Beananimal...please help

[lotsoftats]

I would like to do your external overflow on my new 40b to maximize space for my livestock.

What should the dimensions of the overflow be? I am going to use a old 29g for the glass.

also this will be a 40b with 40b sump/fuge...what size holes should I drill 1"or1 1/2"....I will be using a middle return sump.

After I remove the top trim from the tank how big do I need to cut the notch?...What is the best tool for this job?....Will a dremel work?

Please forgive my ignorance....I have always had HOB or RR tanks and overflows.

Mike

 

[lotsoftats]

Anybody have input???

 

[dogstar74]

Sorry, I'm not bean, but I'll take a stab.
Size of the overflow box will need to be wide enough to accommodate the bulkheads for whatever size pipe you go with. The size of pipe will depend on if the main return pump will be your only circulation, or will you have power heads as well. If you go with power heads then 1 inch returns should work fine.

I cut the overflow in my 29gal with my dremil. It works fine. Cut the plastic rim off the area that the overflow will be, and then use a diamond rotary bit to cut the glass. I clamped a thin wooden template to my 29 that really helped. I set a 1gal jug next to where I was cutting with a hole poked in the bottom to act as a water source. I used the routing attachment on the dremil to keep it vertical.

Hope this helps.
Aaron.

 

[lotsoftats]

Thanks dogstar....it does help....I was thinking 1" drains 3/4" returns...after I remove the trim from the tank how far down should I notch the tank? 3/8" or 1/2" or other suggestion.

Mike

 

[Robb in Austin]

I have his setup on my 75, and used 1.25" drains. It's a metric ton of flow. You should be fine with 1". I use a Eheim 1260 for my return which has a native output of 3/4", which with some return teed off to my fuge, is a perfect match.

My overflow box is internal and is about 4" tall, 3 or 4" deep, and about that wide(front to back). Overall length is 36". Like Aaron mentioned, it needs to be big enough to handle the pipes you put in.

As far as hole size to drill, can't help there. Check gla_ssholes.com, maybe they can help. (Remove the underspace; the software editor did this ******* to it!)

HTH,
Robb

 

[dogstar74]

I would plan the notch to be at least 1 inch. If you decide to put a strainer type of overflow guard on the overflow, then it will raise the water level up slightly. 1 inch won't be too bad and you can raise and lower with your guard to change the water level.

Just as an aside, I always use thinwall pipe (200psi) low pressure sprinkle pipe for my drains. It allows so much more flow down the drains.

Good luck,
Aaron

 

[lotsoftats]

So do you guys think a 4x4x30 external overflow will be ok?

Mike

 

[dogstar74]

Decide your flow. then order the bulkheads. Then you can build the glass box. I bet you won't need 4 inches.

 

[lotsoftats]

Thanks for all the help dogstar.