New overflow style to ponder over ... thoughts? Lengthy post so read at your leasure
 

If you don't already know, my 75g sprung a leak. There is a warranty replacement tank enroute, but I'm pondering a new style of overflow to maximize substrate space.

There is NO money available for me to order a custom tank, so don't remind me what I 'could' have :sad:

So, enter the Synergy Reef Overflow idea. I hope it's OK to post a link as none of our current sponsors carry anything such as this, but if I'm wrong sorry ... Synergyreef sells the 20" unit for $249US, so I'll be stealing their plans.

The design of this unit is not a whole lot different than what Glass Holes started off with years ago, but what they've done is create boxes that are more 'coast to coast' than just a square box. These guys offer a 16" and a 20" wide box. I like the idea of a 'wide' weir for surface skimming. And the way it's installed is completely different than a machined weir that may put stress on the back glass up high where the glass needs it's 'bowing' resistance.
The biggest attraction for me is the box 'inside' the tank is less than 1-3/8" deep. It holds 2 bulkheads for flow to the outside box .... I won't continue on. You can look at their website for more info.

Something else that attracts me to this design it the fact that I can use an existing 75g without removing any of the factory trim. This keeps the center brace in place, and the running water level above the trim/out of sight.
This doesn't mean 'their' design does or doesn't do this, but rather that 'mine' will.

Learning about this new style box has brought me to think about a DIY for my replacement tank. And this is where I'll give you some info to peruse and maybe give me some feedback on.

I like the idea of drilling holes many inches down from the top of a tank, verses cutting a wier across the top of a tank that wasn't spec'd for it.

My plan is to start with a stock 75g tank - no holes. I will then drill my own holes in the back.
I will build my own internal black acrylic box copying the above idea.
For the external part I will build a box using glass as it's easier for me to build it 'leak-proof'.

'Their' setup calls for drilling bulkhead holes 3-1/2" from the top. This is obviously a safe enough distance from the top to minimize glass stress/breakage and I plan on stealing this idea.
I'm then able to build whatever Herbie or Bean style I like.

Any questions or thoughts ?

Just remember that most companies will void warranties if the tanks are drilled by anyone aside from them.

But the synergy overflows work very well. My friend has had one for two months now and I'm very impressed with it. Especially the finish on the acrylic. Looks very sleek. The design is very simple too. If you can do a DIY project to mimic the idea, I would love to see it!

Check out my build log, I think what I ended up doing in my tank is kind of like what you are planning to do. I used the glass holes overflow as the starting point. It's working out well for me so far, I built a herbie into my external box with help from Anthony. Completely silent.

Reef supplies carries something like it, for cheaper.

http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...OW-SYSTEM.html

I like the look of that. I'm always nervous of the reliability of those small overflows but there's no reason why it wouldn't work.

I like the concept of them and would certainly consider one for myself if I had to create an overflow for a standard non-drilled tank. However I'd probably just build my own out of scrap glass to save a few bucks.

Thanks for the link Ian :wink:

Great idea Greg, however I share Fishy's concern:

I guess it is technically a free replacement for a tank you've already purchased years ago, and you are planning an upgrade in the future... but still.

Just to clarify, I'd sell the new replacement and drill a much cheaper tank
And you can bet I'd go over the tank to be drilled with a 'magnifying glass' before I would start drilling :smile:

I feel like you could make that for 50 with glass. I have made similar overflows

No doubt you could. Just wouldnt be as sexy, and you'd see the water cascading into the first overflow. Id try to spray bomb the glass black with krylon first.

You'd also loose the nice overflow teeth with the glass version.

If you're handy with acrylic, this wouldnt actually cost much. Personally, I would make the inside portion out of black acrylic, so you get the looks, and have a standard glass portion in the back.

I made teeth on the inside and painted and clear coated it. Mostly looks like one piece

Greg, do you know that Reef Supplies carries the Elite Aquatics overflow systems for CAD$200 which is pretty much the same thing for a lot cheaper? This is not a new style of drain at all. These have been around for many years.

http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...OW-SYSTEM.html

Thanks Mindy. Ian linked it for me a page back
I'm debating building vs buying one

I built one out of acrylic for my 90gal cube... had the pieces CNC'd and then just glued it together. Works awersome :)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Rc...=w1296-h972-no

What did you use to glue the acrylic?

I used Weldon, can't remember exactly which number but I think Weldon #04. It has the consistency of water and melts / welds the two surfaces together.

I like the idea Greg . I think you could make one way cheaper . Plastic Works - here in Surrey has helped me out a few times - if you wanna make the internal with teeth . Outside glass box should strengthen rear pane with holes , I wouldn't worry about it.
Only thing , you'd have to make internal box wide enough to get bulk heads in & out . Just my 2 cents .
Good luck - I like it !

I like the slim design of the internal overflow, the only downside would be if something got stuck inside it or one of the bulkheads it would be pretty difficult to remove.

To solve maron6697s bulkhead issue I would glue the bulkheads in to the back panel before gluing the front panel of the box on.
Good luck!

I pulled the trigger and just finished placing an order for an Elite Aquatics 3-drain system through Reef Supplies.
I will be running a Bean now instead of a Herbie. Might as well while I have the opportunity to do so.

Can't beat the price, and I don't have the time to cut/assemble all the pieces involved.
By the time I purchase all the needed acrylic and bulkheads I'd be looking @ close to half the price of the unit.
Then cutting and assembling such a unit takes time I don't have.
I have all the necessary tools to build this unit, but know I can't make a 1-off look as nice as one cut with a CNC unit.
I just hope it arrives as pretty as their pictures, and is water tight :surprise:

There's a full-page list of stuff I need to get done before June and this is not going to be one of them !!