First Reef Tank - Contemplating a Drastic Move

[atnet360]

Okay, so I'm torn between two overflow boxes. One from Modular Marine and the other from Fiji Cube. Also torn between 12 and 16 inches. Both lengths are probably overkill.

Anyway, what do we think?

1600 gph LOW PROFILE Overflow Box with REMOVABLE WEIR

BRAND NEW SUPERIOR DESIGN! MODULAR MARINE'S 1600 gph LOW PROFILE OVERFLOW BOX Features:- 1600+ GPH capability - Entire skimmer box pulls off for easy cleaning! - Slimmest and shortest skimmer box on the market! - This design keeps water line hidden behind trim - Works with rimless, eurobrace...

modularmarine.com

Fiji Cube Low Profile External Overflow Box 1200GPH

The external overflow box is a popular overflow option for hobbyist to build their tanks into the next level. Fiji Cube’s external overflow box features a slim and safe design that offers another solution to perform your tank build. Features: Slim and compact design to suit any aquarium set-ups...

www.fijicube.com

Decisions decisions.....

 

[lapin]

If you are worried about the drilling (grinding) the hole you could get a scrap piece of glass or a glass plate at the thrift store or recycle place and do a practice hole.

 

[atnet360]

If you are worried about the drilling (grinding) the hole you could get a scrap piece of glass or a glass plate at the thrift store or recycle place and do a practice hole.

I actually plan to do just that

 

[xxkenny90xx]

How do you plan to plug the old holes at the bottom?

 

[atnet360]

How do you plan to plug the old holes at the bottom?

Bulkheads with pvc plugs.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Bulkheads can leak down the road and with them not being in an overflow box a leak would drain the whole tank. So go overkill when plugging them, I'm thinking schedule 80 bulkheads

 

[xxkenny90xx]

I'd also use pvc caps on the top and bottom of the bulkheads. Just my 2¢

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Siliconing a thick square piece of glass over the holes is another option

 

[atnet360]

I'm considering using the smaller hole as a drain for water changes. I'll fit a sort length of pipe with an intake strainer on the inside, then a ball valve on the outside under the tank attached to a length of hose. When is time to drain some water or of the tank open the valve and drain as much water as needed.

The potential for the bulkheads to leak is a worry. Agree schedule 80 is the way to go for those.

 

[atnet360]

Siliconing a thick square piece of glass over the holes is another option

Yep, that is the other option in considering. I've seen that work before.

 

[lapin]

Be sure you can replace that ball valve if it seizes open or shut.

 

[atnet360]

I started a build thread if anyone would like to follow along:

Cube Build - New Reefer's First Build - 60 Gallon Cube

Hi gang, so I decided to start a proper build thread for my new 60 Gallon Cube. I've been keeping fish literally since before I can remember (my dad introduced me to the hobby and I fell in love with it). My Dad had a reef tank when I was very young, but when we moved out of state he converted...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[BeejReef]

Nicely done on the overflow removal

 

[atnet360]

So just a quick update. I finally got this tank up and running back in May. Absolutely happy I went ahead removed that big ugly overflow box. I glued PVC plugs into two schedule 80 bulkheads which I used to plug the holes in the bottom. Rock solid. Decided against using one of the holes as a drain for water changes, just seemed too risky.

Here's a shot of the tank today. Still a work in progress.

 

[Rjukan]

Wow, that's awesome. I have a 60g cube as well and I'm so jealous of how yours looks. What a great job!

So obviously the drilling went well, did you do all 4 holes with the same bit? Smart move to just cap the old bottom holes, not worth the risk. Love the scape too, well done.

 

[atnet360]

Wow, that's awesome. I have a 60g cube as well and I'm so jealous of how yours looks. What a great job!

So obviously the drilling went well, did you do all 4 holes with the same bit? Smart move to just cap the old bottom holes, not worth the risk. Love the scape too, well done.

Thanks!

My build thread has lots more details about the process after this thread left off. I bought an overflow box from Fiji Cube that came with a hole saw for the overflow, then I bought another smaller one for the returns.

Other than taking forever drilling the tank was super easy.