diy overflow
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: DIY
Forum Description: Do it Yourself
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33731
Printed Date: July 29 2026 at 7:02am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: diy overflow
Posted By: little swimmers food
Subject: diy overflow
Date Posted: June 11 2009 at 1:50am
|
I have a 100 long wiyh a tampered base, I have been using over the back overflow for 3 years but i am moving the first of july I know i will need to have someone drill it but what is a good quiet way to do a overflow please post some ideas and pictures thanks. ------------- dont steal from the ocean trade corals and compete with it |
Replies:
Posted By: GentlemanBean
Date Posted: June 11 2009 at 2:30am
|
For a completely silent and safe overflow, check out this thread on reef central: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310585&perpage=25&pagenumber=1 - Silent and failsafe overflow system I will be setting up my next tank using this configuration. ------------- 
|
Posted By: Nano_Reefer
Date Posted: June 11 2009 at 11:15am
I just Resurected a 90 gallon using this setup. You can see it here: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33711 - http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33711 I decided however, just to go with: 2) Siphon standpipe 3) Open channel standpipe I felt that with 1 1/2" stand pipes, if things got so bad that the two of them plugged up bad enough to have the third stand pipe takeover, then I am not paying much attention or maintaining my tank adequately. It is quiet and I really like the fact that the whole top layer of water is being skimmed off. |
GentlemanBean wrote:Posted By: alexmetal
Date Posted: June 11 2009 at 11:25am
|
I've heard one bad thing about coast-to-coast overflows: They case a shadow. Also, one problem for ME, is that I don't want a bunch of pipes behind the tank since it will be sitting against the wall and Charmaine would flip if there was a bunch of ugly plumbing showing for all of our non-existent guests to see.
But other than my gripe with them and the shadow thing, from what I've read, everyone who's built one loves them. |
Posted By: Nano_Reefer
Date Posted: June 11 2009 at 11:33am
I used a clear acrylic for mine, and I also put my rock work towards the front leaving a space behind it for unobstructed flow. Therefore, I have no shadow. |
Posted By: downhill_biker
Date Posted: June 11 2009 at 12:20pm
|
i will second the coast-to-coast overflow method. it doesnt' cast too much shadow unless your only light is right over the back of the tank. if you have the lights forward a bit, you will have no problems, and with a 100g you should have plenty of room front to back. the design with a piece of pvc with a slit cut in the top is quiet, and allows for a lot of flow. there is so much flow availability that if part of it plugs up, no big deal. i have seen several of these, and if you paint it black, you can hardly tell its in your tank. ------------- Make sure you post your best pictures every month in our POTM forum. |
Posted By: alexmetal
Date Posted: June 11 2009 at 12:27pm
| Aha.. Good idea. I was thinking you could do black/blue for the front-facing piece and clear for the bottom.. But that might still cast a shadow.. Also, I was thinking about making it as thin as I could possibly get away with. Yours does look very good though. |
Posted By: john hill
Date Posted: June 11 2009 at 12:36pm
|
i built a coast to coast on my tank and without a hood on it it is still silent no water noise at all ------------- out with the large and in with the nano |
Posted By: pickensw
Date Posted: June 11 2009 at 2:16pm
|
Here are a few pics of mine.
The shadow....
 Full pic...had a bubble algae problem back then
 I added a hang on frag rack.
 Here is a look behind the tank. I also used 1 1/2 PVC and only went with the 2 drains.
 Will ------------- All things can be cured by salt water, whether by sweat, tears or going to sea. ~Isak Dinesen |
Posted By: Nano_Reefer
Date Posted: June 11 2009 at 3:40pm
|
pickensw, How long have you had yours runnin, and have you ever had any kind of flood due to not having the third standpipe? |
Posted By: downhill_biker
Date Posted: June 11 2009 at 5:04pm
|
i was actually thinking of a pvc pipe connecting the two bulkheads. then cut a slit in the top. it would be even smaller than the one pictured and also cast less shadow, and cheaper.
------------- Make sure you post your best pictures every month in our POTM forum. |
Posted By: john hill
Date Posted: June 11 2009 at 5:14pm
|
i tryed that and could not get it to work the way i wanted you would need to wide of a cut and then you would have snails geting in there ------------- out with the large and in with the nano |
Posted By: little swimmers food
Date Posted: June 11 2009 at 5:17pm
|
I like that idea but how wide is it about 3 inches and with that how would you recommend to do returns (does anyone have experience with the 1 way flapper valves?) and I am also in Logan does anyone know who does glass drilling?
------------- dont steal from the ocean trade corals and compete with it |
Posted By: Nano_Reefer
Date Posted: June 11 2009 at 6:05pm
I bought a glass hole saw off of ebay and drilled my own holes. The bit was about $15 and came with detailed instructions on how to drill the hole. |
Posted By: pickensw
Date Posted: June 12 2009 at 12:50am
|
I have been using it for about a year and I have never had a flood yet. I have a fish and some small snails and a crab go down to the sump.
Will
------------- All things can be cured by salt water, whether by sweat, tears or going to sea. ~Isak Dinesen |