DIY overflow box

[GordoB]

Does anyone have experience building an overflow box? I'm in need of one to hang on my tank and flow down to my sump, and I was trying to keep from paying $30 or more on one. I've already got 3/4" acrylic, so getting the material isn't an issue. I was looking at Melev's Reef, and I'd love to build one like he did, but I'm not sure how I'd melt the acrylic to bend it. I also don't want to have a leak all over my floor.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Brad

[storrisch]

you can use a heatgun to heat the acrylic to bend it.

[GordoB]

Thanks. I may try that. Do you think it'll be strong enough after I melt the acrylic?

Brad

[Acrylics]

If you're trying to line bend 3/4", you'll prolly never get it to line bend with a heat gun and you'll most likely just fry it. Either cut, route, & glue 3/4" or use a different thickness. 3/4" is tough to line bend without killing it.
In all honesty, for $30, I'd just buy one.

HTH,
James

[GordoB]

That's the news I was hoping not to hear, but thought I was going to. Thanks for straightening me out. I guess I have to stop being cheap for a change, huh?

Thanks,
Brad

[Jflip2002]

Nothing done right in this hobby is cheap....

[Acrylics]

Actually I think $30 (or thereabouts) for an overflow box that suits your needs *is* cheap, esp compared to the price of good 3/4" material ($10-13/sq ft). Just make sure it's made well. You can keep the 3/4" for other purposes.
Maybe call Andy over at MRC, he's a great guy whom I've known for years and will do ya up right. If you do call him, pls tell him I said Hi

James

[GordoB]

Thanks for the help James. I'll check with MRC. I was trying the acrylic, because my dad owns a sign shop, and I have a left-over sign here that we took down when I worked with him.

Thanks again,
Brad