Should I go with a "reef ready" tank, drill a tank myself or just use a HoB overflow? For drilling and installing my own overflow, what are some good brands to use?
Help Picking an Overflow
- Thread starter Shep
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Reef_Tank_Fan_SC
Well-Known Member
I drilled my own tank. Went with the Eshopps eclipse L overflow. Went with the bigger one so I could use the bean animal style plumbing. Drill bit comes with the overflow as well as a template to go by. Nothing to it at all
This was the first tank i ever had with a sump underneath it so I was a bit nervous at first. Watched a few how to videos on YouTube and just went for. If really is a simple process... Just let the drill do the work, no pressure on it
This was the first tank i ever had with a sump underneath it so I was a bit nervous at first. Watched a few how to videos on YouTube and just went for. If really is a simple process... Just let the drill do the work, no pressure on it
Antics
Valuable Member
I think "reef ready" is becoming less and less popular. Depending on the brand of tank, the standard reef ready overflows take up a ridiculous amount of real estate in an aquarium. With half a dozen companies producing "silent" overflows I wonder how long this will be the standard. Drilling aside, I assume most people continue to use reef ready because the aquariums aren't typically hard plumbed, which for whatever reason is more of an advanced hobbyist route.
I would definitely recommend drilling a tank yourself with any of the more appealing overflows personally. If you're patient and have the right materials its very easy. If you're really hesitant to do it I recommend talking to your LFS and see if they would be willing to drill it. Most have a lot of experience drilling glass. They will most likely not offer any guarantee in terms of not cracking it.
I would definitely recommend drilling a tank yourself with any of the more appealing overflows personally. If you're patient and have the right materials its very easy. If you're really hesitant to do it I recommend talking to your LFS and see if they would be willing to drill it. Most have a lot of experience drilling glass. They will most likely not offer any guarantee in terms of not cracking it.
Antics
Valuable Member
I've used the old synergy overflow, no complaints there. I've seen/installed multiple of the Eshopps overflows and never had a problem with them. Elite Aquatic's also looks like they have a nice overflow on their website.
redfishbluefish
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I like my 1500 Glass-Holes overflow....relatively small and quiet. Unfortunately I can't compare to others because that's the only overflow I've had (other than the HOB I had when I first started).
I would never, ever buy a "reef ready" tank....those overflows are so large and obtrusive, they end up being the "center piece" of your tank, and that's what you see.
I would never, ever buy a "reef ready" tank....those overflows are so large and obtrusive, they end up being the "center piece" of your tank, and that's what you see.
OP
OP
I have looked at the Synergy ones and I love the look of them but they are like $250 for just the overflow, which is a bit much
That is a good point! I think I will drill a tank (which will be terrifying!)
Antics
Valuable Member
Eshopps large is the cheapest at around 120$ (But it includes the diamond bit). Synergy' s overflow is on sale for 160 on their website and BRS as far as I know. Elite aquatics is about the same price but I think they are made to order.
cracker
5000 Club Member
I love my synergy overflows. But they are pricey for sure. The glass hole& eshopps are less I'm pretty sure. Drilling a tank is not difficult. It is a little intimidating 1st time.
I may have missed it. How big is the tank we are talking about?
I may have missed it. How big is the tank we are talking about?
OP
OP
Not sure on the size, I am currently shopping around for tanks to see what options I have. It will probably be at largest a 50g
jd371
Valuable Member
HOB overflow now for 2 years without any issues. I did make a Stockman Standpipe to cut the gurgling noise and it's very quite. I've heard stories of the siphon breaking and causing a flood, but in my set up the return section would run dry before that happens ( I tested it), in the 2 years it's been running I have never lost a siphon. If I had to do it over again I would definitely drill for aesthetic reasons.
A4goulet
Active Member
I have one of modular marine's older model overflows and I have been happy with it. If i had a new build i would deffintly go with modular marine's new version over any other options. Its low profile, comes with bit AND template, Removal wier, very good quality with a good price. Found them on ebay.
Big G
captain dunsel
I have the Eclipse L overflow. I like it. It works well and has plenty of room to work and clean it. But the back close to the house wall is warping outward a bit right in the middle by about 1/8th inch. Too thin of plastic?
Devaji
7500 Club Member
what really?
dang I was just about to order one..
