I was looking at my tank and it hit me.. I have a HOB Tetra Whisper that I could easily make into and overflow by taking out the filter media, drilling a hole in the bottom of it, adding a bulkhead to the hole, then plumbing it to a sump. I could also add a U-tube siphon to increase water intake and adjust the size of the hole for more GPH. Has anyone done this before? If so, how did it work out? What are some problems with this? To me this seems very plausible and could save me $100 on a pre-made overflow box. Ideas?
DIY HOB Overflow
- Thread starter Tom LoFaro
- Start date
Update with new information.. I came here first not knowing if anyone has tried this or not, seems people haven't because apparently, the HOB filters intake varies too much for it to be matched by the return pump. The solution is adding a siphon. With the siphon, I'd be able to completely fill the HOB filter with water and the intake pump on the HOB will continue to suck water from the tank, any extra water will flow back into the tank..
EDIT: As I was making this poorly drawn example.. I thought of another idea. Instead of also using the HOB intake, I can take that out along with the impeller/motor. Once I take the motor out, there is going to be a hole were it was sitting. I can modify that hole to meet my fitting requirements and just run the outtake from said hole.
EDIT: As I was making this poorly drawn example.. I thought of another idea. Instead of also using the HOB intake, I can take that out along with the impeller/motor. Once I take the motor out, there is going to be a hole were it was sitting. I can modify that hole to meet my fitting requirements and just run the outtake from said hole.
Or if you want to save some cash make one out of PVC like this http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-overflow/120.asp
I made 2 of them for my tank I think I spent less then 20 bucks
I made 2 of them for my tank I think I spent less then 20 bucks
I don't like the look of the pvc overflow. The only problem with this is matching the out take with the intake. I can try different sizes of tubing for the siphon and different return pumps. I'll let you guys know how I figure this out.