Tank Filtration: overflow using canister?

[pacu mom]

You could use bulkheads and plug the overflow box shut. That's what we did to one of our overflow boxes on our 300 gallon tank. We actually put the return from our wet/dry filter right over the box, so it's full of water which flows out into the tank. The filled overflow box is a perfect spot for our heater. We don't have to worry about our big boys biting the heater.

 

[skiptomyzoo]

To op, if you run this and are worried about running the filters dry, might want to look into an ato system (auto-top off ) to maintain your tank water level. I haven't run them or looked into them much, but they can be bought or easily DIYed for cheap.

 

[maxxxx]

Of course it can work if done right.

The O.P. is talking about using an internal overflow, not just a bulkhead with a strainer like you are running. With your layout you don't have to worry about sucking air until the water level drops considerably.

Good point and thanks for getting me on topic
Completely different set-ups & resulting issues

 

[Burto]

I'd just do what I've done, plug the drain hole in the weir, hang your FX5 siphons and heaters in there.

I keep the water level way higher than the top of the weir so failure to evaporation isn't a problem.