So as I'm reaching this stage of my 29gallon build I have to decide which way I want to go. I already have a HOB overflow (Eshopps PF 300) but i keep throwing around the idea of drilling the overflow and return. I'm just nervous to drill the tank and then it cracking, if not when i drill it but in the future after its up and running. Then i think about the HOB failing and breaking the siphon if there's a power outage or if it gets clogged. I ran a HOB on a FOWLR for almost a year and just made fail safes like reducing the water in the ATO and return section of the sump to reduce the amount of flooding if it fails. I really just keep going back and forth, could use some input.
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HOB overflow vs Drilled
- Thread starter Arce
- Start date
+1 super easy. Just go slow and let the hole cutter do its job.
Agreed, drill it.
I practiced on a ten gallon tank before I drilled my 75. It's not as hard as it looks.
I practiced on a ten gallon tank before I drilled my 75. It's not as hard as it looks.
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Glass-Holes......the kit comes with the drill bit!
Otherwise, I will make a prediction......"I see a flood in your future."
Otherwise, I will make a prediction......"I see a flood in your future."
Keep it wet and go slow!
falconut
NJRC Member
I've drilled my 20 gallon sump, but never could get myself to drill my 90. I've been running an Eshoppes overflow, just the dual model. I have an eggcrate lid over the internal box, to keep any snails out of the tubes. And I periodically turn it off and clean the tubes of algae. If maintained, they're really isn't anymore chance of a flood. JMO
I also added a float switch, just in case something happens and the water level rises it trips my return pump.
If you're comfortable drilling and you know it's not tempered glass, go for it.
I also added a float switch, just in case something happens and the water level rises it trips my return pump.
If you're comfortable drilling and you know it's not tempered glass, go for it.
Well im not comfortable drilling, and the fear of it cracking after its set up is whats really holding me back. If i did the HOB i could do some fail safes like you did with a float switch and minimize flooding or even prevent it. But if it was drilled and it cracks theres nothing stopping the 29 gallons from flooding my floor. Probably over thinking this but i just dont want to deal with roughly 30 gallons on my floor one day.
Just make sure you support the plumbing so the weight isn't on the glass. I also put a Flexible Pipe Connectors between 2 pipes to allow the down tubes some wiggle room in case of an accidentally bump.
I'm sure a 6 pack of beer will get someone to help you. You can also call a glass shop to do it for you as well.
I'm sure a 6 pack of beer will get someone to help you. You can also call a glass shop to do it for you as well.
If I choose to drill I was going to just use flexible tubing for the whole thing to reduce any issues with hitting the rigid overflow lines and causing it to crack. Ill see if I can find a glass shop around, or maybe I'll find someone local who can drill it. Still need to decide what I want to do.
The first thing that comes to mind with an overflow box using a siphon tube is FLOODING. If you lose your siphon for some reason, your return pump will empty your sump into your DT which will overflow all over your floor, unless you have something to shut the return off.
I think im going to just go with the glassholes overflow, which isn't siphon. But im thinking about using a hob return just to save me from having to drill another hole and a few extra bucks. Just seeing if anyone knows of any problems that would come with using the hob u-tube return with a flare nozzle. If the pump shuts it wont siphon because it has a hole that will take in air. I think it should be fine.