removing an overflow box

Wretched5705 · Dec 19, 2009

I was offered a very good deal on a 75 gallon tank only thing is that its predrilled in the bottom and has the overflow box already in it. My question is would it be possible to take out the over flow box and cud i just silicone in a piece of glass over the bottom holes? or would this be a bad idea?

Wretched5705 · Dec 19, 2009

nobody has any advice? D:

bob965 · Dec 19, 2009

I wouldn't take it apart, I would just put bulkhead fittings in the holes and cap them off, or maybe even use one for a drain. You never know, you might want to sell the tank one day, or you might change your mind and decide to use a sump.

brianhellno · Dec 19, 2009

If you want you could remove the overflow box put bulkheads in the holes and run a canister filter through them. You could have the intake be flush with the bottom of the tank so debris would just "drain" down into the canister filter and for the exit you could spray paint PCV black and have it run up to the surface for agitation using the other bulkhead. If your interested and have questions let me know.

Also to answer your original question. Yes you can probably pull out the overflow box but I agree with bob965 as far as just using bulkheads and capping them off. There's less of a chance of it leaking and it gives you more options in the future. (i.e. you want to sell the tank, you decide to use them)

Pharaoh · Dec 19, 2009

brianhellno;3714985; said:
If you want you could remove the overflow box put bulkheads in the holes and run a canister filter through them. You could have the intake be flush with the bottom of the tank so debris would just "drain" down into the canister filter and for the exit you could spray paint PCV black and have it run up to the surface for agitation using the other bulkhead. If your interested and have questions let me know.

Also to answer your original question. Yes you can probably pull out the overflow box but I agree with bob965 as far as just using bulkheads and capping them off. There's less of a chance of it leaking and it gives you more options in the future. (i.e. you want to sell the tank, you decide to use them)

Another vote to just keep them and plug it with bulkheads.

Fishermoe14 · Dec 19, 2009

yes you can just get a glass circle and silicon over it.. works just fine, my buddy has done this to a few of his tanks with no problems what so ever...

Zander_The_RBP · Dec 19, 2009

just put in a bulkhead and put in an end cap this leaves you the option to plumb yourself a sump someday if you change your mind

or you could put a ball valve on and plumb it to your sink or something and use it for water changes

jcardona1 · Dec 19, 2009

bulkhead/cap vote also. dont do anything drastic. and it will make its resale value higher

KaiserSousay · Dec 20, 2009

bulkheads in the holes and run a canister filter through them. You could have the intake be flush with the bottom
Im sorry, but hooking a canister up to tank bottom drilled, bulkhead fitting is just not a good idea.
The only way that even comes close to making sense is a shut off valve at the bulkhead fitting.
With a canisters main seal being a skinny O ring the chances of springing a leak increase at each service.
I have seen you mention this in a number of postings and have just shook my head in wonder.