Is an Overflow needed?

I am upgrading my 10g nano into a 24g Aquapod, and I'm planning on building a sump/refugium. Just in case you are not familiar with an Aquapod, it has surface skimming filtration attached on the back of the display tank. Now my concern is, do I need to use a overflow box to get water to my sump? I was thinking about just using a U tube and vinyl tubing which would syphon the water out of the filter section to my sump. I am trying to get myself out of using an overflow box because of space and because they are somewhat of an eyesore. This is my first time setting up a sump, so I hope this wasn't a dumb question.

 

That would work, you just want to make sure if you power goes out your siphon will start again or the water in your sump will flood your tank.

If you can i would suggest drilling your tank in the back where the filtration area is.

Here is a link to a good thread for an overflow tube that maintains it siphon in the event of a power failure, I use it on my tank.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/nice-cheap-diy-overflow-29396.html

 

I was thinking about drilling it, but I don't know if I am able to until I take a look at it (the Aquapod hasn't been delivered to my house yet). I don't want to flood my room, so I should probably not go with my idea. I'm reading that link from the start, and it has really good setups. Thanks

 

You probably could drill out the back & put a bulkhead fitting in there.

 

I got the tank yesturday, and after checking it out, I noticed the back of the tank is glass with a plastic layer over it to make up the filter. I'm not sure how to drill through that, and besides, I don't feel like ruining my new tank trying. It looks hard to do. Is it? If it is, I'll probably end up going with that cheap DIY overflow. It looks ok and seems to work good too.

 

look for cloveys DIY overflow IMO I would use 1/2 in. I used 1in on a 55. Make sure you follow the insturctions exactly and glue everything tightly!