Internal overflow question

[Sam2000001]

Howdy again,

I have another question that has stumped me, but will probably prove easy to answer to some of the more seasoned reefers out there. If I get a 40g breeder, and have it drilled for overflow (probably 2 holes) near the top of the tank, would I have to get an internal overflow box for it? Could I get away without one?

What I am asking is, what if I just had some pvc piping come in and angle upwards with a grate to make sure no inhabitants get in, and skip the box all together. Would this be a bad idea? I guess I can see build-up being a much bigger issue for a pipe rather than an entire box since there is much less real estate to be lost.

Your thoughts, comments, and ideas are highly welcome!

 

[EverettReef]

The only downside would be the lack of surface skimming the box would give you. You could go with a smaller box that does not go to the bottom of the tank. I'd go with the box, but that is just me. Not required.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

+1 not to mention how unsightly it would look.

 

[Sam2000001]

Ok thanks, I do see how the box would be keeping things a lot cleaner looking. If I am running a mag 7 on this 40g for return would 1 1/2" bulkhead holes be ok? I plan on drilling 2 holes, both for draining purposes.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

what is your head loss for the mag 7? once you figure that out punch the numbers into this and it will give you drain size:
http://reefcentral.com/calc/drain.php

 

[Sam2000001]

Oh nice to see that cool calculator. I would say after plumbing this pump would be just under 500GPH which calculates out to .91" pipe, so I assume I would round this to a 1" pipe. If I plan on drilling 2 holes, for redundancy, would 2 1" holes be overkill for that pump? I'm thinking that this pump might not be able to pump water out faster than it receives it.

 

[THE ROOK]

Check out glassholes.com

They sell a kit with everything needed incl. drill bit. There's a video, too, on their website that pertains to drill & installing a box.

 

[loosecannon]

Sammy I have a 40 breeder with two 1" holes drilled. I have a Q-one 3,000 with a one " retrun that goes thrue a y and comes out two 3/4 . It goes down two a ten gal. sump. I have a asm mini-g skimmer, and a maxi jet 1200 for added movement. It`s a lps tank.

 

[Sam2000001]

Thanks for the good info. Yea I've checked out that site in the past. Thx Loose, that pump seems to be somewhat equal to mine, so I think I might be ok.