bluebayou
New member
My 1st question is when you install the overflow box, on the lower corner that joins to the tank wall corner, how do you attach/seal it without damaging the factory silicone seal?
Bluebayou's pre-build thread, ideas and advice
- Thread starter bluebayou
- Start date
My 1st question is when you install the overflow box, on the lower corner that joins to the tank wall corner, how do you attach/seal it without damaging the factory silicone seal?
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
you might want to research overflow box options- especially if you're installing your own.
Most folks that are willing to accept the aesthetics of corner overflows purchase a 'reef ready' aquarium.
Most folks that are installing their own overflows drill a side glass pane and avoid the box that travels the full height of the aquarium.
Most folks that are willing to accept the aesthetics of corner overflows purchase a 'reef ready' aquarium.
Most folks that are installing their own overflows drill a side glass pane and avoid the box that travels the full height of the aquarium.
SkiFletch
New member
Well bluebayou I guess my question for you would be where/how do you want your overflow? If you want it on the side, and want it to run the full length of the side but not down to the base of the tank, my suggestion would be to mitre the corners that meet the tank seams and liberally apply silicone at that joint. Realistically, the overflow box does not hold back all that much pressure during operation, and a silicone on silicone seam should work fine if it's cleaned well before application.
bluebayou
New member
Gary, Fletch, I didn't make it clear what I was looking to do. My plan is to have a full (or almost) full length overflow on the short side of the tank, the type where you silicone an "L" to the upper side of the tank as in the following cutaway front view:
|..................L| <- overflow
|....front view..|
|____________|
Then drill 3 holes to the upper side panel ect.
Fletch how do you run your return? I was thinking over the top of the overflow or if a T on the return is not a no-no run a T/Y leading to both corners on either side of a slightly smaller overflow that is not coast to coast but more of a siliconed box on the wall a la glasholes but still a bean overflow system. Running over the top of the overflow would probably stick out way too far into the tank. Running down the corner and then beneath the overflow to the middle would allow way too much back siphon when the power goes out.
|..................L| <- overflow
|....front view..|
|____________|
Then drill 3 holes to the upper side panel ect.
Fletch how do you run your return? I was thinking over the top of the overflow or if a T on the return is not a no-no run a T/Y leading to both corners on either side of a slightly smaller overflow that is not coast to coast but more of a siliconed box on the wall a la glasholes but still a bean overflow system. Running over the top of the overflow would probably stick out way too far into the tank. Running down the corner and then beneath the overflow to the middle would allow way too much back siphon when the power goes out.
SkiFletch
New member
Well my overflow is centered on the back of my tank, which left me lots of room to drill the back of the tank for returns as well up near the top. I do employ a check valve to prevent back siphon as catastrophic back siphon would probably overflow my sump. I realize check valves are not perfect and can leak, but it gives me more than enough time for someone to get home and fire up the backup generator before it would overflow the sump.
It sounds to me like you want to create something like Randy's big display tank at ARC has with a side overflow that does not totally encompass the side of the tank and two returns drilled through the wall on either side of the overflow box. If you did it that way, you would have to make two more sides to your box, youd end up getting some extra length of overflow, you wouldn't have to worry about original silicone seams, and you'd be able to drill the sides high up for returns. Probably the best of all worlds if you can fabricate the box properly.
It sounds to me like you want to create something like Randy's big display tank at ARC has with a side overflow that does not totally encompass the side of the tank and two returns drilled through the wall on either side of the overflow box. If you did it that way, you would have to make two more sides to your box, youd end up getting some extra length of overflow, you wouldn't have to worry about original silicone seams, and you'd be able to drill the sides high up for returns. Probably the best of all worlds if you can fabricate the box properly.
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