Overflow boxes

[omreardon]

Hey Everyone,

I am thinking of venturing into using a sump for filtration/refugium. Since my tank does not have a built in overflow I would need to get an overflow box. It's been years since I've used one of these. Last I used one it would quit suctioning at random. Has anyone used one of these that worked well? If so can you share the brand?

Thanks!
Olivia

 

[soulsigma]

I highly recomend this overflow box

I highly recomend this overflow box

I recently switched over to the Rapids Surface Skimmer Overflow because of the same situation you experienced and although I've had it up and running for a little under a week, I can honestly say that this overflow box lives up to it's name and is worth the money and the peace of mind in kowing you don't have to worry about you fug/sump over flowing and the automatic flow start and siphon stop gets 5+ stars from me. For me it's all about having the right tools to establish a health and successful marine set-up. Good luck:bum:

 

[goreefer]

Have you considered a PVC overflow?
That is what I have been using, works like a dream, costs about $10.Search PVC overflow here on RC.

 

[omreardon]

Interesting. I like the idea of the pvc overflows. They don't need re-priming and seem reliable. Couple more questions though. What diameter pvc do I need? My tank is a 46 gallon. And I really hate the look of white pvc, can I paint it?

Olivia

 

[Runner]

You can put some of that "purple primer" on it to mute the white. I did that in my old tank for a while.

External overflows are a little bit of a pain -- 5+ years I had one on my 75G. If you use the U-tubes, make sure you have two and that you clean them regularly.

 

[omreardon]

Purple primer? Can I use any type of paint?

I was planning on having two Us, one inside the tank and one outside. From what I read this type of overflow is more reliable than the overflow boxes. I've had overflow boxes before and had to constantly battle the U tube getting a bubble in it that would eventually stop the suction and then the sump pump would overflow the tank. This sounds like a better solution.

Olivia

 

[Runner]

Purple primer is actually a preparation product used to clean (soften?) PVC surfaces before you apply the PVC cement. It has a purple color to it. You'll find it sitting next to the PVC cement at Home Depot.

 

[goreefer]

You can also paint the PVC with Krylon Fusion paint, which is supposed to chemically bond to the PVC. But after about three weeks the coroline algae had pretty much covered all of my overflow. If you really hate the white PVC you can spend a little more and buy the schedule 80, which is grey in color.
On my 29 I use 3/4" PVC, and I have to throttle back the Eheim 1260 return pump.

 

[omreardon]

Ah, so Krylon Fusion paint is the way to go. I know coralline algae will take over but I just really hate the look of white pvc. I'll give it a try. I'll probably also use the 3/4" pvc.

Thanks everyone,
Olivia