Drain and Overflow

[arkmann]

I picked up an acrylic 100G (with stand and canopy) yesterday and I am toying with the idea of building a wet-dry filter for it. I currently have a spare 10G tank that I can make a wet-dry off. I've seen all the DIYs and I think I can make one myself.

My question is, how can I make a drain without drilling holes in the bottom of the tank? I have seen the DIY for the overflows but I am still lost as to how it is connected to the tank. I am also not too keen with idea of drilling an acrylic tank. I'd rather keep the tank as the manufacturer made it.

Can anyone please explain to me how I can devise a drain to my future wet-dry filter without drilling the tank? Can you also explain the concept of the overflow system. From the word itself, it most likely prevents overflow but I still don't get how it works and in my case, an un-drilled tank.

Can someone post photos of their set-up if you have a wet-dry filter with your un-drilled tank and please explain the whole concept and process.

Your input is very much appreciated.


Thanks!

 

[Rivermud]

Well, for the first little bit of input, the 10 gallng tank is WAY to small to be a sump and will not work. You'll want atleast a 25 gallong for a 100 gallon tank for a low bio load and the bare minimum for a sump IMHO. A 40 gal breeder would make a nice sump for your tank. As for overflows, there are dozens of designs for DIY pvc overflows, I personally prefer the standard HOB overflow.. you'll get a lot of replies about them on here.

 

[arkmann]

^Question still stands. Is there a way I can device a drain without drilling in my acrylic? How does an overflow work?

 

[rallysman]

^Question still stands. Is there a way I can device a drain without drilling in my acrylic? How does an overflow work?

It works on a gravity/siphon. The one in the sticky here keeps water trapped in the "u" shape and begins to flow when the water raises above it's input. it just simply hangs on the tank, you prime it, and it does all of it's work from there. It's very well explained in the sticky, it just takes some time to read.

What is the top of your tank like? If it doesn't have a spot for a hang on filter you might have to get creative.

 

[arkmann]

Thanks for the response sir. So the DIY overflow just hangs on the tank. I actually read the whole DIY thread before I started this but I didn't get the part that it just hangs on the back of the tank. If I remember it right, there isn't photo showing how it is suppose to set up in the tank. I guess I was just slow when I read it. It was a great DIY by the way and very doable. My tank actually has multiple openings. It has two 16"x2.5" openings for 2 HOBs and 2 2" diameter holes in the corner.

Can I use one of the 2" holes for the overflow? Does it have to be the hole for the HOB?

 

[rallysman]

the HOB overflow actually looks a lot like a hang on power filter, so if you can fit an aquaclear or similar filter on it, a HOB overflow would take it's place. You could probably use the 2" hole for the DIY overflow, but you'd have to assemble it while it's in the tank. The overall dimensions of the DIY one are bigger than 2"

 

[Dr Joe]

Check out your neighbor's (batang_mcdo) overflow in the newest(last nite) posts of that sticky.