built in overfolws vs. hang on

[ERICN]

I am going to be ordering a new bigger tank and am stuck, I currently have a overflow box and am considering getting built in overflows my concern is the big glass box built into the corner I mean it will go from top to bottom and is as wide as my overflow box. So why do I want this ? plz give me good reasons to have it built in and sacrifice water volume over just using a overflow box.

 

[Blown 346]

Alot of people like the reef ready tanks since they hide all the plumbing from being outside the tank.
The other reason is the less risk of the overflow loosing siphon.

 

[shilo_1]

I think in the long run, RR is better. I opted to go for a non-RR tank so that IF I ever didn't want a sump for some reason, I would still be able to use my tank. I can always hang an overflow on the back, but I can't really un-drill a tank.

 

[johno4]

Hey shilo, couldnt yuou just cap the bulkhead?

 

[manderx]

I mean it will go from top to bottom and is as wide as my overflow box

if you drill it yourself you can put the hole up on the back of the tank near the top, then use a small box over the hole to act as the overflow. some people silicone a backless box over the hole, i like to drill a hole in the back of the box and pass the bulkhead through it and use the clamping pressure from the bulkhead to hold it in place. some people like the holes on the bottom just so all the plumbing is within the stand, not sticking off the back of the tank like it does if you drill the back.

 

[worlds under]

If you ever decide to up-grade to a biger tank a RR tank holds more value because their is a larger markett for them.

 

[lionfish108]

well from my experiance (55gal) from both hang and overflow... i like the hang b/c it was easly put together..(pretty lazy here) but when i upgraded to overflow/sump i'm loving it.. even with the many hassle i had.. i can say my tank 100% better setup not to metion alot cleaner with a good skimmer. the only thing i have to worry about is when eletricty goes out.. then i might have problem but other then that i'm really happy with the setup.

 

[®eefer]

I just switched from a 60g with hang on overflows to a 150 RR, please, if you have the option, go with a drilled tank. Why would you ever want to wonder or worry if the power goes out and you lose siphon? You will not only have a flooded room, you will have a burnt out pump. What a mess and headache you wouldnt want to deal with. My hang ons (i had two) would never lose their siphon, except for one time. Luckily I was there, but what if I wasnt home? Sure, the overflow will go from top to bottom, but the space is neglible in my opinon. Do you really get much use out of the space under your overflow box?

 

[Yinger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7878177#post7878177 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cooltank
I just switched from a 60g with hang on overflows to a 150 RR, please, if you have the option, go with a drilled tank. Why would you ever want to wonder or worry if the power goes out and you lose siphon? You will not only have a flooded room, you will have a burnt out pump. What a mess and headache you wouldnt want to deal with. My hang ons (i had two) would never lose their siphon, except for one time. Luckily I was there, but what if I wasnt home? Sure, the overflow will go from top to bottom, but the space is neglible in my opinon. Do you really get much use out of the space under your overflow box?

agreed... why risk it when you don't have to. Esp to save a little extra money at the beginning. If your worried about space, you could always get an external overflow built rather than the internal. That way it doesn't obstruct anything in the tank at all.

 

[mg426]

I use a HOB Overflow. It has worked great, restarts after power failures and has never been a problem, It dont look so good though. If I ever start up another tank It will most likely be a drilled tank.

 

[ERICN]

see everyone keeps saying that HOB overflows are ugly but that is my main concern here is that my overflow is a nice smoke color and only goes in the water about 4 inches where a built in one will be much larger and clear glass to see the PVC and everything.

 

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7879190#post7879190 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ERICN
see everyone keeps saying that HOB overflows are ugly but that is my main concern here is that my overflow is a nice smoke color and only goes in the water about 4 inches where a built in one will be much larger and clear glass to see the PVC and everything.

Most internal overflows are black.

 

[®eefer]

Yeah I've only seen one built in overflow that was clear glass and it was only a pic. IMO, it looks ugly clear.

 

[manderx]

and if it is glass (like the glass cages ones) you can slap a thin sheet of black acrylic over it.

 

[David Grigor]

You seem to be stuck on thinking a drilled overflow box has to be larger than a siphon overflow box. You can build/design it however you want there really is no reason why it has to be bigger.

I personally would never trust a siphon overflow. Having seen enough local club members not only loose all livestock to siphon overflows but also thousands of dollars in damage to wood floors/walls/ceilings.

 

[manderx]

You seem to be stuck on thinking a drilled overflow box has to be larger than a siphon overflow box. You can build/design it however you want there really is no reason why it has to be bigger.

i couldn't agree more.

i gave it a rough texture on purpose. it's 12" along the bend, with a 1.5" bulkhead (nut on inside). sticks 1.75" into the tank at the peak of the bend.