Cutting an overflow?

[SaltyDog]

Is it possible / difficult / advisable to cut an overflow into an all-glass tank?

I find myself with a replacement tank due to a suspected leak that may not have been an actual leak (see Reef Talk) I *could* take it back, or I could cut an overflow in the back of it, swap it out for the old tank, and put in a sump.

This hobby is way too addictive.

 

[JohnK]

Do you mean an external overflow on the back of the tank? If so it can be done, but I don't have any exp with that type of set up. IIRC rich connely set something like that up, might want to check with him.

I can say it's not hard at all to install an internal overflow box and drill the tank for a bulkhead fitting.

 

[JayM]

What John said.

I recently bought a 150 that has 6 holes drilled in it. 2 for closed loop (I think), 2 for pump returns, and 2 1.5" bulkheads for the calfo-style overflow that runs most of the length of the back of the tank. It's currently running in test mode with about 180 gallons between the sump and tank.

Once you go overflow, you never go back

 

[SaltyDog]

I think what I mean is an internal overflow box with a drilled drain. How does one go about drilling the glass? Or should I just take it to a glass place; there's a little place about two miles from my house...

 

[JohnK]

To drill glass you need a diamond hole saw and some patience. Lots of people in the BRS can drill holes, just ask and offer beer or other fair trades and you should be able to get some help. There is always a risk of cracking the glass, but the larger the tank (thicker glass) the safer it is. That said I've drilled several 20G tanks and never cracked one. You can try the local glass place, but they may not want to drill a tank??? A lot of the LFS's will drill for you also. Where is Wilbraham?

Making an overflow box is easy with basic acrylic skills. Again, ask around if you need help. You can also buy them premade from a couple of places, but the prices I've seen seem a bit inflated to me. Once the box is made, just silicone in place.


"I recently bought a 150 that has 6 holes drilled in it."

Does that mean you don't need a hand drilling your tank after all? I was wondering why I hadn't heard from you in a while.

jk

 

[SaltyDog]

Wilbraham is out toward Springfield. I work in Hudson, MA, however, so I'm often much closer to Boston. I'll do a little research out here...

Of course, the "dining room" in my house is furnished as a bar, including a kegerator (I still have Sam's Summer tapped, tho) so beer and other libations are always in good supply. Perhaps that would entice someone to make a pilgrimage?

I've never worked with acrylic, but I'm reasonably handy, so maybe I'll give it a go... sounds like fun.

Thanks for the info

 

[JohnK]

I'm right in sudbury so if we could coordinate times I could drill a hole for you. Also all things fishy/office aquariums on rt 20 in marlboro drills tanks but it may take a few days.

To make an acrylic overflow is pretty easy, but in general acrylic isn't forgiving at all to work with - you've gotta get it right the first time. All you really need is a router tool wise.

Check out this site for some good acrylic working info

 

[SaltyDog]

Doh! I have no router.

I do have a RotoZip though, is that good enough?

 

[NateHanson]

I'm not sure if a rotozip would work. Can you run it along a fence to create a smooth straight edge? Might be worth a try. Alternatively you can do decent acrylic work with a tablesaw (and perhaps sandpaper or a file to smooth the edges after the cut).

 

[SaltyDog]

Yeah, definitely, and you can control the depth, too

BTW you forgot to post the link to acrylic working info in your previous post, would you send it, please? I'm getting itchy to build something...

 

[JohnK]

whoops,

http://www.melevsreef.com

It depends on how you want to make the overflow, if you want teeth on the top it might get pretty tricky without a router. If you don't want teeth, all you need to do is be able to make a couple of straight cuts. (IMO teeth are a very good idea on traditional style overflow boxes, on a calfo style design they probably aren't necessary or even desirable)

I have heard of cutting acrylic with a rotozip so I assume it will work, but I've never done it.

I could make, or help you make the overflow box, but things are pretty busy with x-mas coming so it might be a bit difficult to find a time to get together. (I am free this weekend if you want to make the drive out)

 

[SaltyDog]

Thanks for the generous offer of assistance... but I'm in no rush. I'm also trying to get this mini canopy built so I can get the glass top off my tank. So let me do some more research, and maybe I'll take you up on your offer in the new year.

 

[JohnK]

Just let me know, PM is best. Happy to help out.

jk

 

[HKAVR45]

Just let me know, PM is best. Happy to help out.

jk

John,

Let me know if you need that 1 3/4" hole saw bit. Its probably got one or two more holes left in it.