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=9613
Printed Date: July 16 2026 at 3:56pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Overflow
Posted By: Daren Wightman
Subject: Overflow
Date Posted: December 20 2005 at 11:17pm
|
I am looking at putting together a frag tank. For the overflow I would like to set up a durso standpipe directly in the tank. Is there any reason most tanks have overflow box around the durso standpipe? Thanks, Daren
------------- 300 gallon in wall |
Replies:
Posted By: ssilcox
Date Posted: December 20 2005 at 11:19pm
|
To prevent fish, inverts, etc from taking the long ride down the pipe. Although, Bruce had an anemone that used to like doing that... It also reduces the amount of water that overflows down the pipe in case of a power outage. |
Posted By: dnellans
Date Posted: December 20 2005 at 11:30pm
| because a durso is inserted into a bulkhead on the bottom of the tank... that pipe cracks or the seal to the bulkhead cracks and you loose the whole tanks worth of water. you build an overflow and the bulkhead/pipe crack and you only loose the overflows worth of water. kind of like double the insurance and well worth it if you ask me. |
Posted By: jfinch
Date Posted: December 20 2005 at 11:51pm
|
An overflow box allows you to "surface skim" your tank. Since proteins concentrate at the water surface, it's most efficient to preferentially "skim" this water into the overflow for filtration. ------------- Jon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing... |
Posted By: Daren Wightman
Date Posted: December 21 2005 at 7:35am
|
All good reasons for the overflow... I'm sold. Thanks, Daren ------------- 300 gallon in wall |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: December 21 2005 at 8:14pm
|
That's another reason why drilling the top back of the tank is better IMO. Silicon the skimmer box in that area and there is little worry of it getting bumped and cracking the tank or bulkhead. No leverage either, like on a bottom hole mounted durso that has to reach almost to the top of the tank. Feel free to come see my frag tank with open durso sticking up from the bottom. There really is nothing that will bump it, except my hand
The tank space freed up by not having the bulky, full height overflow is the other selling point for me. I always need more fraggin' space. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
|
dnellans wrote:
. It's only 10" long. A frag tank doesn't usually have a lot of large rock to worry about. If the surface gets a bit of rare scum collecting on it, I simply remove the cap from the modified durso and within minutes the surface is completely skimmed.
Posted By: Daren Wightman
Date Posted: January 13 2006 at 12:43am
|
Mark, How is the sound level with your design of standpipe? Daren ------------- 300 gallon in wall |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: January 13 2006 at 8:22am
|
I can hear a pin drop. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
|
Posted By: Gahlenfr
Date Posted: January 13 2006 at 9:32am
|
In Mark's picture you see the pipe with the cap removed. With the cap on you don't hear a thing. I was impressed at how quiet his tank setup is. |
Posted By: Daren Wightman
Date Posted: January 14 2006 at 1:18am
|
Mark, I will probably have to come by and see your setup sometime. Thanks, Daren ------------- 300 gallon in wall |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: January 14 2006 at 2:01am
My door is always open to my fishy friends.  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
|