Is an Overflow Box really needed?

[Zacco]

I just wanted to get a few opinions on a set up like this instead of using a bulky overflow box. My tank is a 40 gallon breeder. The main drain is 1-1/2" (trimed with gate valve) The 1-1/2" strainer will be turned on about a 45 degree angle to skim the top surface of the water. My 1" emergency drain will lightly "sip" at the top surface. I know of at least 3 LFS's in my area use this kind of set up in their reef tanks. Any enlightenment would be greatly appreciated. (Yes, the PVC Elbows will be painted black!)

 

[steventaylor702]

The only reason I think its important is because if you have a overflow box there is less water to get pulled in to the sump when the tank gets shut off, without one all of the water in the top of the tank until its below the inlet will drain into the sump and could cause an overflow if you sump can't handle that much water in it

 

[phillrodrigo]

Some how you need to bring your emergency drain a bit higher than the main then set the water level between those 2 drains. Your 1inch drain is gonna turn into your main drain

 

[Zacco]

The only reason I think its important is because if you have a overflow box there is less water to get pulled in to the sump when the tank gets shut off, without one all of the water in the top of the tank until its below the inlet will drain into the sump and could cause an overflow if you sump can't handle that much water in it

Good point. I'll have to calculate if my sump can handle that much excess water.

 

[Zacco]

Some how you need to bring your emergency drain a bit higher than the main then set the water level between those 2 drains. Your 1inch drain is gonna turn into your main drain

The 1 inch will have a riser installed on top of the elbow.

 

[Zacco]

Im actually going for a 14" water level in my display tank. That is why the Bulk Heads are a little low. If I do go to an overflow box the Bulk heads are positioned correctly for a 5" deep box.

 

[reefwiser]

Might look at this.
http://www.customaquariums.com/m-14-h2overflow-siphon-stopper-fittings.aspx

http://youtu.be/oBa8HIESdIw

 

[redfishbluefish]

I believe you'll find this setup noisy. It looks like the tank has already been drilled. Otherwise I would have suggested Glass-Holes.....Glass-Holes.com dope aquarium stuff

 

[Zacco]

Interesting.....Thanks reefwiser.

 

[steventaylor702]

Might look at this.
http://www.customaquariums.com/m-14-h2overflow-siphon-stopper-fittings.aspx

http://youtu.be/oBa8HIESdIw

I was trying to find the link to that lol I was gonna suggest the same thing

 

[Zacco]

Thanks for the suggestion guys. I just ordered one. (I'll be the guinea pig) Im really liking the looks of this because i really hate clutter in display tanks.

 

[steventaylor702]

The only thing I can see about this is that if you have LEDs they may cast a weird shadow

 

[Zacco]

You can turn the H2Overflow 180 degrees to ride the back of the tank or turn it to whatever angle you want.

 

[steventaylor702]

Ya I know

 

[Zacco]

I dont think this will cast anymore of a shadow than a overflow box would rotated to ride the back of the tank. Just saying.

 

[steventaylor702]

I dont think this will cast aymore of a shadow than a overflow box would rotated to ride the back of the tank. Just saying.

Ya I know lol it actually would look awesome if you pyramid at the rocks up to it to cover it up or sit right underneath it so you can barely see it all together

 

[Zacco]

It's also rated to handle up to 1200 GPH if anyone is curious.

 

[redfishbluefish]

It's also rated to handle up to 1200 GPH if anyone is curious.

That flow rate is with an optimistic 1 1/2 diameter piping...or more like 2 inch.


I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but that has got to be noisy!

 

[steventaylor702]

That flow rate is with an optimistic 1 1/2 diameter piping...or more like 2 inch.


I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but that has got to be noisy!

At that rate of flow it would be but at 600gph it would be fairly quite I would think as I am running my tank with a single 3/4 in. Pipe at 300gph and it is very close to silent when the air tube is adjusted properly.

 

[bobstir]

Good point. I'll have to calculate if my sump can handle that much excess water.

probably easier to just add a checkvalve.

EDIT: nvm, was thinking about the return line