Completly hidden Overflow

[Lazys Coral House]

I would like to create a overflow that is completely hidden and have this idea. Any reason it would not work or be problematic? Or if some has seen glass tanks with hidden overflow please post link up. It is going to be a 125 standard tank so don't think I can cut glass to put in external overflow.

 

[ca2or]

I think the depth of the intake and the height of the pipe might be an issue.

 

[BayCorals]

Love the idea! I'm no expert but it seems like you might run into a few issues. The water pressure of the 125 will force the water down to the sump, but what if you have a power outage. Even if the water has to start upstream first with the air intake to allow even flow, the water weight alone will be enough to push the water down to the sump if a power outage occur. Because the return is on the base of the take, you might loose half of the tank water before it stops. If it was on your inlet, you can use a one way valve to prevent the water from dumping into the sump, but not on a return.

I thought about a hidden overflow before too. I was going to create a volcano return. Glueing rockwork onto a pvc so the water wouldnt seep through the pores on the rock. That way it could look natural and function as a return. What you think? Will that work for your situation?

 

[ahvrivera]

I have tried this before and had success with it. I used to breed freshwater angelfish and had a drip system to 123 tanks for automatic water changes. The key is to adjust the first bend to the water level you would like on your DT. In the event of a power outage, once the water level goes below the bend it will stop.. Providing you have the adecuate air being sucked in. You should put a T on the top of the bend and cap it. Leave the cap loose no gleued. Then drill a hole on the side thru the cap and the pipe its on and it will give you means to be able to adjust the air flow going in. Once the power comes back, once the water level hits the level chosen it will automatically start to overflow. Drill bit i used was a 3/8". Then i just turned the cap to make hole smaller if needed. This is for overflow to your sump only. I havent tried a return due to having a drip system. Size of the overflow pipe being used will take a big part if this will work or not. I used 1 1/2" pvc for mine.

Good luck and hope this helps.


Are you drilling the tank or is this pipe going in the tank? because there is another method if the pipe is going in the tank. you just have to create an extra loop for water level.

 

[Lazys Coral House]

ahvrivera I was going to drill the tank. I am with you and think it would work fine and be fairly quiet if I cap it like you were saying and drill a 3/8" whole through the cap. I posted this in another forum and one person brought up the point of surface skimming. I think that is my show stopper. The dust will collect on the surface and effect light penetration and look unsightly.

Baycorals I like your idea of the rock around the pipe and then just bring the pipe up to the surface. Was just hoping I would not have to that but it will likely work out that way.

Are those folks that have glass tanks and external overflows with the teeth having the tank custom made? Or is there a way to cut the glass to make the teeth.

 

[ahvrivera]

ahvrivera I was going to drill the tank. I am with you and think it would work fine and be fairly quiet if I cap it like you were saying and drill a 3/8" whole through the cap. I posted this in another forum and one person brought up the point of surface skimming. I think that is my show stopper. The dust will collect on the surface and effect light penetration and look unsightly.

Baycorals I like your idea of the rock around the pipe and then just bring the pipe up to the surface. Was just hoping I would not have to that but it will likely work out that way.

Are those folks that have glass tanks and external overflows with the teeth having the tank custom made? Or is there a way to cut the glass to make the teeth.

Could use plexi-glass to do the overflow. Unless you are dead set on glass for the overflow. And as far as surface skimming, i agree. i had the pipe going to the surface. Best of luck.

 

[thewackyreefer]

Why just just have an external overflow?

 

[Papa Johnny]

If you are going to drill the tank, why not do as suggested and put in an external overflow, paint the tank black or blue on the back and you won't see it. Install a "Bean" overflow system and you have best of both world, surface skimming, outside the tank and silent . JMHO

 

[Elan]

having it low would mean that the top of the water wont be skimmed and probably be dirty.

 

[benny z]

my overflow is completely hidden. it's covered by the center rock tower:

and from the back:

 

[BayCorals]

Looks nice Benny.

 

[ahvrivera]

awesome rockwork benny.

 

[benny z]

thanks guys! it was a bit labor intensive, but well worth the effort.

 

[tangdiver]

Sweet, all the way.

 

[Lazys Coral House]

If you are going to drill the tank, why not do as suggested and put in an external overflow, paint the tank black or blue on the back and you won't see it. Install a "Bean" overflow system and you have best of both world, surface skimming, outside the tank and silent . JMHO

Why just just have an external overflow?

Every external overflow I have seen you can see it through the glass. You cant have paint between the silicone and the overflow correct. I am partial to blue background and doubt I could find silicone that would exactly match the paint. Any other suggestions.

 

[agent462]

You'll need to agiate the surface pretty heavily otherwise it's going to get all nasty.

 

[stedfast82]

benny z show off . very nice OFB didn't get to sse alll the stuff last time but i will be there in the next week