Overflow Box Too Small?

tinpusher · #1 11-12-2005, 04:45 AM

If I had to do it all over again I think I would buy a tank already set up. However my time machine is in the shop so here goes "I need help! Part XXI".

Bought and installed a pair of overflow boxes for my 125 gallon. Seemed simple enough just make sure they are big enough to get your hands around the stand pipe to remove when needed. 5" square should do.........wrong! With the teeth restricting flow over the lip I am not getting enough water to the sump. Aquarium fills to the point where the water is going over the top of the teeth which sort of defeats the purpose. Options?

1. Remove the teeth?
2. Remove the boxes and get them enlarged?
3.?????

Any opinions appreciated.

muck · #2 11-12-2005, 05:25 AM

what size pump are you running?

tinpusher · #3 11-12-2005, 05:43 AM

Mag 24 with 2 x 1.5" drains and 5' of head. I am looking for 1500 gph and my drains are able at least that.

muck · #4 11-12-2005, 06:03 AM

Seems to me the bulkheads can handle that amount of flow but your overflow boxes can not. What are you overflows rated for? Should say on the box I would think..

Is drilling the tank an option? Thats what I would do if I were you.
If not you have two options.

1. Get a smaller GPH rated pump that the overflows will be able to handle.
2. Return the overflows and get larger ones or DIY larger ones.

tinpusher · #5 11-12-2005, 07:30 AM

Bulkheads are definetly big enough so I won't be drilling more holes. I guess its bigger overflow boxes. That sound is not my sump its me flushing more $$$$$ down the toilet.

Nemo · #6 11-12-2005, 07:33 AM

Try taking ever second tooth off the over flow boxes.

tinpusher · #7 11-12-2005, 07:43 AM

Muck, I just read another post where you mentioned you don't use teeth and cover the top with gutter guard. If I cut the teeth out I might be able to get the flow I am after.

Nemo, Cutting every other tooth out might work but isn't the point of the teeth to keep out snails and fish?

Nemo · #8 11-12-2005, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinpusher

Muck, I just read another post where you mentioned you don't use teeth and cover the top with gutter guard. If I cut the teeth out I might be able to get the flow I am after.

Nemo, Cutting every other tooth out might work but isn't the point of the teeth to keep out snails and fish?

Yes but didn't you write you wanted to try and not spend more? Or another thought cut your teeth deeper

zulu_principle · #9 11-12-2005, 02:06 PM

Is it a straight pipe out of the overflow or have you used any elbows, etc?

It sounds to me like the pipe is restricting the flow not the box.

Call me at OA if you have time.

Wendell

tinpusher · #10 11-12-2005, 06:49 PM

The water that goes over the overflow quickly disappears down the pipe. The water level inside the box is slightly above the standpipe but still below the top of the box. The drain could take more water if needed.