Acrylic overflow question

M_norrick · Nov 8, 2015

I am building an acrylic frag tank and am now ready to build the overflow box. I am having trouble trying to source black acrylic with machined slots for the water to flow. I know I could just cut some slots myself with saw but I want it to look good. Does anyone know where I can get some black acrylic that is machined with the slots already? Then all I have to do is cut to size and weld it all on. Any info is greatly appreciated.

AllSignsPointToFish · Nov 8, 2015

Maybe you could just buy an overflow box in black? They don't seem to be too expensive. They have them on Amazon.

M_norrick · Nov 8, 2015

I did think of that but didn't see the size that I need unfortunately. If I were to fo with the bigger size that I seen offered, it was way more expensive and I would have had to also cut a majority off of it. I will do that if needed but am hoping to find a more economical method.

TaylorPilot · Nov 8, 2015

What size do you want? I could run it through the laser cutter pretty reasonably if you have a cad file, or atleast some sketches for me.

klesel · Nov 8, 2015

You can get black acrylic at local plastic shop and u can cut slots in it with a router I did a few in the past easy just keep a eye make sure bit doesn't get hot or it will gum up or melt the acrylic . Sometimes they have scrap acrylic area ask it can save u $$

M_norrick · Nov 8, 2015

12" x 12" x 2" are the final demensions. I don't have a cad file unfortunately. Not sure on the slot sizes either as of now. I do know I want the slots to be the same that is offered on other pre fabricated boxes though.

TaylorPilot · Nov 8, 2015

So you want it to go from the top all the way to the bottom? So you just need the front and sides?

M_norrick · Nov 8, 2015

TaylorPilot said:
So you want it to go from the top all the way to the bottom? So you just need the front and sides?

Yes that is correct. If I can just get the slots machined in one piece big enough to do this, I can cut the sides out of it and weld

TaylorPilot · Nov 8, 2015

I just drew this out really quick. They are 3/8" wide and an inch tall, before I added the rounded ends. So really they are 1 3/8" tall. The overall width is around 12 1/3" by 12 1/3" to leave space to machine the edges.

M_norrick · Nov 9, 2015

That looks great! How much for that cut out of 1/4" black shipped to 47620?

ReeferBob · Nov 9, 2015

There is no technical reason for the slots and they actually make the surface skimmer portion not work as well. Try a slotless overflow.

TaylorPilot · Nov 9, 2015

Yea, then all you need is to cut out 3 sheets if you do it with a smooth weir. If you want me to cut you out this one, just give me an address and I'll ship it to you at no cost. It's nice to help out a fellow DIYer every once in awhile. I can cut it out in the next day or two when I have the machine fired up again.

M_norrick · Nov 9, 2015

That would be fantastic man! Thank you very much! I'll PM you my address.

TaylorPilot · Nov 9, 2015

No problem.

dbl · Nov 9, 2015

TaylorPilot said:
Yea, then all you need is to cut out 3 sheets if you do it with a smooth weir. If you want me to cut you out this one, just give me an address and I'll ship it to you at no cost. It's nice to help out a fellow DIYer every once in awhile. I can cut it out in the next day or two when I have the machine fired up again.

I have no dog in this hunt, but this is an incredibly generous thing to do. Props to you sir!

ReeferBob · Nov 10, 2015

dbl said:
I have no dog in this hunt, but this is an incredibly generous thing to do. Props to you sir!

Hmm.... he is a board sponsor. I got the idea that he was offering to SHIP for free but would be charging for the overflow. If he is going to make and ship him an overflow for free, that is truly awesome!

M_norrick · Nov 10, 2015

Definitely awesome for sure! Once I get up and running, I got some frags with his name on it for sure! @TaylorPilot

TaylorPilot · Nov 10, 2015

LOL, It's not a big deal guys. It doesn't really cost me much. But if I was to bill it out right including my time drawing the file and everything, it would be prohibitive. Besides people have always helped me out in the past in this hobby. So I see no reason why I can't help out someone every once in awhile when I have the time and resources. Besides, now I have the CAD file that I can tweak in the future for other projects if need be. I've always liked to DIY my own stuff, and with traditional hand and power tools, something it can be difficult. A CNC really makes it easier!

Dr. Phil · Nov 10, 2015

TaylorPilot said:
LOL, It's not a big deal guys. It doesn't really cost me much. But if I was to bill it out right including my time drawing the file and everything, it would be prohibitive. Besides people have always helped me out in the past in this hobby. So I see no reason why I can't help out someone every once in awhile when I have the time and resources. Besides, now I have the CAD file that I can tweak in the future for other projects if need be. I've always liked to DIY my own stuff, and with traditional hand and power tools, something it can be difficult. A CNC really makes it easier!

Even though it is not a large expense it is very generous of you.

TaylorPilot · Nov 10, 2015

I cut it out using the 3/8" slots like we had discussed. They are a little larger than the 1/4" slots that you see allot of, but I think these are easier to clean, and to me are a little quieter. I've never had a fish go down one before, because they are still pretty thin. I used my finger as a scale. Is that good, I can make them narrower if you want. How much water are you planning on flowing?