Homemade overflow box

ShippD · Oct 12, 2013

Hello everyone.. I have a piece of 1/4 inch glass and was thinking about making a overflow box for my next tank build but have never made one from glass not that i am scared was just wondering about the weight of it and would silicon hold the weight. I may design it in CAD (Solidworks) and run a stress test on it...If anyone has done this or has any thoughts they would be welcomed for sure.But hurry up as i may got cut it out now lol :tongue:

nanoreefer22 · Oct 12, 2013

External overflow box? I've done it before, but I think I used 3/8th glass on it for a 20g. You should be fine, just don't make it too big. I think the measurements on mine were about 10x10x5.

ShippD · Oct 12, 2013

No internal overflow 9 1/2 w 6 1/2 tall 3 1/3 deep..gonna try a BeansAnimal silent overflow for a tank in my bedroom

nanoreefer22 · Oct 12, 2013

I think you'll be alright for an internal that size

shovelrider · Oct 16, 2013

Here is mine...
I have done two like this with no issues.

1st one. 1/4'' clear glass with clear silicone. Centered on a 45g tank.

2nd one. smoked 1/4'' glass with black silicone on a 75g.

Full tank shot. Its on the left side.

FYI... 3/16'' is strong enough for overflows and baffles and is lighter, but it costs more than 1/4'' glass. I think that is why most DIYers use 1/4'' for most projects(myself included). 1/8'' is not good for these applications and should be avoided. Just my 2 cents!

ShippD · Oct 16, 2013

shovelrider said:
Here is mine...
I have done two like this with no issues.

1st one. 1/4'' clear glass with clear silicone. Centered on a 45g tank.

2nd one. smoked 1/4'' glass with black silicone on a 75g.

Full tank shot. Its on the left side.

FYI... 3/16'' is strong enough for overflows and baffles and is lighter, but it costs more than 1/4'' glass. I think that is why most DIYers use 1/4'' for most projects(myself included). 1/8'' is not good for these applications and should be avoided. Just my 2 cents!

Thanks I have the glass cut now trying to make up my mind on to wheather cut slots or just mount it so water flows over the raw edge

shovelrider · Oct 16, 2013

IMHO no teeth is better. Makes for a silent overflow an better surface skimming. You will have to put something like gutter guard on the drains so fish and snails don't get sucked in. I put gutter guard in my 90 elbows and no losses.

shovelrider · Oct 16, 2013

If you have not already, you should sand all edges of the glass to knock off the sharpness and it also helps with the smoothing of the water going over the weir.

ShippD · Oct 16, 2013

shovelrider said:
If you have not already, you should sand all edges of the glass to knock off the sharpness and it also helps with the smoothing of the water going over the weir.

Oh yeah that is a givin to sand and polish.It will have semi rounded edges so all will be good

Dctrojan · Oct 31, 2013

I hope this works out for you better than it did for me. I was constantly worried about leaks I finally bought a CPR.

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