DIY Project (Bulkheads, Sump, Internal Overlow) NEED ADVICE

Excellent analogy, and great advice. I will take that into consideration as I build my sump. I will try and take pictures of it along the way, as I love a "quest" to get everything built and up & running!

I have a question for all you GURU's out there:

Ok, if you have been reading this thread, I said that I am using the pre-made overflow box that came with the HOB 1200 gph overflow with dual drains. Like I said, it is rated at 1200gph. I am assuming that must mean that the part with teeth on 3 of the 4 sides would be of sufficient size to provide ample surface skimming as well as accommodate the two 1" bulkhead drains I will be incorporating. Now, for my question: If I silicone the overflow box flush against the very top frame of the tank (black plastic band about 1.5" tall) I can just barely see the bottom of the teeth through the front of the glass. I HATE seeing a water line through the glass. As in, I want my water level to be ABOVE that black strip so when you look at the tank you can't see the light refracting off it! So, since I can see about, oh, i'd say, 2-4 MM of the teeth through the glass with it mounted flush against the top, do you think that will be sufficient to consistently keep the water level above the frame? If not, I guess I could always turn up the output of the pump by bleeding less off to the refugium? What are your thoughts on this? any pics to explain?

Thanks,

Matt

 

My water level is about 3/8 of an inch above the bottom of the teeth, so you should be fine.

 

Matt the only thing that you may want to consider is if that drain pipe slows down(dirt prefilter or anything) can the display tank hold the volume of the sump with out overflowing. Probably wouldn't stop up completly but if you do use prefileter and slack a little on cleaning it...it may slow down.

 

Well, actually, the way I plan on siliconing the box to the display tank, it will be flush with the top. I have seen a picture somewhere of a guy who had the very same setup as I wanted to do, and he simply used some sort of egg crate and cut it to size and it actually laid in the box at the very top (teeth holding it in place) and was a perfect and cheap way to keep creatures out. I am probably going to go that route, and simply leave the bulkheads open (nothing but the hole on the display side). This way, nothing to clog. I am using a 30g custom sump I built myself, so it should hold the excess because my baffles are not over 12" high.

Thanks for the input.

All help is greatly appreciated!

 

Wasn't concerned about the sump holding the extra water... the tank was what I was referring to. Sounds like you'll be ok but I wouldn't keep those bulkheads wide open. Here is a link that Cuttingrass posted and it will keep your tank much quiter!

Hofer Gurgle Buster Construction