How to build an overflow in a tank that is not drilled

Not sure which forum to put this in so....

I was wondering if someone could explain how to build an overflow in a tank that is not drilled. I have another tank I want to use as a sump but I'm not sure how to get the water to it like I have in my other tank that has an overflow.

 

Great thread. Interested to hear everyones thoughts because I'll be doing this on my 90 cube soon. Order of thoughts in my head.

1. Order 3 of the the correct bulkhead fittings.
2. Order correct diamond encrusted drill bit.
3. Figure out standpipe situation.
4. Order premade overflow box from Internal Overflow Boxes
5. Mock everything up and triple check everything before marking.
6. Build dam out of plumbers putty and fill with water.
7. Drill tank one hole at a time. Take breaks for relaxation between.


Missing anything?

 

So, I'm not quite understanding. Did you want to drill the tank, or use an overflow box?

 

i didn't want to drill the tank. How could i get water from the main frag tank to the sump without drilling?

 

You have a few different options depending on wether you tank is tempered or not that will be the first thing you need to figure out after that you can choose to drill the bottom if not tempered or drill the back if not tempered and with these two drilling methods you have a few options.

Bean Style Overflow
Herbie Style Overflow
Durso Standpipe Overflow
Glass Holes Overflow

All these above will get the job done of transfering water to the sump but each have there own perks I prefer the bean becuase is it silent and has 2 back ups from the main drain for saftey from floods.

Other then that you are stuck to go with a hang off the back set up which I do not reccomend since they are prone to fail if not taken care of well and kept clean.

As far as overflow boxes them selves go I would suggest making your own out of glass if a glass tank or acrylic for an acrylic tank.

Any other questions?

 

Using an overflow box.

I used these. These are also good when set up properly. If you decide to go with a CPR you will also need one of these.

There are a number of people that claim using an overflow box is not reliable and will cause an overflow when the siphon breaks after a power outage. This is simply incorrect. A properly set up overflow box will never overflow.

 

Forget the CPR; that's an overly-complicated system, IMO. No pump should be needed for an overflow to keep air bubbles out, especially when there's designs like the eShopps (an overflow I use) that work extremely well without one. Just one more part to fail, again IMO.

 

Yeah, I think that would work perfect. I was thinking of a 40 gallon breeder as the main tank and a 20 gallon long as the sump with a refugium. I'd just have to get some glass or plexiglass separators to make the refugium

 

^^^^^+1 the simpler it is the easier it will be to keep up with

 

Go with an Eshopps PF model overflow with the U Tube. Quality equipment with an affordable price tag.