DIY Overflow box?

[freespool]

Any plans or ideas on how to make a DIY overflow box? I don't have the funds for a new wetdry and overflow, so I am thinking of making one with an old tank (still need around 20-30gal), but need to figure out how to make an overflow box to hang on the tank.
Thanks

[fshfrk]

DIY one out of pvc pipe. I'm running 11 of them.

[freespool]

can you post up pics of send me a diagram? I know you are the DIY king. If anyone can design it you can. Thanks

[jarrodaden]

If I had it to do over again, I would drill the back of my tank and install a simple pvc pipe with a screen. Dustin at HAW has one of these in the showroom out front. Very simple and one of the quietest ones I have seen.

Maybe Dustin will post a pic.

If you are doing a siphon type, do your homework first. If the siphon fails you will have problems....

You should clarify whether you are planning to do a siphon type or a drilled / bulkhead installation.

For the wet / dry, I recommend that you go large with the tank. The bigger your tank, the more flexibility you will have and the less you will have to tweak it.

Once I have a better idea of what you are doing, I definitely would be willing to share a few suggestions with you.

[fshfrk]

can you post up pics of send me a diagram? I know you are the DIY king. If anyone can design it you can. Thanks

Are you going to be here Saturday night for the GHAC party. We can whip one out in 10 minutes. I feel these are 100% dependable.

[freespool]

Wish I could be at the party, but I have to work am event in Port O'Conner (fish tournament and kayak championship). I am way too scared to drill the tank. I have a stand built for it and can not afford to buy a new tank if something goes wrong. I would like to make a siphon type overflow box. It is a 110 gal tall tank. 48x18x30 and will be sitting on a 36" tall stand. I am planning to use a 20-30 gallon tank to make a wet/dry out of. would like to use a 30 high if I can find one for a good price.

[jarrodaden]

John - This is the one that I bought for $60 at the LFS in the NW part of Houston. I can't remember which LFS it was, but they have white lattice in the windows.

http://www.google.com/products/catal...ed=0CCEQ8wIwAQ#

[fshfrk]

I'll make you one out of 1 1/4" pvc it will flow 800 gph. You will need a mag 9.5 pump for return and a aqua lifter pump to keep the over flow primed. If you have a tall stand use a 29 gal tank for your sump. If a shorter stand use a 20 gal tank. A 5 gal bucket will sit on the rim of either tank perfect. Drill the bottom of the bucket full of holes( holes do not need to be small because scrubbers are big). fill it full of pot scrubbers. Bulk head the lid. Then you will need a 3ft drain hose. Use another 5 gal bucket and cut it at the bottom so you have a 1" lip and drill it so you have a nice drip tray that sits on top of the media. You want these holes consistant for even flow. Use a small broiler pan and lay it on the bottom of the drip tray. Mark it in the holes with a blk marker and drill. If there is not enough holes drill a hole in between each hole so the flow spreads evenly. Call me. jc

[freespool]

I am hoping to pick up a 30 gal high this week. thanks for all the help. you guys rock.

[jarrodaden]

I'll make you one out of 1 1/4" pvc it will flow 800 gph. You will need a mag 9.5 pump for return and a aqua lifter pump to keep the over flow primed. If you have a tall stand use a 29 gal tank for your sump. If a shorter stand use a 20 gal tank. A 5 gal bucket will sit on the rim of either tank perfect. Drill the bottom of the bucket full of holes( holes do not need to be small because scrubbers are big). fill it full of pot scrubbers. Bulk head the lid. Then you will need a 3ft drain hose. Use another 5 gal bucket and cut it at the bottom so you have a 1" lip and drill it so you have a nice drip tray that sits on top of the media. You want these holes consistant for even flow. Use a small broiler pan and lay it on the bottom of the drip tray. Mark it in the holes with a blk marker and drill. If there is not enough holes drill a hole in between each hole so the flow spreads evenly. Call me. jc

John is the DIY king. His stuff works. This may be a better option for you if you are looking for something more economical.

[nacra99]

Hmm... you know what
I've had this sitting around for ages. has some coraline you need to scrape off (or not). Or you can just sand it down and spray with krylon.
This was the overflow for my 30 gal reef which has since been taken down.
For 10 bucks.. it's yours!

[freespool]

Not sure if that would be big enough for my tank. My tank is way bigger than 30 gal.

[nacra99]

Ooops... yeah.. i went back and re-read your post.. you're right ... too small.. ignore that post.