Need to advice on whether to keep existing overflow in 40B

[ChrisNH]

I acquired this 40B about 8 years ago and was delighted that it was already drilled and had an overflow box. I finally finished a stand and am pulling the stuff together the stuff i still need to get it wet. Pics at the end.

While it was cool at the time, in this age of slim overflow boxes, the one built in is quite large and seems to loom in the tank. There is some dead space under it that will be hard to reach. I am not sure what the original owner envisioned for all the space inside of it. It only takes up about 1.6 gallons of the 40 gallon tank but it seems like a lot.

My question to the group is, is it worth trying to replace it or should I live with it? I am interested in what more experienced aquarists recommended given this is my first marine tank.

If the answer is replace, then with what? I like the eshopps eclipse and prodigy boxes but the pre-drilled hole is a problem. Perhaps I could use that hole to be a return and drill a new hole on the other end to use with a modern box.

If the answer is keep it, then should I try to do something with what I see as dead space in the box?

Thanks much.

 

[lpsouth1978]

I would personally remove it and use that hole for the return. Another added benefit of doing this is that you will have more than one drain with the new box. I would get an Eclipse S and drill the other side of the tank for it. I used an Eclipse M on my 40b and felt it was too big. The only real issue is that they are difficult to keep the water above the rim of the tank, without modifications.

Another great option, although a bit more expensive, is the EMS overflow. The inner and outer boxes are at the same height unlike most other overflows. This keeps the water level higher in the tank and makes the overflow virtually silent! I LOVE my EMS overflow!!

 

[ChrisNH]

Would it be reasonable to put in a smaller retrofit overflow (like CPR Aquatics or similar) and then use the rear box from the Eclipse S?

 

[lpsouth1978]

Would it be reasonable to put in a smaller retrofit overflow (like CPR Aquatics or similar) and then use the rear box from the Eclipse S?

I'm not really sure I see the benefit to this. Why wouldn't you just use the Eclipse internal box too?

 

[ChrisNH]

I am considering options that avoid drilling a new hole.

 

[John Smith]

It looks like you only need a bulkhead fitting and a pvc elbow. Extend or cut the top of the elbow to adjust for water level . Attach a strainer on top to prevent your fish from jumping in.

 

[ChrisNH]

So as a follow up, I noticed that the silicone was peeling in a few spots and found the overflow came right off with a gentle pull. Guess I am definitely getting something new for an overflow now!

 

[John Smith]

What ever size bulkhead you use, you might want to step up the size of the PVC elbow, for example 1" male (to fit the bulkhead) to 1.5" female opening. Make sure you water level is perfect before you glue everything permanently.

 

[m_t_r_86]

I acquired this 40B about 8 years ago and was delighted that it was already drilled and had an overflow box. I finally finished a stand and am pulling the stuff together the stuff i still need to get it wet. Pics at the end.

While it was cool at the time, in this age of slim overflow boxes, the one built in is quite large and seems to loom in the tank. There is some dead space under it that will be hard to reach. I am not sure what the original owner envisioned for all the space inside of it. It only takes up about 1.6 gallons of the 40 gallon tank but it seems like a lot.

My question to the group is, is it worth trying to replace it or should I live with it? I am interested in what more experienced aquarists recommended given this is my first marine tank.

If the answer is replace, then with what? I like the eshopps eclipse and prodigy boxes but the pre-drilled hole is a problem. Perhaps I could use that hole to be a return and drill a new hole on the other end to use with a modern box.

If the answer is keep it, then should I try to do something with what I see as dead space in the box?

Thanks much.

This is my personal experience. I started a 40 breeder with an internal overflow. Large and bulky. At the time, I felt drilling the bottom was the way to go but began to think it was a mistake recently. With this last dollar per gallon sale at petco, I picked up another 40 breeder and this time I bought a medium eshopps eclipse thin external overflow. I've slowly been getting things ready for the switch and after drilling the new tank and attaching the eshopps overflow, I realize I should have gone this route all along.

 

[ChrisNH]

What ever size bulkhead you use, you might want to step up the size of the PVC elbow, for example 1" male (to fit the bulkhead) to 1.5" female opening. Make sure you water level is perfect before you glue everything permanently.

Yikes, somewhere along the line I got in my head that was a 60mm hole but even in my own diagram I have 46. That is not going to work with an aftermarket overflow box that is expecting a 60mm hole!

after drilling the new tank and attaching the eshopps overflow, I realize I should have gone this route all along.

Yeah, I don't want to buy a new tank regardless of cost but I think I am headed toward drilling a new hole and either putting a plug in the old hole or re-purposing it for a return.

I am not sure it would be appropriate for a return since it is 2" under the rim but maybe with a little wiggle coming out of the bulkhead.