Check these plans for my tank???

[Len]

The overflow box is just two or three sided acrylic or glass. There is no bottom or top to it. They run pretty much the full height of the tank. Water overflows into the box from the top (usually has "teeth" grills to keep big stuff from getting drawn into the overflow box). People usually have the hole drilled at the bottom of the overflow where it drains.

Here's a corner (two side) overflow box to give you an idea:

 

[bleedingthought]

The piping inside the overflow from the picture Len posted is called a durso standpipe and it's an optional piece of plumbing that keeps your drain less noisy. Just to keep you less confused.

 

[AlrightCool]

instead Like lens tank being drilled at the bottom i could have mine drilled on the side right? and the water is pulled down by gravity right? so i would just need one hole drilled on either corner of the glass where the 2 sided flow box is correct? and that would be my intake to the refuge/sump correct?




Brian

Sorry for all the questions i just want to get this right the first time hehe

 

[Len]

Sure, you can have it drilled on the side of the tank close to the bottom. Just one hole on whichever side you choose to install the overflow box. I would pick the side that is less visible from your regular viewing perspective as overflow boxes are ugly and can make a little noise

Questions are good.

 

[AlrightCool]

or like this without even needing to drill a hole unless u guys think it is neccessary or a better option to drill a hole

 

[bleedingthought]

That is a hang on the back overflow which is an option I personally would not even consider.

 

[AlrightCool]

i figured lol ill just get the hole drilled

 

[Len]

Your tank is dry. Drill that hole. You'll appreciate a gravity fed overflow versus a siphon type. Trust me

 

[AlrightCool]

definatly will,really like to thank you guys for all your help really really helped me decide on what to do now i know Exactly what to do!!!
Really excited to get it going


Brian

 

[AlrightCool]

haha nother question sorry LOL how does the durso work if the water isnt just pouring in the tube ,im thinking bubble its trapped? but like thiago said i dont have to have a durso but its going to be where i sleep so i think i might be a good idea to have?

Also where can i find bulk heads i looked for them at home depot/lowes????

 

[Len]

Durso isn't a bubble trap. It regulates how much air and water mixture goes down the pipe. It is a common way to reduce noise, but I use a better and simpler way IMO. There is a standpipe in my overflow box that goes up (from the hole) about 1/2 to 2/3 up the height of the tank. Then, I just put a gate or ball valve on my overflow pipe below the tank (closer to the sump). I choke down the flow to the perfect point where the water level in the overflow box is high enough so that 1) there is no cascading water sound and 2) the to of the overflow pipe is totally submerged. The latter insures no gurgling sound and virtually no bubbles (like Dursos would create).

One would think this method might clog. IME, it does not. But if you want to be absolutely safe, have them drill two drain holes instead of one. One will serve as the normal overflow drain and the other can be plumbed higher (above the normal water line in the overflow box) to serve as an emergency drain in case the main drain clogs.

 

[AlrightCool]

awesome sounds good and i ight consider putting another hole just incase that eould suck if i happen to come home to water from the second story lol

ive already done that once falling asleep in the tub haha not fuuun at all

 

[AlrightCool]

awesome sounds good and i might consider putting another hole just incase that would suck if i happen to come home to water from the second story lol

ive already done that once falling asleep in the tub haha not fuuun at all



Brian

 

[bleedingthought]

In addition to what Len said, there's also a Stockman standpipe that is also commonly used. I personally use a durso right now but will change it to what Len describes in using two pipes with different heights inside the overflow and one regulated by a valve.

Bulkheads aren't normally available locally. Sometimes pool stores will have it but it is somewhat rare. Most times, your LFS will have them. But online will be your easiest and cheapest way to go. There are two types: light and heavy duty (schedule 80). Those bulkheads require different size holes to be drilled. For example, a 1" lightduty bulkhead will require a 1.75" hole while a 1" heavyduty bulkhead will require a 1.875" hole. So, make sure where you want to purchase them from, what sizes and what 'duty', and then consult those specific numbers for your glass drilling.

Here are two places that sell them:

http://savko.com/partlist.asp?pgid=2

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_plu ... ainers.asp

 

[AlrightCool]

Awesome! alrioght i think im set on what to do now haha so exciting ! now to get them damn holes drilled

EXCEPT FOR ONE QUESTION about those 2 holes the flow box and the safety over flow aout where should they be because i figured i need a 19 inch flow box should i get it 6 x 6?? 5 x 8 ?? the 6x6 almost takes up half i think 5x8 would be a better choice heres a pic....i wish i had a wider tank hehe

how far from the bottom should the holes be and if im gonna have another hole it shoudl be next to it correct the xtra overflow ???

Also i might even be able to get a wider tank probably ending up being a 60 or just a low and wide 55 my stand has plenty of more space to take up about asnother 2 inches wider so a bigger tank is a possibility but im not sure yet.

 

[bleedingthought]

5x8 and 19 inches tall should be good! The overflow teeth will come down about and inch or so. In your case, to save on side space, I think I would go for a center overflow. If you can score a wider tank, go for it! But that's me, though. I love the depth!

 

[Len]

Ya, 5x8 sounds good. You can have the holes drilled about 2" apart (that is, two inches between each hole), side by side. Drill it closer to the bottom of the tank, maybe 2-3" above the bottom.

 

[AlrightCool]

did i say wide i meant deep lol i think u guys know what i meant lol

 

[Len]

You can even have him custom design one. It doesn't need to be so big. a 7x4x19" (or 18" tall just to give an inch above the water line to prevent spills) one will be plenty to accomodate two 1 3/4" holes spaced 1 1/2" apart. That's probably the smallest I'd go though. 8X5" is a safer and easier-to-work-with dimension though.

 

[AlrightCool]

yea im probably gonna go with the 8x5 and 19 also because any shorter and i thinks its gonna make the tank not as full or up to the line leaving that space of water