UPDATED - Custom Internal Overflow Box And Drilling 125 Gallon Tank

[Ballinxalex]

Nice when u get done ill have to hit u up if u wanna start building overflow boxes for me lol

[Panda]

did u have the bottom of the overflow box yet ? since it loooks like just the case right now

Yea, bottom is done will take some more pics for you.

Great job! Very professional, how much was the black acrylic? Thanks

The black acrylic was quite expensive $80 1/4" thick, but i want to make some more overflows for my other tanks.

this is giving me thought on drilling my 220 to have overflows hmmm

That's my next step, the diamond drill bits and bulkheads arrived a few days ago.

[Ballinxalex]

this is giving me thought on drilling my 220 to have overflows hmmm

[TexSun]

Re: Custom Internal Overflow Box And Drilling 125 Gallon Tank

Great DIY! Thanks for sharing & posting pics!

[HERM]

Great job! Very professional, how much was the black acrylic? Thanks

[Ballinxalex]

did u have the bottom of the overflow box yet ? since it loooks like just the case right now

[Ballinxalex]

looking sweet job i wish i had skills like this

[Panda]

Hi All

So after debating between internal and external overflows, i finally decided
on an internal (after reading tons of forums and asking the guys at Bulk Reef).

I could not find one pre-made that i liked so i decided to make my own:

I already had a 25 x 40 peice of black acrylic, so i made the measurements
for a floating center mount overflow: 20"x3"x5"

2rhr0i1.jpg

I was going to do a regular 3 sided overflow glued at right angles but decided to
try a more pro look by heating the acrylic and then molding it.

wisjeq.jpg

Next i cut and glued the bottom to the overflow:

27x1a36.jpg

The next step was to cut the drain holes for the water to flow from the tank.
Again i was going to go with the regular square cut but decided to try the factory look
with the holes recessed about 1/4" from the top.

This was a bit tricky as i had to use a router which is not my favorite power tool, i made a
few ooopsie's but got there in the end.

11769eb.jpg

Next is the tank drill

Hey Guys

OK, i drilled the tank last night

IMG_20121012_160142.jpg

The drill guide i have is a bit flimsy but it's good for starting the hole,
i then switch to handheld which gives me more control and feel for
depth.

IMG_20121012_161943.jpg

Using plumbers putty to create a well for coolant is a good idea but
it also makes for a messy work area.
Each hole took about 2 min (Glass 1/2" thick)
The main thing when drilling glass is GO SLOW and of course a steady
hand helps.

IMG_20121012_172602.jpg

Bulkheads installed on the 2 drains coming from the internal overflow.

Question/Poll?

What do you guys think, 1 return hole or 2?

Done! Floating Center Internal Overflow with 2 Drains and 2 Returns at either end...

IMG_20121014_150052.jpg


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