

[UncommonSense]

I’ve got one to avoid: synergy reef shadow overflow.

The darn things are made of thin injection molded plastic, then they expect you to plumb three 1.5” drains off it without cracking the external box…

 

[foamboy]

Modular Marine will be customizing their overflow to match the prodigy L's holes. Nos that's customer service at it's best. :)

I’ll definitely check with them then.