Need ghost overflow recommendation for rimmed 33L

[shollis2814]

As the title states. I want to have my first drilled tank. I have been researching ghost overflows, and one thing in common is that in a rimmed tank, like the one I have, the water level may be too low, especially with the Eshopps. I have also read that putting the template inside can help, but since this is my first tank drilling, I want to make sure I have as much knowledge as I can, and to get the right ghost overflow.

The tank will be a 33 long. I have an old Red Sea bioball cube I have been using for a sump, but I plan on taking the 20 long all my stuff is currently in and turning it into a sump/fug once I get the tank set up.

What are some good ghost overflows (or other types if you suggest them). I currently have a traditional siphon based overflow box.

 

[Peace River]

The Eshopps overflow is probably the most popular overflow.

@Crabs McJones - I can't find it but I thought I remembered you having a picture of the Eshopps overflow with a rimmed tank. Any input here?

 

[Crabs McJones]

The Eshopps overflow is probably the most popular overflow.

@Crabs McJones - I can't find it but I thought I remembered you having a picture of the Eshopps overflow with a rimmed tank. Any input here?

 

[shollis2814]

Thanks for posting that. I am really confused now, because that looks like it's halfway down the back of your tank. I thought they went closer to the top. Sorry if that's an ignorant question.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Thanks for posting that. I am really confused now, because that looks like it's halfway down the back of your tank. I thought they went closer to the top. Sorry if that's an ignorant question.

Nope not at all. The outside box does hang down further than the inside box. The inside box is about 1/8 from the trim.

 

[shollis2814]

Nope not at all. The outside box does hang down further than the inside box. The inside box is about 1/8 from the trim.

That makes sense now. I have heard that on rimed tanks, you should put the template on the inside? Is that what you did?

 

[Crabs McJones]

That makes sense now. I have heard that on rimed tanks, you should put the template on the inside? Is that what you did?

Yup, template on the inside, as far up as itll go, and drill from the inside out
Also the gasket configuration that are in the instructions are junk. My way is inside box, gasket, glass, gasket, outside box, nut

 

[shollis2814]

Yup, template on the inside, as far up as itll go, and drill from the inside out
Also the gasket configuration that are in the instructions are junk. My way is inside box, gasket, glass, gasket, outside box, nut

Thanks so much. I got the overflow from my LFS today. I'm going to practice a few holes and then start plumbing. Looks like it's time for a build thread!

 

[Water Dog]

Make sure you drill as high up as you can go, Those Eshopps overflows have very deep cur weir teeth. If you don’t mount it high enough, the waterline will appear below the black trim of the tank.

 

[Peace River]

Practicing is a good idea. Always check to see if the glass panel that you are drilling is tempered or not. Although it is referred to as drilling, think of it more as grinding. Light pressure and then even lighter pressure as you get close to going through. Also if you are drilling toward the tank don't forget to throw a towel down to catch the disk when it falls. Finally don't get overconfident after you have successfully drilled a few holes. Good luck!

 

[ca1ore]

When I used the eshopps overflow on my 29, I had to trim some of the internal rim away to get the skim box high enough. It’s just a QT, so no biggie, but I’d look elsewhere for a display tank. 800 gph modular marine, for example, is comparably priced to the large eshopps but a much better unit.

 

[shollis2814]

When I used the eshopps overflow on my 29, I had to trim some of the internal rim away to get the skim box high enough. It’s just a QT, so no biggie, but I’d look elsewhere for a display tank. 800 gph modular marine, for example, is comparably priced to the large eshopps but a much better unit.

Thanks. I have an old 29 gallon I don't trust the seams on that's been collecting dust for a year or so under the house. That's going to be my practice space. I have looked it over and don't see any mention of it being tempered, but I guess there's really only one way to know for sure.

 

[Peace River]

Thanks. I have an old 29 gallon I don't trust the seams on that's been collecting dust for a year or so under the house. That's going to be my practice space. I have looked it over and don't see any mention of it being tempered, but I guess there's really only one way to know for sure.

There are several YouTube videos on how to do an aquarium tempered glass test using your phone and polarized sunglasses. Good luck!

 

[Gareth elliott]

Also have the eshopps, water sits just above the rim of my tank.

I would say drilling a tank is the one thing i would always do when its warm outside lol.
(After thinking on this rinsing sand is also on this list)

Doing inside there will be water and glass sand everywhere. If you are doing in a living space do on something you can throw in the washing machine or the garbage.