Overflow Q/comments

[DrBDC]

OK, we're getting ready to switch Glenn's tank over to the 150 but need to either get 6 pieces of glass `6X6 to make the 2 overflow boxes or another thought I had. We called around and everyone wants about 50 bucks for the glass to build those. They lace glass with diamonds now I guess!

So another thought I had was to build 2 boxes with some acrylic that I could pick up down at JBJ (or whatever that places name is). Then if we built it with back side on the boxes, use the bulkheads for help to attach them to the wall. The bulkheads will have the seal on the back of the tank so the threaded portion is inside the tank for this method.

Shoot this idea down and give me some more options/thoughts.

 

[Schplitter]

if you do the acrylic and glass mix make sure to put a rubber ring between the acrylic and the tank. This should work if the acrylic,glass and rubber ring are not too thick for the bulkhead...

BK

 

[marino420td]

For what its worth, my overflow is made of acrylic and is attached to a glass tank. Just siliconed to the tank like baffles in a sump. Since it is not structural, just need to have a watertight seal.

 

[DrBDC]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10702139#post10702139 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by marino420td
For what its worth, my overflow is made of acrylic and is attached to a glass tank. Just siliconed to the tank like baffles in a sump. Since it is not structural, just need to have a watertight seal.

Does that seem to work on acrylic baffles in a glass sump as well? I had thought we'd have to go glass on a baffle we need to put in his oceanic sump as well. If the plastic does hold solid enough we'll do acrylic there too.

 

[DrBDC]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10701373#post10701373 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Schplitter
if you do the acrylic and glass mix make sure to put a rubber ring between the acrylic and the tank. This should work if the acrylic,glass and rubber ring are not too thick for the bulkhead...

BK

If we go with a back on the box, I'll do that. Is that just for rubbing on the glass or ?? It won't need to be necessarily sealed there since the bulkhead seal is on the outside of the tank (threads into the tank).

 

[marino420td]

I use acrylic baffles in my glass sump and it holds fine. Mine has been running over 3 years with no issues. You just have to make sure and use acrylic thick enough to handle the water pressure (so it doesn't bow). I clean the glass and acrylic with rubbing alcohol before applying the silicone. Makes for a good seal.

Here are some pictures of my overflow before the tank was filled

Here is a picture of an acrylic baffle I used in my refugium.

 

[Schplitter]

I would do it like this:

bulkhead throught rubber gasket then through acrylic box then through another rubber gasket then through the tank and last but not least tighten ...

The rubber gasket on the outside of the tank is just asking for trouble. i tried it both ways and water is always able to push he gasket a bit away from the glass if it is not on the inside of the tank. If the gasket is on the inside then you have the the water pressure as your friend...

BK

 

[Schplitter]

BTW:

Acrylic will probably be more expensive then glass since oil prices are ridiculous...

 

[Nanook]

Hmmm, how about buy a reef ready tank?

 

[Dert42]

i hate my overflow. it fills with air. i have to clear it once a week.
i'll never use an overflow again.

 

[DrBDC]

I actually meant surface skimmer, not overflow. The tank is drilled.