Should I ditch the overflow box?

[Isaacs55]

Hey guys
I was wondering if I could just ditch the overflow box altogether and and have no box cover my drains? I've always had a box obviously to keep fish out and keep the drains in the box but can i just ditch it and use a type of mesh to keep fish and critters out?

Sorta like this but with another street 90 in the other bulkhead of course....I would maybe silicone a black mesh to both of my street 90s? Would that work? Or if there's another way people have done it and ditched to overflow box like I'm wanting to? Not BeAnAnimal design though just how I have it in my picture. The herbie method.
Thanks guys

 

[Isaacs55]

 

[tennesseebob]

you could, but you would loose the surface skiming aspect of it, and your water level will be much lower, with a much higher flow in a smaller area, that can cause some fish to get sucked in unless you put on strainers. but that surface skimming that you loose from the overflow box is a big hit.

 

[Isaacs55]

Yea I figured. Just thought I could get away with it. But I'll just stick to the box

 

[Shawn O]

http://www.customaquariums.com/p-225-h2overflow-complete-glued-assembly.aspx

 

[Isaacs55]

http://www.customaquariums.com/p-225-h2overflow-complete-glued-assembly.aspx

That's neat...do you know how effective this is?

 

[Shawn O]

Not a clue but can only imagine it would have to be better than just having elbows and strainers. You'd probably have to make sure they are both at the same height. If you go this route, let us know how they work out for you.

 

[tennesseebob]

Hmmmm....that little thing is pricey lol