overflows

[christyf5]

Well its high time for a new tank (its a 90, same size as I have now but eurobraced and unscratched :mrgreen: ). I've got one ordered up but it isn't coming with an overflow box. Quite frankly I thought it was rather expensive and I could build one cheaper (why I do these things to myself I'll never know :rolleyes: ).

So anyways, I was just wondering what the consensus was these days on overflow teeth. And mostly how do you figure out what your overflow will be rated for? Is that based on the number of teeth and how close together they are?? My last overflow box was built by Brad, I measured it up and he made it. It was hardly any work at all! :razz:

Some tanks I've seen don't even have teeth, the water just goes over the acrylic and works like a charm. I'm sort of leaning that way as my overflow teeth seem to grow a goodly portion of algae (as does everything else in my tank :rolleyes: ) and I can't seem to get it all out of there. But at the same time, I have small gobies that, quite frankly, are a PITA to get out of the overflow once they get in there. I guess they figure its a fun ride or something. So I was thinking if I did go with teeth they'd be closer than the ones I have now (about 1/4" apart).

So ya, opinions/suggestions?

Christy :)

[scuglass]

i am currently planning the same thing right now i have a 75 gal with euro bracing aswell. i am planning to drill 2 overflows in the back at the top either 1 in each corner or 2 in the middle with a coast to coast feeding them and a external stand pipe type dealy ne other help plans or suggestions would be great

thanks
scott

[muck]

You could always do what I did. Put eggcrate on the top of the overflow recessed down a little bit so the water spills over the entire 3 edges. I had a problem with snails climbing into the overflow and a small perc that liked to go sump diving so I just used fishing line to sew gutterguard on top of that. Problem solved.

Im not saying its the best way but hey... you wanted suggestions. :razz:

[props]

hey Christy, you've probably seen my ghetto overflow. Anyways I'm ripping it apart and putting in an actual overflow.. I ordered the overflow already at Surrey Plastics. The materials cost $20, $30 to have the top end cnc machined for the teeth and the two piece glued together.. I prefer the one with out any teeth on it as its a lot quiter. Why I ordered mine with teeth? I have no clue.

[Richer]

I opted not to put teeth on my overflow. I did do what muck did as well, and covered it with a combo of eggcrate and gutterguard.

-Rich

[mark]

My new tank, when I get it, will have smooth overflows and planning on gutter guard to keep the critters out.

It's going to be a room divider so overflow at either side, but if it was to be viewed only from the front, liking the idea of the shallow side to side overflow setup.

Have an interesting Excel spreadsheet from Reefs.org the gives gph plus height up each slot, you enter # of slots and width. Not sure how to put it up.

[Invigor]

flat overflow with guttergaurd works for me

[Aquattro]

Christy, didn't I build one for you a couple of years back? Pretty sure it was for you, or Jack and you came with him. Or maybe I've lost it!!

[christyf5]

My last overflow box was built by Brad, I measured it up and he made it. It was hardly any work at all! :razz:


Yes you have lost it Brad :razz: The one you built for me works perfectly well (except for the algae growing part). I was just wondering if there were any advances in overflow design that I was missing out on :wink: If there aren't, I'll probably just cut that one out and use it. The thought of me and powertools....well I am already planning the quickest route to the hospital :rolleyes:

Muck, could you possibly post a pic?? i only sort of know what you mean. :razz:


Thanks for all the info guys. If I do build one it will probably be a toothless wonder :wink:

Christy :)

[Aquattro]

Oh, so now you expect me to read the whole post before talking?? sheesh!! :razz:

[muck]

Muck, could you possibly post a pic?? i only sort of know what you mean. :razz:

I just took some pics and will have them up in a jiff.. :cool:

[christyf5]

Sweet! :cool:

[muck]

1. Tank shot showing overflow box. Approx 10"lx3"wx6"h.
http://www.members.shaw.ca/ryan.muis/overflow/DCP_4171.JPG

2. Top of the overflow with the eggcrate/gutterguard screen on.
http://www.members.shaw.ca/ryan.muis/overflow/DCP_4170.JPG

3. Top of the overflow with the eggcrate/gutterguard screen off.
http://www.members.shaw.ca/ryan.muis/overflow/DCP_4172.JPG

4. Shot of the back of the tank showing the external durso.
http://www.members.shaw.ca/ryan.muis/overflow/DCP_4174.JPG

[muck]

hmm...

They are a little dark but hopefully you can see what im talking about.
If you need any more pics Christy, I'll see what I can do. :mrgreen:

[reeferaddict]

Christy - do you remember mine from when you visited?

I've had overflows with & without teeth, but did quite a bit of research when I built this one. Like the fancy Oceanic ones it draws from top, bottom & middle, and I made a cover so things can't crawl over the top. (Helps for algae control too). Every couple of weeks I run a brush over the slits and everything flows just fine... best part is I haven't had to rescue a single animal out of this one, while with BOTH other styles I was up to my elbows it seemed like every other week fishing out everything from clownfish to cleaner shrimp.

[StirCrazy]

Christy, don't cut teeth. mine are smooth edge with a internal egg crate strainer. no worries about stuff pluggin your teeth, easy to keep clean ect.. much better overall.

Steve

[scuglass]

muck that is what i am planning to do just a few questions

do u have elbows pointing down inside the tank so no air is taken in ? or is air able to get in there and then out of the external standpipe?

does ur overflow box go down to the bottom of the tank? would there be a problem with it not going to the bottom and just hannging on the inside of the tank(silicon maybee)

is it quiet

thanks scott

[scuglass]

so ne updates or plans u have made?

[christyf5]

Tank arrives tomorrow :multi: Then I'll get cracking. I used a twist tie to clean out the teeth of the overflow I'm currently using (no wire available). I can't believe what a difference that made. Dropped the water level a good 1/8-1/4" :eek:

I still haven't decided what I'm doing about the overflow :rolleyes: I guess it just depends on my motivational levels when it comes time go make one :razz: