Simple overflow idea

I was looking around and thought I would take the easy way and go for Glass-Holes overflow kit. But I am thinking that it was way over priced. So my idea is to do a simple overflow that is similar to theirs minus the actual overflow box and cost.

Theoretically I can just simply buy a bulk head and elbow for the overflow. I am thinking I should go with a 2 inch elbow and bulkhead, then cut slots on the elbow. So it would be a really simple overflow "box".

It is a 40 gallon breeder with a Mag7 return. With around 410 gph with headloss according to the head loss calculator. Glass-Holes recommends their 700 gph overflow kit that has a 1.5 inch bulk head. So going with 2 inch bulk head would give me a larger surface skim and more flow just in case something crawls into the elbow. But I think I will put a cap on it so nothing can get in but water.

Will my idea work? It sounds fool proof. No way am I dealing with external overflows with siphons again. haha Just drill a hole for the bulk head, cut slots in the elbow, screw it in facing up and there you go, a simple cheap and effective overflow.

 

I used a bulkhead screen on top of the elbow instead of cutting notches.
I cut the top off the screen just in case it got stopped up with debris.

Jack

 

That's a good idea as well. Do you think 2 inches is going to have enough surface skimming or should I try to find something a bit bigger? I am pretty sure there will be enough flow. Glass-Holes has a 3000gph overflow kit that uses a 2 inch bulkhead.

 

i thought about doing something similar, but ended up getting a new tank with weir already.
but what i was thinking was having a small length of drilled pipe come from vertically from the elbow and slipping a reducer over that similar to the 'hoffer gurgle buster' mod for dursos (think theres a couple you tube clips, the one i remember had grey plumbing, cant look for it right now tho sorry)
the reducer would increase surface skimming a little and hopefully the drilled pipe would mean slightly less critters could clog it up... in theory lol.
good luck tho, would like to know how it works out for you!

 

I think I will go with two 1.5" bulkheads with an elbow and strainers. If they both can't get clogged at the same time right? haha I like the idea of an overflow box, but when designing a tank with little distraction, an elbow is less noticeable than a big black box.