drilled versus overflow

Mr. S · 01-14-2004, 08:44 PM

How about comparing these also? A drilled tank or overflow system? What are the pros and cons of each? The main one I can see is that overflow is less headache and much much cheaper! What am I missing?

podman · 01-14-2004, 08:52 PM

overflow boxes rely on a siphon. if the siphon breaks you might end up with a wet floor.

in the typical location, overflow boxes take up space in the back of the tank making it impossible to place the tank close to the wall.
the flip side is an internal overflow takes up more space inside the tank.

i prefer internal for simplicity's sake.

mousehole · 01-14-2004, 10:08 PM

I went with overflow, drilled might be easier, but overflow was cheaper and less of a headache. Instead of a box, I went with pvc, and drilled an airhose fitting into the top, then I have that going to a powerhead to automatically prime. Works like a charm, and is pretty maintenance free. If the tank level falls, the overflow will break siphon, if the level goes up again, it automatically primes. My filters go out further than my overflow, so the overhang is nothing, same as hoses. I think even if I had a box I would make the same mod, don't know why I haven't seen it done more often.

podman · 01-14-2004, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mousehole
I went with overflow, drilled might be easier, but overflow was cheaper and less of a headache. Instead of a box, I went with pvc, and drilled an airhose fitting into the top, then I have that going to a powerhead to automatically prime. Works like a charm, and is pretty maintenance free. If the tank level falls, the overflow will break siphon, if the level goes up again, it automatically primes. My filters go out further than my overflow, so the overhang is nothing, same as hoses. I think even if I had a box I would make the same mod, don't know why I haven't seen it done more often.

just a note....

if you do this make sure you use a powerhead that will start again in the event of a power outage.
Rios are notorious for not starting again and subsequently would not prime the siphon.

another note...

my internal overflow cost me a grand total of 50 dollars. drilled and DIYed.

mousehole · 01-14-2004, 10:42 PM

I use a hagen 802 powerhead that is also being used for current in the tank, and I've never had it not start up again after ocassional plugging and unplugging, and a blackout or two. I also don't have to go through the trouble of drilling, and risking the glass breaking, or a blowout later. Not including the powerhead my overflow cost 4 dollars, and that was only because of the ball valve. I love pvc : )

jfly · 01-14-2004, 11:45 PM

You have any pics handy mousehole? I'd like to look at that.

wanareef · 01-15-2004, 02:41 AM

Roger

Drill the tank! No overflow boxes to clean. No noise. I will be drilling the next tank for sure.

It's easy to drill, I got some diamond bits from Harbor Frieght, 20 pcs for $8 and it took me 20 mins to drill 4 holes in a 37gal glass tank. I used a Fordom flexshaft to do this, but you can use a dremel, too. Mark out the hole, get a cup of water and go fo it. This was on the back side. Most tanks have tempered glass on the bottom - so no drilling.

Mr. S · 01-15-2004, 11:07 AM

I like these kind of debates!!!

jfly · 01-15-2004, 12:24 PM

Hey wannareef, did you order them off the website? I don't see em on there, but I did find some diamond hole saw sets...

Mr. S · 01-15-2004, 02:14 PM

So wannareef if I happen to go with glass, what are the chances of you and I hooking up and drilling. Perhaps I could bring beverages and stuff like that to help ease the pain of helping someone like me!!!! lol

Renzema · 01-15-2004, 04:45 PM

Hey I want in on this drilling pow-wow...lol. Seriously if you are going to help Mr. S drill I would like to come a long to just see it first hand how its done. Need to drill a tank but I am to chicken to lay into my brand new tank w/o seeing it done.

Thanks
JR

Mr. S · 01-15-2004, 04:54 PM

Hey JR do you want to hook up tonight? Check your emails and let me know.

jfly · 01-15-2004, 05:47 PM

You could always pick up a cheapo ten gallon tank and practice drilling the heck out of it beause you'd only be out 10 bucks... small price for a drilling education.

mousehole · 01-16-2004, 08:28 AM

While I agree that a smaller tank would bee an acceptable risk to drill, I really become worried when drilling anything 80 and up. There is just so much weight pressing on the glass, that even a chip while drilling can lead to a hairline crack that can eventually take out the whole tank. Seen the aftermath of it happening, and if you think it's bad when your sump overflows, wait untill your whole tank is on the floor. Even the most skilled driller can crack a pane of glass, and practice as much as you want, but if you crack that glass with a touch to much pressure, you are paying for another tank, kind of an all or nothing deal, and drilling a ten is much different than drilling a larger tank with thicker glass. Gives a new meaning to patience.

As far as the overflow, I prefer glass to acrylic. I'm to clumsy, My wife likes to clean the tank every once in a while (would you complain?), and I've seen acrylic as opposed to glass after 5 years side by side, and glass definetly holds up better. Sure it's heavier, but who really plans on moving their tank much, it's a beast wether you have acrylic or glass. Glass stays clearer, and doesn't start flexing and bowing, and you can scrape off the coraline much easier with a razorblade (I'd never try that on acrylic). The overflow is a simple, safe, and economical alternative. Both drilled and overflow can get clogged, but I can remove my overflow to clean with almost no hassle. The overflow can be changed adjusted, moved, removed, added, painted, whatever, and you can do it with minimal impact to you aquarium. While drilling might be a touch bit easier, less to figure out or tweak with, imho it is not worth the risks involved unless on an acrylic tank, and I personally like the appearance, and cleaner appearance of a glass tank to acrylic. Ultimately it is a personal choice. Price, purpose, and your personal situation (kids, dogs, a wife obsesive with a cleaning pad?) will determine what you get and if you like it, my advice, check out a couple of personal tanks (not shop tanks, they have a entirely different situation) running different configurations (meetings would be a good place) and see what makes sense to you. Not really a question you can be handed an answer to, as you'll see with many other questions in this hobby, but that is what makes it fun.

P.S. I'll post pictures of my overflow soon, school has me tied up right now.