Built in vs HOB Overflow Box

B

Billybatz9

New member
I am seeing a lot of tanks for sale with HOB Overflow boxes. Whats your opinion on this type of overflow box? I see some good deals, and am considering getting a tank with a HOB Overflow Box unless you tell me otherwise. I really wanted a built in, but they are just soo expensive.
 
You can drill and attatch your own relatively cheap. Check out www.glass-holes.com . I advise against the HOB sytle just for peace of mind. Much higher chance of overflowing the tank. Also starting / priming a syphon gets old... and tastes horrible
 
I'm not handy at all so drilling wasn't an option. I added a Lifereef HOB overflow and I have had zero issues since I've had it (Jan. this year).
 
Its easier to drill thaqn you think. Just have to make sure its not tempered. But HOB style works for some. I just cant recommend it myself.
 
I don't have any experience with drilled tanks, but I've been using a HOB overflow for about 16 years now without any problems. For somewhat smaller tanks, maybe 75 gallons & under, I would recommend one.
 
Dont do a HOB, been doing this for years and the built in was a godsend for many many reasons. Never want to even look at a hob again
 
Increases the gph of the return increasing the effectiveness of your filtration. On top of that there are too many things that effect the return rate of an hob. No maintenance of the Utube or worry of loss of siphon. The box itself is not pleasent to look at and requires a lot of upkeep. The hob is much more noisy, my internal is virtually silent. Also because of the Utube design the hob's dont smim the surface as well. I did the hob for years and just bought my new tank with built in skimmer three months ago and its been a godsend.
 
Wow! I guess for you it was a godsend. For me, I haven't experienced any of the problems you listed above. It was pretty much set it & forget it... :)
 
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HOB's don't skim the surface? I have zero surface scum since I've had the Lifereef. Before the overflow, I did have a film at the surface.
 
I agree. Drilled tanks are better BUT, I would not purchase a RR tank. They take up way too much real estate in the tank. My next tank is gonna be a coast to coast. I would drill my tank if I were you. There are a lot of LFS that can probably do this for you....
 
mandarin_goby said:
HOB's don't skim the surface? I have zero surface scum since I've had the Lifereef. Before the overflow, I did have a film at the surface.
Click to expand...

Not that they don't, just not as effectively as a wider overflow would. Both might skim the surface well enough to not see any visible "scum", but beyond that, increasing the area of the overflow increases the amount it can skim off.

I would absolutely drill the tank and build my overflow, but that's just me. There is nothing wrong with a HOB overflow. It will work fine and be relatively easy to setup. That said, a drilled tank can look so much cleaner and frankly be easier to deal with for reasons listed above. Having just done a Calfo style, coast to coast overflow with a BeanAnimal return, well I wouldn't do it any other way. The overflow takes up almost no room in the tank and you don't really see any of the plumbing for the return. In addition, it's silent, self starting, and failsafe:

You can see it takes up very little room in the tank:



And from the from the front you wouldn't even know it was there if not for my mediocre siliconing skills and apparent poor paint application:

 
I say drill it. If you or a friend has a steady had and decent power tool know how it is easy. Watch couple videos and then practice on an old tank. I just drilled my 125 with no guide and the holes were perfect.
 
It is personal preference. Many people hate reef ready and prefer to drill their own. Some drilled tanks are very loud and you are stuck with the drain type once it is done (same with flow rate). Some hobs are self starting and silent, others are not. Remember that with an hob, you would likely have returns hanging over as well. Just do thorough research.
 
I wouldnt say your stuck with the drain type. Ive seen some fixups/patch ups of old drilled holes in bottom and sides of tanks. Id recommend checking into both setups and seeing the draw backs. As said above with the HOB your return is also HOB. Herbie style overflows seem to be the quietest of the drilled spectrum.
 
I have 2 HOB on my 125, both have the aqua lift pump to prime em up in the event of power loss. I bought my tank used and it came with the one overflow, I just added the second to have more flow. Neither have given me any issues whatsoever. I'll admit I'd prefer a drilled tank but I couldn't beat what I paid for what I have. A little maintenance here and there and all is good but I enjoy the tinkering so it works for me. My next one I build will be in my basement and it'll be as big as possible and drilled.
 
I had no problems with my hob, in fact I never lost suction, it was just a possibility. Like I said I had it for years and no problems. But after doing it for years I think you really appreciate losing some maintenance in any shape or form. If you dont do regular maintenance on an hob it is definately going to hurt its performance.
 
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