Overflow idea

[Psycho graphic]

I am trying to design an overflow the is very narrow, but very long. I only want it to stick out from the back of the tank about 1". I thought about cutting down bulkheads so they could be removed, but as someone here pointed out to me that I probably would not have enough threads left on it to attach my PVC. So I now have an idea about a removable front panel made from acrylic in case I would ever have to remove the bulkheads. I'm toying with the idea of about 4-5" tall by 26-30" long. Now for the question. Do I really need teeth machined into the acrylic or could the water just run over the top of the piece? It seems without the teeth, the water would skim the surface even better. Any pro's or cons you can think of?

 

[DevIouS]

I've seen overflows without teeth.
I believe the teeth are more for fish & invert protection.

 

[bad coffee]

exactly. The teeth just keep stuff out of the overflow.

Cool Idea. But why not just put a regular external overflow or just an external durso connected to the bulkhead?

B

 

[samster]

you don't need teeth but then you shouldn't have fish like chromis that swim up top u'd never seen them again -=) i don't have teeth on my current over flows its all fine but the fish use to get sucked in at night
untill they got use to it to know that they get sucked in if they hang around there but i have seen my fish swim right over it over a 1 1/4 pipe
but teEth are good to keep more then just fish out it keeps stupid snails out etc

 

[Psycho graphic]

exactly. The teeth just keep stuff out of the overflow.

Cool Idea. But why not just put a regular external overflow or just an external durso connected to the bulkhead?

B

First, I want a project to do.

Second, I want it very thin so it does'nt take up much room, OFB's are about 4"front to back, this will only be 1"

Third, I have an OFB, I can't find anywhere. I don't feel like spending about $100 on another one and If I was to build one as I have in the past, i might as well build this.

Fourth, It's only a 40 breeder so space is limited.

As for keeping fish and inverts out, I though I would bond a piece of plastic Gutter Guard to it so it covers the box.

 

[vanceny]

Check out this thread over at rc.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=473152

Here's mine complete with fish guard and no teeth: