Making ghost overflow box from scratch

[Floowid]

You are kind of stuck with a custom box since you have holes already drilled. You could look at the possibility of enlarging the two outer holes to the size you need and just using a 1/2 inch bulkhead in the middle one since there is already a hole there.

Or, if you have space, you could start over with one of the premade boxes placed to the side of your 3 holes, drill the proper holes for it, and install 1/2 inch bulkheads in the existing holes. You could then either use those holes for return lines, or plug the plumbing on the outside of the bulkhead for 3 tiny mystery caves.

 

[FishNDip]

Tank size is 36 gallon. The only reason I drilled 2 holes for the outgoing water was because I wanted it quiet. Holes are almost 1" away from each other. I'll just see if the 1/2" bulkheads work. Hopefully I need a larger one and that one fits.

 

[Lsufan]

If u decide on a ghost overflow I think it would be worth just purchasing one. The reason I made mine is because it is 56” long & I would have paid a fortune to get it custom made.

If u can’t enlarge the holes I would build a box similar to the ghost overflows but use glass on both boxes. That way u don’t have to install a bulkhead into the holes u have drilled, just use them as pass thru holes to get water to the exterior box.

So u would build a small interior weir from glass & silicone it to the tank. Then build a exterior box for your plumbing & u can drill 1.75” holes in the exterior box for 1” bulkheads. By doing it this way u don’t have to install a bulkhead into your existing holes & u will have a 1” pass thru hole.

I wouldn’t use 1/2” bulkheads for drains. They will get clogged eventually because they are so small. I would eighther go with how I just explained or enlarge the holes. If u only have 1” between the existing holes then by enlarging them u will affect the integrity of the glass.

 

[FishNDip]

If u decide on a ghost overflow I think it would be worth just purchasing one. The reason I made mine is because it is 56” long & I would have paid a fortune to get it custom made.

If u can’t enlarge the holes I would build a box similar to the ghost overflows but use glass on both boxes. That way u don’t have to install a bulkhead into the holes u have drilled, just use them as pass thru holes to get water to the exterior box.

So u would build a small interior weir from glass & silicone it to the tank. Then build a exterior box for your plumbing & u can drill 1.75” holes in the exterior box for 1” bulkheads. By doing it this way u don’t have to install a bulkhead into your existing holes & u will have a 1” pass thru hole.

I wouldn’t use 1/2” bulkheads for drains. They will get clogged eventually because they are so small. I would eighther go with how I just explained or enlarge the holes. If u only have 1” between the existing holes then by enlarging them u will affect the integrity of the glass.

Ooh thank you! Never in the hobby have I run into such difficulties! That seems like a very wise suggestion. I'll buy a 1.75" drill bit and make a new hole close to the middle for my return piping. Sweet relief. :blown::dance:

 

[Fredfish]

...

Proper edge prep is key..

...

I'd highly suggest a bunch of practice pieces first before you attempt the final box.

This.

 

[Fredfish]

Well, I was viewing the ghost overflow as a quiet way to get the water to the sump, and when I saw the box, I thought. "PSH I can make that." I don't work a lot with plumbing, so this is a learning experience for me. I could just do 3 pipes coming down. Don't really care as long as it's quiet.

Welcome to the world of DIY. Hope you get through this project. After the first few times, a lot of this stuff does get easy. Hope you get through the first few tries. Its very rewarding.

 

[FishNDip]

This.

I'll have the store pre cut the glass so they can get it just right. Hopefully I have no more screw ups.

 

[mcgyvr]

Ooh thank you! Never in the hobby have I run into such difficulties! That seems like a very wise suggestion. I'll buy a 1.75" drill bit and make a new hole close to the middle for my return piping. Sweet relief. :blown::dance:

I'm not sure you understood what they wrote..

Or should I say your last statement about the new hole close to the middle for the return piping doesn't make it seem so..

 

[FishNDip]

I'm not sure you understood what they wrote..

Or should I say your last statement about the new hole close to the middle for the return piping doesn't make it seem so..

Well, see I can't enlarge the 3 holes I already made, and with all that water rushing out I don't want a small 1/2" return hole. So naturally I'll make a new hole, but this time use the 1.75" drill bit with the 1" bulkhead.

 

[mcgyvr]

Well, see I can't enlarge the 3 holes I already made, and with all that water rushing out I don't want a small 1/2" return hole. So naturally I'll make a new hole, but this time use the 1.75" drill bit with the 1" bulkhead.

ok.. why "close to middle"?..
Are your existing 3 holes off center and your return will be in the middle of the tank not in the overflow box?

But whatever.. if you are clear then go for it..

 

[FishNDip]

ok.. why "close to middle"?..
Are your existing 3 holes off center and your return will be in the middle of the tank not in the overflow box?

But whatever.. if you are clear then go for it..

Yeah my three holes holes are off centered to the left of the tank. My hole doesn't need to be in the middle, I can drill it on the right side of the tank and then place a wave maker on the opposite side to make random flow. That's probably a better idea.