Over the top PVC overflow

[jasonstan]

I'm trying to build a Over top PVC Overflow for my 24gl nano, I've seen hundreds of variations on this, and was wondering if any on here have any personal recommendations on the best way to achieve this.

On a side note, a design that prevents the tank from draining in the event a power outage would be helpfull.

Thxn for any info.

Tank is a 24gl long 36"x12"x12" it will only be about 3feet - 3.5feet off the ground(how tall stand is) and the sump will go directly beneath the tank.

Don't have the sump yet, was going to use an old 20gl I have but just remembered I used a copper based ich treatment in it a few years back..grrrr.

But I will be using a 20gl or a series of 10gls(one for skimmer and filter stuff, one for da' fuge, and one little mini frag tank) all plumbed together. Haven't decided, so give me more ideas plzzz. I have a 24watt pc light for the fuge, and a 72watt PC light for the frag tank. No return pump yet, but want one with good flow thats not to strong, remember DP tank 24gl, and total sump volume 20-30gl's, so total system volume around 50gls. But water would only need to go up about 4feet max. Beyond all that I'm at a loss.

I'm working on a very tight budget right now. Baby is due in dec so not much money to go into this DIY. So all info in the next few weeks would be great before I go buying parts and what not. But all ideas are welcomed, thnx.

OH and PICTURES WOULD BE A GREAT HELP, I usually understand pics better than words.

 

[roshi719]

Why not just drill the back?

 

[Saltysteele]

yeah, if you have someone in your area who has a drill, that would be the easiest and cheapest way. are there fish/water in this tank already?

btw, a small hole drilled just under the water level would break the siphon should an outage occur. also put one just below the water line on your return line.

 

[jasonstan]

Tanks already setup, with coral and fish, and everything else. It's why I was thinking of the PVC overflow, I could just insert it into the tank, instead of breaking everything down and resetting up.

 

[Garth Schafluetzel]

i went threw kinda a similiar issue with my new setup a 125gal reef 75 gal pred tank and a single 55 gal sump. up until the day i ordered me stuff i planned on drilling both tanks and the sump with honestly i think would have worked but i talked to a few people that i trust locally and i started hearing just as many horror stories of drillin a tank and also with HOB overflows. in the end i went with 2 HOB 800gph overflow boxs for the 125 and i already had an 800 on the 75gal. ive never had a problem with my overflows breaking siphon and letting a flood happen its been 3 years and counting with the HOB overflows with a u tube. and you could get one for under 50 bucks then all u need is a return pump like a mag 7 with a ball valve on the return line and some pvc

 

[jasonstan]

I had thought of using an overflow box at first(I even thought of making my own), but with the tank being only 24gl's I'm trying to keep everything as minimized as I can(it's to cluttered with junk now), thats why I had thought a 1"-1.5" overflow tube made of pvc, painted black(I've heard Krylon fusion is reef safe after a full drying period), would hide nicely in the corner out of sight.

And since I already have a bunch a PVC, I figured it'll cost a few more bucks for the extra parts. Its the return pump, and sump(1 20gl or some 10gls) thats going to cost me. Though I'm hoping to get the pump used, and the sump used to cut on cost.

But I'm still loving getting these ideas, so please keep all the great info coming.


I look at this as a learning experience for when I finally setup my 60 cube after the FW fish are gone and I have money again....about 18yrs from now with the rising rate of raising a child....but I can dream lol , which will be drilled for a closed loop and the sump. Would like to do that for this tank to, but everything including the water, sand and all would have to go into buckets and wait till it was done, cleaned and reset up. I'm not sure if I want to put my corals and critters through all that stress right now, let alone me.

what to do what to do what to do, think think think............