Building Calfo overflow, need to find black glass?

[GoldStripe]

Anyone know where I can find this stuff. I've seen it in member's tanks with the Calfo style overflow. I've been trying to locate this glass locally and I'm coming up empty. No seems to be able to order, some haven't even heard of it. Any tips or links would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[DHyslop]

Mine isn't completely black but it does have a tint (integral, not a film). I just got it at a local glass shop.

If you want to be experimental you could try painting the glass with Krylon Fusion paint. People (myself included) have been using it on PVC underwater and for the back of tanks, but as far as I know no one has tried it on glass underwater.

Dan

 

[GoldStripe]

I've called 6 local glass shops and no one has it. They have some that has a grey tint but no black. I may have to use something like th Fusion paint on some clear glass. I would spray the inside of the box that I could still scrub the outside if I wanted to keep it clean

 

[ste6168]

no one around you can get you tinted glass...? That seems wierd. why not use acryalic though- i have also seen them donw this way?

 

[GoldStripe]

I have seen the acrylic as well but the problem is getting the acrylic to stick to the inside of the tank. The overflow will span the entire back wall of the tank. I'll be using the sides and back of the tank for the structure of the "box"

 

[ste6168]

ohh, i see. hmm...(as im trying to think of something good to say) i dont really know what to tell you if you cant find the glass. How would you go about putting the "slits" in it?

 

[GoldStripe]

I won't be putting the teeth in it actually. It will be a weir type if you have seen one of those.

 

[ste6168]

oo, ok- yes i have seen them and cannot wait to make one on the 180, that will come in about 2 years.

 

[Fl_seagull]

Look up stainglass in the phone book. 1/8" black glass should be almost standard stock. Yes, it is reef safe. should be between $5 to $10 a square ft. The shops have the ability to cut it to any shape you need.

www.delphiglass.com does not have it on on line but most shops will have opaque or cathedral (semi- transparent) in stock.

I like Spectrum Black Waterglass since is blends better in the water. However, the texture makes cleaning difficult.

 

[Fl_seagull]

Jacksonville FL? perhaps "Arts & Glass by Anna" on 90 east of Johns Bluff Rd S by Fl Community College- South campus.

 

[dwdenny]

well this is another thing to think about now. I was just going to use clear glass. I know that I would have to clean it but will the tinted glass be better?

 

[RichConley]

Acrylic would work fine, just use atleast 1/4" Its not going that deep, so theres not much pressure. I had an acrylic overflow in a glass tank, and had to break the tank to get it out. Silicon does attach to acrylic quite well if its done correctly.

 

[dwdenny]

You would have to scratch the edges good and it will hold am I correct? I am still using glass on mine becasue the closest place to get the weldon is 4 hours away unless I order online. Just not worth the extra in shipping for me at least.

 

[Fl_seagull]

I have used acrylic for overflows and have broke the acrylic trying to remove it.

The key is to have the edge rough not smooth. Using a table saw cut edge VS a scored and snapped edge; for example, results in a strong bond with the glass.

 

[Fl_seagull]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7023415#post7023415 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dwdenny
well this is another thing to think about now. I was just going to use clear glass. I know that I would have to clean it but will the tinted glass be better?

I like the look of coraline on the glass. If you are into soft corals, xenia, and zoos look good over the glass. Tinting of the glass just gives a different look until something grows over the glass.

 

[GoldStripe]

using acylic would also make it difficult to clean, meaning you'd have to be careful not to scratch it. I was finally able to find some tinted 1/4 glass at a glass & mirror store today. With it cut and edges polished nice and flat the most it would be was $93. I think I can find it cheaper.

 

[RichConley]

Yeah, but who cares about scratching your overflow?

 

[Cuervo420]

I too can't find black glass locally (Houston area). I guess i'm just going to have to go with tinted. I wonder though, how well the Fusion spray paint would work.

 

[vanceny]

I was planning on the same thing using black acrylic with a 2" drain for a 75g tank. The overflow would run from end to end. Quick question, from what I understand there are no teeth on a Calfo, what keeps everything out of the drain? Do users just add some screen the length of the calfo?
Thanks.

 

[dwdenny]

you can put a screen on the bulkhead to keep things out.