DIY Overflow options..

E.intheC · Jul 7, 2012

Well.. it looks like I'm going to be drilling a new tank again. I am probably going to setup a 40 breeder and would like to drill it for a sump.

I used to use the glass-holes.com overflow boxes, (and might again) but I'd like to explore other options. The GH ones weren't bad, but they can be tough to quiet down to an acceptable level (unless they've changed in the past 2 years or so). For what they are, the GH boxes also aren't the cheapest option either.

I'm thinking of just using a bulkhead with a piece of black 90 degree elbow tubing and a strainer on the inside, but I'm concerned with noise here too...

What are you using? Recommendations?
Thank you in advance.

kingfisherfleshy · Jul 7, 2012

Interested in some responses here as well...Ive had this thought for sumping a small tank for an octopus into my main reef. Following along.

E.intheC · Jul 7, 2012

Happy to have you tagging along. Hopefully there are some new options out there...

Loki · Jul 7, 2012

I am looking into getting one from bulkreefsupply. They have one (in stock) that is rated for 700gph and one for 1800. I believe they may have a video about it as well. I think the video is included in the how to drill an aquarium video they have.

If you want to go this route I have a group buy I am getting people for. It won't save any money on the overflow but it will put you in a preferred reefer status and give discounts in the future as well as emails with coupons. PM me if you want any more info

.

E.intheC · Jul 7, 2012

Those look nice, but they're asking $50 for three small pieces of black acrylic with teeth. The glass-holes boxes come with a bulkhead, hole saw, and plumbing for about $10 more.

Loki · Jul 7, 2012

I hadn't looked into those. But if these are quiet and the GH aren't then it would be worth it. I'm not saying they are quiet. I'm just saying

. I'll look into the GH's thanks for sharing.

E.intheC · Jul 7, 2012

I've done some more research and it looks like they resigned the 700 gph box so that it's not quite as loud. Plus, they are now suggesting the use of their enkamat foam instead of the acrylic baffle. Most people are saying this change works very well. Might have to go this route...

duncangweller · Jul 8, 2012

I just ordered an overflow from bulk reef supply after going to home depot and buying the stuff to make my own. By the time I had bought a sheet of acrylic, a knife to cut it, and some acrylic glue, and a file to make some teeth it came to just over $57. Bulk reef supply sell one for fifty-something dollars, do i took my DIY stuff back and plumped for a pre made one.

there is a bloke with a website called 'melev's reef' and he makes overflows. not sure how much he charges though. plus he is a magician with acrylic.

Dunc

mfinn · Jul 8, 2012

E.intheC said:
I'm thinking of just using a bulkhead with a piece of black 90 degree elbow tubing and a strainer on the inside, but I'm concerned with noise here too...

I did this on my tanks for about 10-12 years and it works pretty good. I always did 2 on every tank.
Some people say they create alot of noise, but I found as long as you go with low flow through your sump noise isn't a issue.
I placed the bulkhead/pvc 90's low enough in the tank so I needed to use a short piece of pvc pipe ( 1" to 1-1/2") to regulate the water level inside the tank.
I would then use a piece of rolled up gutter guard as a strainer.

If the glass-holes kits had been available when I started drilling my own tanks, I probally would have given them a try. Alot of people like them