Bulkhead vs Overflow box

[sandmann2]

I am going to be drilling my 110 g tank in the next few days and I am wondering if I should just put in a bulkhead with a screen on it or go to an overflow box?

The overflow box my LFS is recommending is 6" x 6" x 4" d. There is room for a piece of filter floss.

Thanks

[crvz]

what are you intending to do by drilling? Install a sump? An overflow box limits how much water can flow out of the tank, and is definitely the solution if you're trying to add a sump. If you just stick a bulkhead in place, there's nothing to keep water from draining out to where the bulkhead is (if it's in the bottom of the tank, you're really asking for trouble).

regarding filter floss, I would not recommend sticking it in the overflow box. anything that can trap wastes is a cause for concern, and unless you plan on cleaning it out a couple times a week it will probably cause more harm than good.

[sandmann2]

Yes I am going to install a sump. I've had what a I call a closed system up until this point. Skimmer, Fluval canister filter, Power heads etc. I have had a lot of water quality issues in the last few months and 3 weeks ago I completely re-vamped the tank. Removed old sand bed (3 yrs old) cleaned the LR and complete WC.

OK I understand about the bulkhead and floss. With respect to the overflow box, like I said these are square and about 4" thick. are there other types that are more pleasing to the eye? Also in your estimation how low will the water level be in the tank after the overflow is installed. ( just a guess ). The tank is 30 " tall.

Thanks for your help.