HOB Overflow or Drilling

blank · Sep 3, 2016

Hey guys

I'm setting up a 40 Gallon Breeder and I was wondering if I should just buy a HOB Overflow or drill (never drilled before). I know drilling is way more reliable but... is it easy/not risky?

+ Anyone with 40b builds, wanna share your threads

Would love some inspiration/information on what return pumps and etc. etc.

Thanks!

drernesto · Sep 3, 2016

Drilling for me. It will be risky... Just make sure you cool down the diamond cuter...

Sm51498 · Sep 3, 2016

Absolutely you should drill. I avoided doing it for many years. It is not hard you just need to be patient. I just drilled my 40 breeder today

HOB overflows always fail eventually. They just aren't a good option given how easy drilling a tank is.

Here is my thread:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/40b-mixed-reef-build.263102/

I'm using a eheim compact 1000. I want a low flow sump, the small return pump saves money and power as I don't need it for flow. I would recommend larger if you want to use it for flow in your tank.

Definitely start a build thread, I would love to read it!

blank · Sep 3, 2016

Sm51498 said:
Absolutely you should drill. I avoided doing it for many years. It is not hard you just need to be patient. I just drilled my 40 breeder today

HOB overflows always fail eventually. They just aren't a good option given how easy drilling a tank is.

Here is my thread:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/40b-mixed-reef-build.263102/

I'm using a eheim compact 1000. I want a low flow sump, the small return pump saves money and power as I don't need it for flow. I would recommend larger if you want to use it for flow in your tank.

Definitely start a build thread, I would love to read it!

Awesome build so far! Just a few questions, kind of new to plumbing. Should I have gate valves on both overflow pipes and the return to adjust how much water is going in and out?

+ Basically do I adjust my return pump's flow until I have a water level I want in my sump?
I only had AIO tanks and new to sumps :/

Sm51498 · Sep 3, 2016

Thanks! Pretty far to go still.

You adjust your flow from your return pump in order to adjust the throughput through your sump. The level of your sump will be controlled by the total volume of water in your system. Which is why your ATO floats need to be in the same chamber as your return pump. That is the only part of the tank that will change water level by evaporation.

Joey waid · Sep 3, 2016

If there is no water in the tank drill, if there is, hob, you will need to watch it, but they do work if you spend the money on a good system. Every one I have talked to says if you drill, take your time and keep water on the bit you'll be fine.

Shep · Sep 3, 2016

If you can drill, drill and if you can't (tank is already filled or something) the HoB works, its what I use.

smh254 · Sep 3, 2016

My 40b with hang on overflow. Tank up and running for a little over two years with no problems with the overflow.
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/Journey-to-my-40b.235321/

blank · Sep 3, 2016

Nope! Not set up yet

Guess I'm drilling x.x .. Is there a certain area I should drill the holes? Planning on doing 1'' bulkheads with the bean method!

Sm51498 · Sep 3, 2016

A couple of things to think about, the placement of your overflow box should dictate where you drill. Be sure to leave enough room to pull the standpipes out of the bulkheads for cleaning. Don't drill too close to an edge or to another hole. Look up recommendations on how far apart the holes will need to be for your thickness of glass and how wide your bulkheads are so that you can actually put bulk heads in your holes. Otherwise, they just need to be low enough to accommodate the standpipes.

blank · Sep 4, 2016

I think I'll be going with 1" overflows and actually use the Herbie overflow method. I think I'll be ok? unless someone REALLY thinks I should do the bean method. According to GMAREEF, "From the edge of the glass to the edge of the hole, there should be at least the diameter of the hole in distance. From the center of the hole, it works out to 1.5X diameter. Holes in proximity should be 2X diameter apart on center." I think I'll have to have the overflow to the top left side of the tank. 2" from the edge, 2" or 1.5" from the top and an 1" gap between the 2 hole's edge so 3 inch from center to center.

Does this sound ok?

WhiskeyCoffee · Sep 4, 2016

FWIW my LFS charged me $20 to drill my tank. Not bad considering a diamond tipped drillbit will be at least that...

Sm51498 · Sep 4, 2016

Take into account that your holes need to fit the bulkheads and so will be bigger than your pipe. But your general plan sounds good

Steadyreef42 · Sep 4, 2016

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/ricks-40-gallon-breeder.254447/

My drilled 40 gallon build.

blank · Sep 4, 2016

Looks Great! Did you make the overflow box? Not sure if I should buy one or maybe make on the 3d printer.

blank · Sep 4, 2016

Also my overflow gph is okay being more than my return pump right? (Thinking glass hole overflow kits now)

ReeferReefer · Sep 4, 2016

Drill baby drill!

Lovemycj7 · Sep 4, 2016

Drill and take it to your lfs and have them do it. Well worth it to have someone knowledgable do it right. Not worth the time to figure it out and diy.

I have no worries about job overflowing just takes time to prime it and not worth it if can be avoided

Steadyreef42 · Sep 4, 2016

blank said:
Looks Great! Did you make the overflow box? Not sure if I should buy one or maybe make on the 3d printer.

Lol not sure if ur asking about my overflow box. I had one custom made Marc of melevsreef. Glass holes option certainly looks nice. Especially since they offer a complete kit. I pieced mine from different sources. However I do enjoy having 2 one inch drains for my makeshift "herbie" style overflow. It is complely silent and I like the fact that I have the emergency drain.