Tanks with built in overflows

If I were to buy a tank with a built in overflow would I have to use a sump? I plan on just having an HOB setup for awhile then I would upgrade to a sump setup later but the tank I'm looking at already has a built in overflow. Does that mean I would have to connect it to the sump or would the water just go into the overflow and stay there? Sorry if this is a stupid question but I have no idea.

 

You could run the tank at a lower level than the overflow until you have a sump

the overflow normally has a big hole in it somewhere (base or low wall) to connect a pipe that goes into the sump

Steve

 

You could probably get away with just plugging the holes in the overflow and running your tank like normal, The only thing to be concerned with would be the water that could get stagnant in your overflow. Just install your bulkheads like usual and get yourself some pvc plugs.

 

Thanks guys, I was also wondering what are the advantages of an internal overflow?

 

I would just plumb some valves on the holes and run the tank like normal and then when you want to add a sump just hook to the other side of the valves.

 

could just do a closed loop till you add the sump via the overflow

 

i dont know what your situation is .but i would set up a sump tank.for what you are going to pay for hang on back filters and a protein skimmer, you can set up a nice sump.if you already have all of the hang on back equipment, then i would get plugs and plug it off. JOE

 

internal overflows have several advantages. In no order, first is that you can put a tank flush against the wall, or minimal space anyways.... nothing hanging on the back. My tank is open top no canopy, so I want it clean all around. A HOB filter or even a HOB over flow box would break the line of the top of the tank.

Second an internal over flow is somewhat less likely to fail. Not saying HOB's fail often, but they can. An internal over flow is very difficult to stop.

third is that some offer better circulation by dragging water in from lower in the tank (I dunno about other brands, but the MegaFlow system works that way).


next, either style of over flow you have, either HOB or internal, a sump is a much better place to put unsightly equipment, and can hold larger more efficient equipment such as protien skimmers, heaters, refugiums, wet/dry filters, etc. It's also a good place to add chemical supplements and top-off water. With a sump evaporation shows up in the sump and not the DT.

A sump is also a great place to have extra biological filtration in the form of a mountain of LR rubble, which can just sit in the sump and filter the water.

-Doug

 

I would be concerned with any water sitting in that overflow getting stale over time, maybe put a small pump in there that pumps the water back out over the overflow so fresh water is constantly coming in. That said for the cost of a HOB that you eventually won't use I would seriously consider at least just getting a 20-30 gallon aquarium or a sturdy rubbermaid container to use as a sump and get a real skimmer etc right off the bat. Less money wasted in the long run.

 

The tank I am buying is a Perfecto Corner-Flo. Does anyone have experience with these tanks? I have decided to go ahead and setup a sump right away instead of starting with an HOB setup. How does the overflow on the Corner-Flo's work, are there holes drilled in it? I know the tank comes with a plumping kit, not sure exactly what that is.