Why not just a stand pipe?

[etepperman]

Hi,

I a building my new tank, and I was wondering why would I need the overflow box? It seems to take up a lot of room when just a stand pipe would seem to do the trick.

I would need to put a cage around it to prevent clogs, but this could be way smaller than a full overflow box?

What's the wisdom on this?

Thanks,
E

 

[disc1]

When the power goes out, the overflow is only a little water to go down to the sump. If you don't have the overflow and the power goes out, it takes a lot more water to get down to the level of the standpipe.

 

[frankpayne32]

I just have my tank drilled twice in the upper back with no overflow box. This is simpler but is not as effective at nutrient removal as a toothed surface skimming overflow box.

 

[noahm]

I just have my tank drilled twice in the upper back with now overflow box. This is simpler but is not as effective at nutrient removal as a toothed surface skimming overflow box.

This is a big reason for a box.

 

[frankpayne32]

This is a big reason for a box.

True but I haven't noticed any actual drawbacks from this. Just that it is theoretically inferior to remove surfecants. Perhaps if I added a skimming box I would notice an increase in water quality although IMO I suspect not.

 

[Milky3]

That is all that I have on a 100 gallon set up and it does the job IMHO

 

[etepperman]

Good to know. I think that is what is will do. How far from the rim are the holes?

What do you use to screen them from fish coming in?

Do you use any tubing in the tank itself, or does the water just flow right into the holes?

Thanks,
Elliott

 

[frankpayne32]

Good to know. I think that is what is will do. How far from the rim are the holes?

What do you use to screen them from fish coming in?

Do you use any tubing in the tank itself, or does the water just flow right into the holes?

Thanks,
Elliott

My holes are 3" from the top of the aquarium I believe. I have a PVC elbow screwed into the bulkhead. Then an aquarium strainer is screwed into the elbow. I can slightly adjust the water level by screwing or unscrewing the strainer. It also keeps fish from entering the pipe.

 

[Pallobi]

I have used standpipes and was very happy aside from the noise... more space, and less obstruction in tank than with MOST overflows, not all as the cali style overflow is sweet, especially in space conservation and looks... I don't believe my water quality was ever compromised in any way due to this, and have considered goin back to the standpipes on my next upgrade... jmo, GL