Overflow boxes vs. pipe drain

jejton · 06-19-2007, 01:06 PM

What are the advantages/disadvantages to using an overflow box ( built in not hang on ) versus just drilling a hole in the back of a tank and using a pvc elbow with a strainer ?

masterswimmer · 06-19-2007, 01:43 PM

The overflow box will offer more area for surface skimming.
The strainer can get clogged with free floating algae, snails, etc and possibly get blocked enough to cause a flood (unlikely, but possible).

Both methods will work, one just a bit better than the other.

simike · 06-19-2007, 07:26 PM

with the strainer it would be tough to get a good water level, plus with a box you are skimmimg the water surface where all the crap is

look at my tank build to see what i did

**Deanos** · 06-19-2007, 09:44 PM

I have had consistent water level with a strainer for the last 2 years.

Tonyscoots84 · 06-19-2007, 09:46 PM

when i had my 75 gallon up i had a strainer and had no problem either keeping the water level ummmm leveled

jejton · 06-20-2007, 10:56 AM

Are strainers more prone to clogging?

masterswimmer · 06-20-2007, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jejton


	Are strainers more prone to clogging?

No question about it. Just due to the nature of how they work and their design they are more prone to clogging. Does this mean it will absolutely, definitely, eventually happen? No. Is it more prone? Yes.

swimmer

MOIDOL · 06-20-2007, 01:10 PM

I never run a strainer so I don't know. for overflow box u need to run it with a lifter pump 24/7(well at least for me) other wise it'll loose siphon, and the pump die in a year. but my friend running 2 on a 180g. he runs the lifter pump on a timer for 2 Min 2 times a day for 4 years and never lost siphon.

masterswimmer · 06-20-2007, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOIDOL


	I never run a strainer so I don't know. for overflow box u need to run it with a lifter pump 24/7(well at least for me) other wise it'll loose siphon, and the pump die in a year. but my friend running 2 on a 180g. he runs the lifter pump on a timer for 2 Min 2 times a day for 4 years and never lost siphon.

He mentioned he's using:

Quote:

Originally Posted by jejton


	using an overflow box ( built in not hang on )

not using an external, hangon overflow that would require a lifter pump.....from my interpretation. But I could be totally mistaken.

swimmer

MOIDOL · 06-20-2007, 05:08 PM

ooh my bad...happy reefing

06-19-2007, 01:06 PM	#1
jejton Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Suffolk Posts: 1,548 Reefer Ratings: (10) Friends: (1)	Overflow boxes vs. pipe drain What are the advantages/disadvantages to using an overflow box ( built in not hang on ) versus just drilling a hole in the back of a tank and using a pvc elbow with a strainer ?

06-19-2007, 01:43 PM	#2
masterswimmer www.saltwatercritters.com Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Orange County Posts: 9,234 Reefer Ratings: (88) Friends: (16)	The overflow box will offer more area for surface skimming. The strainer can get clogged with free floating algae, snails, etc and possibly get blocked enough to cause a flood (unlikely, but possible). Both methods will work, one just a bit better than the other. __________________ House of Fish (845) 610-3114 www.saltwatercritters.com Serving all your saltwater critter and reef needs

06-19-2007, 07:26 PM	#3
simike Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Staten Island Posts: 392 Reefer Ratings: (7) Friends: (0)	with the strainer it would be tough to get a good water level, plus with a box you are skimmimg the water surface where all the crap is look at my tank build to see what i did Last edited by simike; 06-19-2007 at 07:32 PM.

06-19-2007, 09:44 PM	#4
Deanos Moderator Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Bronx, NY 10475 Posts: 12,061 Reefer Ratings: (97) Friends: (17)	I have had consistent water level with a strainer for the last 2 years. __________________ Need help or have a question? Click the avatar below:

06-19-2007, 09:46 PM	#5
Tonyscoots84 Soon To Be Nano KiNg ;) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Staten Island Posts: 7,037 Reefer Ratings: (22) Friends: (0)	when i had my 75 gallon up i had a strainer and had no problem either keeping the water level ummmm leveled __________________ B & A Computers Got Computer Problems? We Can Fix Them! (We Come To You For What It Would Cost For You To Bring It To The Store) Stop Getting Ripped Off and Start Saving Money On Tech Services! We Are Here For All Your Computer Needs. We have have helped hundreds of people save alot of money in Manhattan,New York,Bronx,Queens,Brooklyn,Staten Island and New Jersey. (718) 689 - 0662

06-20-2007, 10:56 AM	#6
jejton Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Suffolk Posts: 1,548 Reefer Ratings: (10) Friends: (1)	Are strainers more prone to clogging?

06-20-2007, 01:10 PM	#8
MOIDOL Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: BROOKLYN NY 11214 Posts: 1,249 Reefer Ratings: (96) Friends: (29)	I never run a strainer so I don't know. for overflow box u need to run it with a lifter pump 24/7(well at least for me) other wise it'll loose siphon, and the pump die in a year. but my friend running 2 on a 180g. he runs the lifter pump on a timer for 2 Min 2 times a day for 4 years and never lost siphon. __________________ experience is everything Last edited by MOIDOL; 06-20-2007 at 01:13 PM.

06-20-2007, 05:08 PM	#10
MOIDOL Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: BROOKLYN NY 11214 Posts: 1,249 Reefer Ratings: (96) Friends: (29)	ooh my bad...happy reefing __________________ experience is everything

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