Overflow without drilling tank?

[Rasmusm]

Hello all

I'm new here, but not new to the hobby. Been into freshwater for 10 years almost. I'm planning a sump to my old 72l tank this time I've been wanting to startup again.

I got a 54l starter tank from a friend to use as a sump.
My only concern are, i do not feel comfortable drilling the tank since it's only 4 or 5mm thick glass..

So I'd like to do it some way without. I'm thinking some kind of overflow box. But definitely not sure about if i should use a U bend as a Syphon ? I don't think it will start it self after a power loss, or am i wrong here?

What other alternatives do I have? Also need to mention that i like it silent

Thank you,
From Rasmus
Denmark

 

[NubbsJRN]

One of the biggest regrets I have is not drilling my display before setting it up.

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[Murdock5150]

One of the biggest regrets I have is not drilling my display before setting it up.

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+1

I will never again own a tank that is not drilled and needs an overflow box. So many times I came home to, or woke up to, water everywhere...

You might be able to find a local glass shop that will drill it for you. They usually won't guarantee it won't break, but I've had several tanks drilled with no issues.

 

[bshow24]

Drilling is the best option, but I have been running my tank w/ sump for 5 years now. I would suggest either the Lifereef Overflows or an Eshopps hang on back. I would also purchase some type of leak detection equipment. Since these are siphon fed (rather than gravity fed like a drilled tank), if the siphon goes, you're in big trouble.

I've prevented many a problem with an Apex Leak Detection module, but luckily in a few short months I'll have a drilled tank and won't have to worry about that issue!

 

[n2585722]

I used one of these http://www.marinedepot.com/Tom_Aqua...AYMiHkTbQYzKYz5oGxLAf3h5ccbmXvlneMaAkm38P8HAQ on my 42 gallon hex tank. Just make sure and check the weep hole regularly to make sure it doesn't plug up.

 

[wildman926]

But definitely not sure about if i should use a U bend as a Syphon ? I don't think it will start it self after a power loss, or am i wrong here?

Yes, it will restart after a power loss, no issues. I have only run this type as I am not a fan of drilling glass, and have never had an issue.

 

[Blackdog2]

I drilled after considering possible outcomes following a power outage. It was a bit nerve racking but it was very easy and turned out great. I can sleep easy now knowing ive gone a long way in mitigating a potential flood. Nothing is 100% but i belive drilling is worth the risk. I figured if it breaks, ill spend the few extra bucks now and buy the rr tank.

 

[JUNBUG361]

I never felt comfortable using the eshopp overflow. Don't wanna come home with a messy floor. If anything I would look for a another tank

 

[Rasmusm]

Thank you for all your replys.
Hmm I might actually know some with a hobby glass workshop, worth asking if they are up for it!

If I end up with a drilled tank, what size of pipes should I go with, I thought about 1" or 1,5" is that oversized. I was looking into the bean animal system which looks really nice and silent, that means 3 pipes .
The pump I'll be using is the Jebao dcs-3000.

I could also get Two semi large holes drilled in the tank (maybe even one?) and make a box sealed with silicone on the outside of the tank for the bean animal, might be worth looking into. Will prolly DIY every thing that I can my self

The holes i need drilled in the tank, should they be at the height I want the water level?

Thank you all

 

[bshow24]

For a 72l tank ( I believe this is close to 20 gallons) you only need 1 inch pipes, maybe even 3/4 inch. The reason being you're usually looking for about 10x water volume turnover from a sump (so 20 gallon tank, 200 gph turnover).

A bean animal is great because it gives you multiple drains and a safety net in case something clogs or there's an issue with your main drain. You can definitely drill a single hole and have that connect to a box on the outside, but I would suggest utilizing a small, ghost type box on the inside. If you have a hole, it's possible your fish find a way to swim through it

The rest I'm sure others will be able to help with. I'm not as experienced in thise departments yet.

 

[Rasmusm]

So 1" piping thanks !
How big of a hole in the tank should I drill if so. And how far below the water level?
I planned to DIY somekind of small box inside the tank with some sort of overflow, and for the outside aswell

 

[wildman926]

When I do water changes, the overflow starts right back up, no issues. I have only ran overflows for 17 years without issue. Just make sure you clean your overflow box and tubes periodically, just like anything else.

 

[wildman926]

Here are my tanks -

 

[jd371]

I have an Eshopps overflow for my 75g w/ 20g sump. If the siphon ever stopped the return section would run dry before it ever came close to flooding, so there is no way to flood if it's set up right. In the 2 years I've had my tank I never lost a siphon and it starts right back up again when I stop it for a wc or from a power outage. I clean the overflow box once a year and the U-tube at $8 a pop I just replace instead of trying to clean when it gets algae and coralline, which is about twice a year.

 

[Stolireef]

So 1" piping thanks !
How big of a hole in the tank should I drill if so. And how far below the water level?
I planned to DIY somekind of small box inside the tank with some sort of overflow, and for the outside aswell

You're going to need to install bulkheads so if you go to any of the big online vendors (Marine Depot, etc.), they will have a chart that tells you the size of the hole you need to drill based upon the size of the bulkhead.

BTW, drill baby drill!!!

 

[Rasmusm]

Wildman, beautiful tanks mate !! Really looking good

I think I will give it a go with drilling. Im not sure what size drill to make for bean animal with 3 x 1" pipes. I will make external overflow box outside the tank, so what size hole needs to be drilled to the box? And at what height? 1/2 - 3/4" below water surface?