DIY Overflow variation!

[craigthor]

Here is my DIY overflow variation I'm working on. I have built the PVC ones in the past but didn't like the amount of space in the tank they took. This is built from 2 TOM's Specimen containers a Large and a regular.

I started by cutting the overhang tabs off as they didn't clear the entire rim of my tank.

Next I taped them together to play with the spacing and the design. From there I knew how much to cut off the Regular (Inside) Container to create the skimmer inside.

Then I measured the bottom of the Large (Outer) container to determine the spacing for the 2 1" HD Bulkheads. I installed the bulkheads so that they are tall side in to have a place to keep water so the unit stays primed.

I then measure the tabs on each container to find center so I know where I will use the PVC cement to conect the 2. I may also use some other type of bracing not yet decided if I will need it.

I tape it all back together after good cleaning to remove the plastic scraping, shaving, etc. from the overflow to test it out. Used a piece of 1" hose between the 2 sides and primed it.

This flows like a SOB and almost created a huge mess as I just used a bowl to catch the water. I now have it apart and drying really well waiting to bond the 2 pieces together to get a good connection so I can play with it some more. I will be adding barbs of some kind to the bottom to flow to a DIY sump in the works. I should have everything complete in the next 2 weeks or so, so stay tuned.

Craig

 

[Trippingpara]

Looks good, pretty ingenious! The only thing I would add would be some additional bracing between the two. It looks a little weak there especially when they are both filled with water on a regular basis. Are you putting in a sponge prefilter in there?

 

[craigthor]

There not glued together yet. I will probably put a prefilter of some sort on as well. I will be putting a support on the outside piece similar to what HOB filters have to level them out. not sure on what kind of supports yet though for hte rest of it.

Craig

 

[Aquariumjunkie]

damn, you made that look simple. that's a great idea. keep us updated!!!

 

[craigthor]

just glued them, total cost so far is $32 most fo that being the HD bulkhead I used!

Craig

 

[X24]

Am i the only one confused with this? It looks like two plastic containers taped together....i don't get how it works at all....

 

[craigthor]

tape was part of the mock up as once I glued them they are stuck They are glued now and no tape on them.

 

[X24]

NVM, i got it now, there are hoses on the bulkheads that go into the smaller container...lol I'm not too familiar with overflows but i got it now.

 

[craigthor]

Here are some more updated pics:

The water goes from the small container to the large container via a hose between the 2 boxes, in the end will probably be maid of PVC but this is still in the test stage.

Craig

 

[mikeandannie]

Very nice setup i like how you went about it also not sure if you going to use the black hoes to drain from main tank to back box, but these work good too

Also if you have a router why not router some lines in the main collection box so that it catches big debris, and then prefilters in back collection box

the above prefilter is not what i use but just grabbed a quick picture for an idea, the prefilter i use i get from LFS you just slide them over the bulkheads

also i suggest to add braceing maybe just glue a thick piece of arcylic inbetween each box, and also you can drill holes in the top where it sits on the tank and add nylon screws there, then you will be able to level it on any surface..
good idea and very nice setup soo far..