Cutting overflow help, thoughts, opinions wanted!

[Fatmike92]

Hey guys!

So I will be purchasing a 57 gallon rimless. I love the dimensions of this tank but I hate how giant the over flowbox is. So I was searching around the web looking at other peoples 57 gallon rimless tanks and I came across a guy who took a razor to the overflow and cut down. I contacted him ans asked to use his photos and he said ok!

so here is what he did
(before he cut)

(after he cut)

So I think this is awesome and really want to do it. has anyone else ever done this before??


I made a outline of the tank with some cardboard I had laying around

( I want to cut it down to 3" on the side but will probably cut it down to 4" on the side)

thoughts? ideas? suggestions?

 

[Fatmike92]

I mean as long as the pipes fit it isnt a problem right?

 

[cdness]

...I hate how giant the over flowbox is.

thoughts? ideas? suggestions?

I don't see an issue with it as long as the pipes fit... I would hate that overflow too. It is very ugly and takes up too much real-estate in the tank. Just know warranty will more than likely be void and you run the risk of breaking things. However you can always get another overflow so no big deal...

 

[Fatmike92]

I don't see an issue with it as long as the pipes fit... I would hate that overflow too. It is very ugly and takes up too much real-estate in the tank. Just know warranty will more than likely be void and you run the risk of breaking things. However you can always get another overflow so no big deal...

I know right! its the perfect size tank for me right now but that over flow kills me!

I didnt even think about how I could get another one if I screw it up though lol Im definitely going to do it now.

 

[cdness]

You could make one out of acrylic and custom design it if you wanted to. Make it a low profile rectangle and be done.

 

[Fatmike92]

You could make one out of acrylic and custom design it if you wanted to. Make it a low profile rectangle and be done.

Ive never done anything like that before. where ould I buy acrylic for that

 

[kschweer]

I'm thinking of setting up the same tank and this thread has me thinking. I like the idea you're showing and it maybe an option. Do you have the tank already? Doing a little looking around it seems that the non reef ready model is not tempered on the back panel. So this got me thinking about getting the non reef ready tank and installing a glass holes overflow on it. Please let me know if you do this and how it turns out. Good luck.

 

[Breakin Newz]

You won't have a problem, cutting it down will work just fine.. Go for it man!

 

[Fatmike92]

Nice! Now I'm really excited! Any suggestions on tools and stuff?

What should I cut it with? And then I'll obviously need a good silicon. Anything else?

 

[JuanGutz]

Nice! Now I'm really excited! Any suggestions on tools and stuff?

What should I cut it with? And then I'll obviously need a good silicon. Anything else?

Just gonna chime in you don't use silicon for acrylic in my experience silicon is for glass. You use some that like melts the acrylic together I can't think of what it's called...

 

[reefpeeper]

as long as the overflow doesnt have tons of pressure silicone will work

 

[Fatmike92]

It won't have to much pressure on it. And it is glass.

But I plan on just using the over flow that comes with it and cutting it down. It will be easiest for me.

 

[Breakin Newz]

For plastics/acrylic i've been using a dremel with a multi purpose cutting blade, like the ones the dremel kits usually come with (brownish color) it has always worked out just fine for me!

 

[Fatmike92]

Thanks!! I decided not to make one lol

Im either going to cut down the one that comes with it. or just completely remove the overflow and do some kind of drain and cover it with rocks

 

[Breakin Newz]

Thanks!! I decided not to make one lol

Im either going to cut down the one that comes with it. or just completely remove the overflow and do some kind of drain and cover it with rocks

Yea, cut down the one that comes with it! It's thin plastic so it'll be extra easy with a dremel to cut it down..

 

[Fatmike92]

Have you ever seen anyone ever remove the overflow completely and do it that way?

 

[Breakin Newz]

Have you ever seen anyone ever remove the overflow completely and do it that way?

From what you posted that was the first time I have seen someone cut the overflow, it was a good idea.. If it was me I would do it in a heartbeat, those overflows are just way to bulky for that size tank..

 

[jeremyblu]

i have seen people remove them and make external i have also seen cutting and reshaping realy all you need is a table saw with a fine tooth blade make a wooden jig and cut one side flip other side done silcone back i would use black to cover up and flaws and bam done just my 2 cents

 

[Fatmike92]

Ya black would be good! where do you find black silicon that is safe for aquariums?

 

[Breakin Newz]

Ya black would be good! where do you find black silicon that is safe for aquariums?

Bulkreefsupply.com carries black silicone...