Best overflow for <=$100

[JZinCO]

Hey, I'm setting up a new tank and want some opinions.

From what I have read I think I have a few options for cheap overflows (btw this is for a 72 gal):

-Eshopps Eclipse size M. Pros: thin profile inside tank. Two drains are better than one, though not as good as three. Cons: Setting up pipes in the external overflow to reduce noise is tricky in the M size, but it's been done using a herbie-ish approach. I'd probably get the M size.

-Glass-holes 700. Pros: thin profile inside tank, as thin as you could conceive of externally. Cheap. Cons: Noise is a problem for many. There is only one drain.

-Traditional overflow box. Pros: Two separate drill holes unlike the prior choices. Easier to set up an external herbie. Cons: Two opportunities to screw up drilling. Bigger box inside tank.

https://www.amazon.com/internal-ove...8&qid=1488991548&sr=8-9&keywords=overflow+box

The gph for each option, in order, are 800, 700, 1200 each. The last one is probably the least visually appealing but probably the easiest to dial in plumbing. Regardless of the choice, I like to run my return pump higher and use the return to get some flow.

Any thoughts? Options I haven't considered?

 

[mcgyvr]

Eshopps L and run bean drains.. Well worth the slightly extra cost IMO..

Or just get 2 pieces of glass and make your own (coast-coast).. <-- even better IMO..

 

[jacksonpt]

I have the glass holes overflows... 2 of them actually because I wanted the safety of 2 drains. They are dirt simple to install/setup, but they are noisy.

I've since purchase the eshopps (2 drain M size) to run a herbie setup and hopefully reduce/eliminate the noise. Making the swap has the potential to be a fairly big ordeal, so I haven't bit the bullet as yet.

Take it for what it's worth.


If I were starting over, I'd go with the 3 drain eshopps in a second.

 

[Zalick]

Or just get 2 pieces of glass and make your own (coast-coast).. <-- even better IMO..

+1

Thats what I did on my 300. Local glass/mirror place cut a piece to size for like $10. Bought a diamond whole saw ~$30. Tube of reef safe silicon. Couple bulkheads and voila - best overflow (coast to coast bean) for less money.

 

[JZinCO]

If I were starting over, I'd go with the 3 drain eshopps in a second.

thanks.

One criticism about the eshopps has been that the interior box is placed too low. I've seen how others first trimmed the template and then shimmed the lower back in order to scoot the interior box up.
For that reason, I''m tempted to check out modular marine. Their boxes seem to be very similar to eshopps eclipse but without the placement issue.

I'll also consider the c2c option. If I did that, I'd have to give measurements to a glass shop to cut. why glass? I'd assume it could be cheaper and more DIY-able if I used acrylic and a table saw. I've never really considered c2c so how shallow/deep does the interior box need to be? Any good how-to videos or threads you guys would recommend?

 

[Zalick]

thanks.

I'll also consider the c2c option. If I did that, I'd have to give measurements to a glass shop to cut. why glass? I'd assume it could be cheaper and more DIY-able if I used acrylic and a table saw. I've never really considered c2c so how shallow/deep does the interior box need to be? Any good how-to videos or threads you guys would recommend?

If you have a glass tank, you need to use glass. Acrylic will not adhere to glass.

Here is BeanAnimal's webpage for the overflow.

Its dead silent and redundant. No risk of overflow. This was huge for me, knowing that no matter what, it could handle all the water. I suppose all three drains could plug, but the odds of that are basically 0.

As for how to measure the glass and where to cut, you can google how far from the edge you must drill. I can't remember off the top of my head. Drilling the tank is nerve-racking, but if you do your research, follow all the instructions and go slow, its easy. Drilling my 300g took some time but came out perfect.

You also don't need to do a full coast to coast with the DIY beananimal. You can do it smaller and just use 3 pieces of glass.

I couldn't be happier with my setup.

 

[jacksonpt]

I planned on cutting the teeth off, so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

 

[JZinCO]

I'm referring to construction of the c2c. I'm familiar with drain system types and drilling (Even though I f-ed up on my first attempt). I was asking more for how people have built c2c's (materials, dimensions, etc). I got one part down. Glass for glass. Now if I were to do a full c2c, I might as well do wall to wall. So if the tank is 4' that is 4' minus how much space for adhesive? What about depth and height?

Thanks for the info about acrylic boxes adhered to glass. None of the sellers (even BRS) make that disclaimer!

 

[JZinCO]

Thanks for folks' input. I ended up setting up a different tank that is reef ready already.

 

[mcgyvr]

Thanks for folks' input. I ended up setting up a different tank that is reef ready already.

booo.. hiss... wimped out

 

[JZinCO]

Yeah but I went from upgrading to a 125 instead of the 72 described in this post so... a win?

 

[mcgyvr]

Yeah but I went from upgrading to a 125 instead of the 72 described in this post so... a win?

I never consider "reef ready" tanks a win..