Repair or replace this overflow?

[kanders87]

Hi all! So, I just picked up this used corner tank for cheap to upgrade my 20 gallon into. I got it home and started Rinsing it out when I noticed that there were holes drilled in the center of the overflow. My question is will it run fine as is? Should I try to plug the holes with silicone? Or just remove it and make a new corner piece? It was a reef-ready tank so the holes are already drilled in the bottom (which is tempered), so I’d like to still use it as designed.

What would you do??
I realize it still needs a fair amount of clean up

 

[Crabs McJones]

Hi all! So, I just picked up this used corner tank for cheap to upgrade my 20 gallon into. I got it home and started Rinsing it out when I noticed that there were holes drilled in the center of the overflow. My question is will it run fine as is? Should I try to plug the holes with silicone? Or just remove it and make a new corner piece? It was a reef-ready tank so the holes are already drilled in the bottom (which is tempered), so I’d like to still use it as designed.

What would you do??
I realize it still needs a fair amount of clean up

That's weird, I wonder what the original purpose of the holes was..they're not even in a pattern, completely random. You could fill them with black aquarium silicone, and then pile your rock work up against it, youd never see them then.

 

[kanders87]

That's weird, I wonder what the original purpose of the holes was..they're not even in a pattern, completely random. You could fill them with black aquarium silicone, and then pile your rock work up against it, youd never see them then.

I wondered the same thing. I’m thinking maybe the previous owner didn’t know or understand how an overflow works? You should’ve seen all the gunk caked in the corner though. Detritus mixed with salt baked into a 1/4” layer. Had to chisel it out with a long screwdriver. Really hoping to bring this tank back to it’s original beauty.

 

[ca1ore]

That is a bit odd. Remember, it's the stand pipe inside the overflow that dictates the level of drain down, so perhaps the prior owner just used an oversized sump. Upon protracted pump loss, the entire tank will drain down to the top of the lowest standpipe. Makes using a herbie problematic. Removing and replacing the weir is not trivial. I think I'd go the black silicone route as well.

 

[kanders87]

Well, after consulting the hubby (who literally has nothing to do with the tank, not sure why I even asked)...we decided to remove the overflow to silicone it and then put it back in. This choice was made mostly because after a more thorough inspection, we found a few spots where the silicone was questionable. So, I’ll be resealing the whole tank for peace of mind.
After removing the weir, I’m definitely glad I went that route. There was so much sand and gunk built up between the two plates that it would have caused issues down the road, I’m sure.