Stupid question

[Bonsai reef]

I am new to saltwater aquarium and this overflow box concept. I have got a 24g nano all in one tank filled up a week ago and cycling. Just recalled that while filling up the tank, the back overflow box was also getting filled up with water at the same level of the tank (even before the water reached the overflow cuts). Does that mean the tank has leak or it’s normal?

 

[Xam]

It's possible. Can you share your tank type/model?

Edit: I meant brand/model

 

[Bonsai reef]

It's possible. Can you share your tank type/model?

It is Aquatop 24g all in one
https://www.aquatop.com/products/recife-eco-24g-tank-stand-combo?variant=4697366691872

 

[Xam]

It is Aquatop 24g all in one
https://www.aquatop.com/products/recife-eco-24g-tank-stand-combo?variant=4697366691872

Thanks! This shouldn't be normal, but each tank is different. After looking at the tank, I dont believe that this is normal.

I see that there are several reef2reef members that have the same tank. I would recommend contacting Aquatop, and even perhaps PMing or posting in member build threads. They can be easily found by googling "reef2reef aquatop 24g" like the below: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/aquatop-recife-24g.481746/

This is definitely not a stupid question

 

[iron_mike_gt]

The return looks like it’s plumbed lower than the overflow on that model so water would go in the box earlier than you would expect while filling with the pump off. Do you see water or dry salt on the back of the glass or floor? Leaks never perfectly work out to route water to an appropriate place in my experience.

 

[Bonsai reef]

The return looks like it’s plumbed lower than the overflow on that model so water would go in the box earlier than you would expect while filling with the pump off. Do you see water or dry salt on the back of the glass or floor? Leaks never perfectly work out to route water to an appropriate place in my experience.

The water started to fill the back compartments even while it was about 6 inches in height (way before it reached the return height).

 

[iron_mike_gt]

Doh. Ok - Xam’s advice is spot on.

 

[Bonsai reef]

the main glass box is not leaking. but my question is more on the overflow box. Is it supposed to fill up along with the main display box right from the start?

 

[Jay Z]

If its like my jbj 45 it has 3 little holes about 5 inches off the bottom in the back wall. These are to equalize the sump as you fill the tank. If not for these the back panel could collapse inside the tank.

 

[Jay Z]

Best pic I can get of mine. It had 3 holes in the back plate.

 

[Xam]

the main glass box is not leaking. but my question is more on the overflow box. Is it supposed to fill up along with the main display box right from the start?

99% sure, no it is not. If filling from the display, the sump portion of your tank should not see water until it hits the return (as iron Mike mentioned) and the overflow.

With that said, contacting the manufacturer or someone that has experience with this tank directly may uncover a quick fix... such as "oh yeah, close your gate widget".

 

[Xam]

Best pic I can get of mine. It had 3 holes in the back plate.

Yay!!!! Theres that 1% I was talking about! Thanks Jay!

Can the OP confirm that you have the same holes?

 

[Jay Z]

To be honest, they were very hard to see. I didn't know mine had them until I started filling the tank.

 

[Jay Z]

I am new to saltwater aquarium and this overflow box concept. I have got a 24g nano all in one tank filled up a week ago and cycling. Just recalled that while filling up the tank, the back overflow box was also getting filled up with water at the same level of the tank (even before the water reached the overflow cuts). Does that mean the tank has leak or it’s normal?

And this is not a dumb question. This is a legit concern.

Dumb questions usually start with "which one is better" then finish by arguing about it when people tell you what you don't want to hear

 

[Bonsai reef]

Thanks guys! that really helps..i will try and figure out if my tank has those holes or probably confirm that with the manufacturer.

 

[Bonsai reef]

Best pic I can get of mine. It had 3 holes in the back plate.

thanks for taking the effort and capturing the pic that explains!

 

[BestMomEver]

One of my AIO tanks had legitimate holes drilled in the bottom of the back wall leading to the overflow. I never fretted about it. The tank turned out ok. I never had problems.

 

[Bonsai reef]

Best pic I can get of mine. It had 3 holes in the back plate.

I just figured out that my tank has one too (which was hard to locate as well)...thanks again your lead

.

 

[Auquanut]

Score!! Chalk one up for the good guys!

 

[chawalte-qcvux5]

All of my fluval tanks have had this over the years. I always take a piece of plastic and some superglue and get that sucker covered. Never had an issue with any back wall integrity issues. The quality of the surface skimming / filtration is highly improved by blocking those holes. Water is forced to go over the overflow and through media this way.... just my $.02