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Aquarist Forums => Saltwater General Discussions => Saltwater Tank Builds => Topic started by: 10gnano on March 28, 2011, 01:40:43 PM

Title: overflow box
Post by: 10gnano on March 28, 2011, 01:40:43 PM
was wondering if anyone knew where I could get an overflow box for my tank. I have been using a regulated syphon, but it does no top skimming.
Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: SWFitzy on March 28, 2011, 01:58:20 PM
an overflow box is really easy to make out of glass or acrylic. I do believe that Az sells them, and can either make or get made exactly what u need. Im sure all of the other LFS have them too.
Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: JetJumper on March 28, 2011, 02:12:48 PM
I was looking into this not to long ago for one of my tanks that I don't want to drill.

I had looked at these:
http://www.skimz.sg/overflow_box.html

Ray just started carrying them.  Looks like a well built unit.
Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: bitterman on March 28, 2011, 03:53:59 PM
I am in no way a fan of overflow boxes. If you pick it up, I think I have one at home you can have. PM me and we can deal with things later in the week. I will not be going home before the meeting otherwise I would have brought it for you.

Drilling is the easiest way to minimize the chance of a flood.

Bruce
Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: Darth on March 28, 2011, 06:31:21 PM
why are overflows so bad? I do not have a drilled tank either and have also been contimplating one as well. Can you elaborate on this?
Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: Malyon18 on March 28, 2011, 06:33:47 PM
From my knowledge if you lose the syphon well then all the water in your sump will be pumped into your tank and well you know what happens when the tank is full, the living room floor becomes the new tank :)
Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: ray on March 28, 2011, 06:50:46 PM
Just like a drilled tank,if you do not set up a sump and overflow box to the proper levels you will always risk overflowing either the sump or the tank.

Ray
Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: C-Dog on March 28, 2011, 06:55:13 PM
Im sure theres tons of people that have used overflow boxes and have never had any issues with them.
Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: Hookup on March 28, 2011, 07:38:00 PM
Quote from: C-Dog on March 28, 2011, 06:55:13 PM
Im sure theres tons of people that have used overflow boxes and have never had any issues with them.

I had one for about two years... Older setup...  It flooded my apartment, but even still, it wasn't a HUGE, but it was wet...

They work, but are as close to gaurenteed to fail as you can get...

Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: laffy on March 28, 2011, 10:02:10 PM
do your homework if your going to setup an overflow box as they can be very frustrating. an aqualifter pump can work miracles in case you loose power. the suction will still be created and help minimize the risk of any accidents.
Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: bitterman on March 29, 2011, 07:29:34 AM
Overflow boxes have a habit of loosing siphon when this occurs, your tank will overflow onto the floor.

Many over flow boxes today use a power head to suck the air out of the siphon chamber. this does increase reliability but this is still a chance.

If you are goign to do overflow boxes, get 2 each should handle the full flow of the tank. The same applies to a drilled tank. Got with 2 holes were possible... that way if one get plugged or fails, the other will take the full flow of the tank so you do not have a flood.

Good luck,
    Bruce
Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: leemay on March 29, 2011, 06:59:18 PM
can't all of this be avoided by sizing your return pump section properly?

if my drains instantly became plugged my return pump would suck in air and stop pumping before my tank overflows!

i thought the only way this could fail would be if the sump baffle fails.
Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: Bob P on March 29, 2011, 08:34:47 PM
Quote from: ray on March 28, 2011, 06:50:46 PM
Just like a drilled tank,if you do not set up a sump and overflow box to the proper levels you will always risk overflowing either the sump or the tank.

Ray
Pretty sure that's right.
As Ray suggests.
The overflow box should also be at proper level, like 1/4 inch
below waterline, to suck air quick, before sump can overflow if pump quits.
It's all the same as drilled IMO
Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: ryancarman.com on May 09, 2011, 09:37:01 AM
Quote from: leemay on March 29, 2011, 06:59:18 PM
can't all of this be avoided by sizing your return pump section properly?

if my drains instantly became plugged my return pump would suck in air and stop pumping before my tank overflows!

i thought the only way this could fail would be if the sump baffle fails.

the water level in your return section varies with evap (unless you are running an auto top up system) and i would argue you would probably spend your life adding water to keep your pump submerged and no too much water in your return at the same time,

Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: leemay on May 09, 2011, 03:49:44 PM
Quote from: ryancarman.com on May 09, 2011, 09:37:01 AM
the water level in your return section varies with evap (unless you are running an auto top up system) and i would argue you would probably spend your life adding water to keep your pump submerged and no too much water in your return at the same time,



yes,  my system tops off 4 x per day.

I figured everybody had some type of top off system.

yes it may be difficult with no top off system, but it would remind you by putting lots off bubbles in you display! haha!

Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: ryancarman.com on May 09, 2011, 05:39:49 PM
Quote from: leemay on May 09, 2011, 03:49:44 PM
yes,  my system tops off 4 x per day.

I figured everybody had some type of top off system.

yes it may be difficult with no top off system, but it would remind you by putting lots off bubbles in you display! haha!



yeah my top off system involves carrying buckets of water and pouring them into the sump, i keep a pail on the ready and i add about 2.5 gallons every few days

Title: Re: overflow box
Post by: NanoSF on May 09, 2011, 07:42:48 PM
You can always use two siphon overflows that can handle enough water to keep up with your return pump on their own. Meaning if one loses siphon the other can still siphon enough water to stay ahead of the return pump. The odds of losing both siphons at the same time must be near impossible.