11 replies to this topic

[golden_dase]

Hi Guys/Gals!

It's me again!

Hey, I'm converting my 5ft cichlid tank into marine in about 2 weeks.

a. Should I get a hole drilled to connect to a sump

OR


b. Buy an Overflow box


Is there a major performance difference between the two? I don't want to drill a hole in my 1 mth old 5ft tank if I can use an overflow box effectively!!

Cheers!

Kevin.

[Iamsam]

drill, no real reason tho, i just find that overflows can be a pain sometimes (getting syphons and syphon brakes right)

[golden_dase]

The overflow boxes I had in mind are from Aqua-Media or A.K.S. Anyone have experience using those products?

Seriously, I dont wanna drill my tank!

[dazzabozza]

Drilling definately worthwhile if u want less worries. As Sam has already mentioned getting the overflow perfected can be a mission. Any failures can lead to your entire tank overflowing and emptying out on the floor

Which ever way u choose to go make sure u get in done before adding water and "deciding later". I've taken this silly approach with some of my tanks LOL.

I thought this was supposed to be a low-budget tank


Dazza

[golden_dase]

Drilling definately worthwhile if u want less worries. As Sam has already mentioned getting the overflow perfected can be a mission. Any failures can lead to your entire tank overflowing and emptying out on the floor

Which ever way u choose to go make sure u get in done before adding water and "deciding later". I've taken this silly approach with some of my tanks LOL.

I thought this was supposed to be a low-budget tank


Dazza

I've changed my mind about the 2ft low budget marine tank.. My 2 little cousins want the 2ft as their starter aquarium.

The 5fter is sitting in my home office, so im going to turn it into Marine, so i'll have a nice relaxing view in front of my desk. lolz

If I decide to drill etc., is there someone who does drilling "onsite"? My car is a sedan so it can't transport a 5ft tank to the nearest LFS to get drilled!! LOL

Also, are "hang on back" skimmers foul proof? Meaning, they won't drip water onto the floor? I dont want water all over my office and stuffing up high end computer/server equipment!!!

By the way, how can water overflow and empty on the floor when water stops flowing once it's below the overflow box "intake" section?

Thanks for the advice so far guys!

Kevin.

[Iamsam]

Also, are "hang on back" skimmers foul proof? Meaning, they won't drip water onto the floor? I dont want water all over my office and stuffing up high end computer/server equipment!!!
Kevin.

you do get what you pay for, i have never used the cheap brand skimmers but have heard of them leaking, get a good quilty brand (red sea etc.) and you shouldnt have a problem

regards
Sam

[golden_dase]

I currently have an Aqua One twin Fluro reflector, with 1 white 10k tube and 1 coralife actinic tube. Is this sufficient for fish and live rock only? I dont intend to have live coral just yet...

[dazzabozza]

I currently have an Aqua One twin Fluro reflector, with 1 white 10k tube and 1 coralife actinic tube. Is this sufficient for fish and live rock only? I dont intend to have live coral just yet...

Will be fine for a FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock). If you want to keep the coraline algae going u may need more watts though.

Also, are "hang on back" skimmers foul proof? Meaning, they won't drip water onto the floor? I dont want water all over my office and stuffing up high end computer/server equipment!!!

I had a Berlin Red Sea HOB (Hang-On Back) skimmer that sprung a pressure leak. I woke up to a very loud rattling noise at about 3am one night to find my tank half empty with water all over the floor The Red Seas are prone to craking if overtightened. I'd look a box injection type like a Tunze or a AquaC Remora (might be too small for your water volume) if u want a HO.

If I decide to drill etc., is there someone who does drilling "onsite"? My car is a sedan so it can't transport a 5ft tank to the nearest LFS to get drilled!! LOL

Paul from AAA or Steve (user Tucunare) may be able to do this else point u in the right direction.

By the way, how can water overflow and empty on the floor when water stops flowing once it's below the overflow box "intake" section?

In most cases u have a return pump in the sump below that fills the display tank. If the overflow fails the return pump will continue to pump water into the tank causing it to overfill. The difference between drilled and overflow's is the drilled setups act as drains. If nothing blocks the drain then everything will be sweet. Most overflows are siphon driven. If air enters the overflow or a power failures occurs it could break the siphon. Once the power comes back online the return pump with start filling your tank again even though the overflow has failed. In drilled setups some people take the extra step of having an additional hole / drain in case one was to become blocked.


Dazza

[golden_dase]

Will be fine for a FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock). If you want to keep the coraline algae going u may need more watts though.



I had a Berlin Red Sea HOB (Hang-On Back) skimmer that sprung a pressure leak. I woke up to a very loud rattling noise at about 3am one night to find my tank half empty with water all over the floor The Red Seas are prone to craking if overtightened. I'd look a box injection type like a Tunze or a AquaC Remora (might be too small for your water volume) if u want a HO.



Paul from AAA or Steve (user Tucunare) may be able to do this else point u in the right direction.



In most cases u have a return pump in the sump below that fills the display tank. If the overflow fails the return pump will continue to pump water into the tank causing it to overfill. The difference between drilled and overflow's is the drilled setups act as drains. If nothing blocks the drain then everything will be sweet. Most overflows are siphon driven. If air enters the overflow or a power failures occurs it could break the siphon. Once the power comes back online the return pump with start filling your tank again even though the overflow has failed. In drilled setups some people take the extra step of having an additional hole / drain in case one was to become blocked.


Dazza

Thanks for all the info Dazza. Very informative mate!

I think the best way (since I dont want to drill my tank!) is to mount a hang-on skimmer "inside" the aquarium. If it leaks, water will stay in the aquarium! LOL

Problem solved... i think!

By the way, I've thought of an innovative way to "break/skim" the water surface to reduce oily film etc..
I'll post pics in a few weeks when I'm setting up the marine tank.
Also, when im setting up the marine tank, i'll post step by step procedures for everyone to look at, so people can learn from it while others can teach/advise (me) from it..

Sound cool with everyone??

Cheers!

Big Kev. (even though im a skinny asian bloke! HAHA)

[Neakit]

kev go here and all your questions will be answered, look under tank journals and read like there is no tomorrow.http://www.masa.asn.au

[golden_dase]

kev go here and all your questions will be answered, look under tank journals and read like there is no tomorrow.http://www.masa.asn.au

Hi mate.

I've been to that site, but reading is one thing, getting "live advice" from other members is another. I dont like posting on too many forums. This one is enough, also "marine discussion" is a new section here so I thought i'd make the most of it.

Cheers.

Kevin.

[Neakit]

this marine section is great, but if you want what people are doing to combat the same problems that you are having, the other site is the best place for information on the new ideas that are floating round. I'm on the other site and i can tell you that if it wasn't for some of their accounts of what had happened to them i may have given my tank away.