Acrylic overflow box or DIY overflow??

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jcardona1

jcardona1

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 5, 2007
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Ok, so I picked up a 210g complete setup this weekend and it came with an overflow box for the wet/dry. Its a CPR CS102 unit (dual 1" bulkhead units rated for 1200 gph).

So my question, is an acrylic overflow box better than a PVC DIY overflow system? I'm considering selling the CPR box and building one out of PVC. Does one operate better than the other?

What would you guys do?
 
I would like to hear some opinions on this as well, as I just bought a 90 gal. that isn't drilled. I plan to use a wet dry, but have never used one with a non drilled tank.
 
any other suggestions?
 
I've used both and I prefer the manufactured overflow boxed over the DIY overflow for higher flow rates. I'm using the type that has the 2 tubes on my 265 and the CPR style on my 125. I think they're easier to maintain. The DIY one is awesome for a budget overflow, and really does work well, but it has a few disadvantages (clogs if something gets against the intake and a bit noisier).

The best way to go (IMO) is Drilled, manufactured, DIY. Depending on budget of course.
 
Thanks for the input guys. Might as well keep it since I already have it.

One other thing, is it possible to adjust the water level with an overflow box? I haven't used one before and I noticed that the intake sits pretty low in the tank. Does that mean my water level will be that low, or will the water level be a little higher than the overflow box inlet??
 
the level will be just a touch higher than the overflow box. You can adjust them though. On the CPR style there should be some plastic screws to raise it off of the top of the tank. If they're not there you can just put something under it.
 
my water line sat about 1/2" above the top lip of the overflow inlet so check first.

and if it doesnt have screws to raise it up, you could always rig something up to put on top of the tank so the overflow does sit higher. a block or something
 
thanks! it does have screws but i didnt realize you could lift or lower it. I'll give it a try once its all up and running
 
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