New Setup

beckto

beckto

Member
Well, after 4 years or so I am back into this habit, er hobby. My first attempt back then was failed from the start...i(n college, moving twice, no cash). But I learned a lot, and have been reading non stop for a few months.
But now I bought my first home, and have plenty of room to start a new setup. (and a good job) :)
I have a 55g, and a 29g. My plan was to do the ole 55 DT, 29 fuge/sump plan. Well i filled my 55 and was starting to hang powerheads and the center brace broke on the tank. It was a loud bang followed by creaking..the tank bowed out about 3 inches or so, but didnt let go at the seams..I drained it as fast as i could, I am lucky it didnt completely ruin my new house.
So I scrapped the 55(dont want to take any chances trying to fix), and now I am stuck with a little ol 29g. I am currently cycling it, with 50 lbs LR, and 40 lbs LS. Now if you are still reading, I thank you for your interest, and it brings me to my question...
I cant stand the looks of all HOB, I have a skimmer and a DYI fuge made from a filter, all hanging on back. I really want to do the fuge/sump, but I am scared of the HOB overflow siphon boxes. Does anyone have any expierence with them? Either DIY boxes, or the CPR boxes? I am not sure if I want to try this with say a 20g sump/fuge...or start all over and buy a new 55g with a built in overflow? I cant drill my 29g, its ALL tempered, so thats out. Any other ideas from anyone? Im all ears...Thanks for your input.
 
spanko

spanko

Active Member
HA! Pictures always help around here. I'm sorry I can't help, no experience with overflows. Someone will chime in though. In the meantime I will tag along to see how it goes and help if I can.
Where in Michigan are you?
 
beckto

beckto

Member
HAHA. Thanks spanko, I have been trolling around these forums for years..I must tell you that you are one of the names a have grown to trust, thanks. I am in Marquette, way up in the UP. Kinda sucks for LFSs, I have one, and they are overpriced with everything. And no real knowledge....
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
I have an overflow...I guess you can compare it to the esopps (looks) I have no problems....(had it 2 weeks.lol) anyway in the outer box it has 2 foam pre-filters...I have found that you need to rinse them every few days to keep the levels right in the sump and tank.
Just out of curiosity was it your tank that broke or the stand??
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
WELCOME TO THE BOARDS!
Personally, a 29g IMO isn't worth putting an external overflow box on. Then again, it's been done before

I'de go with the 55 and start new. When you buy it, you can get the LFS to order it with a couple of holes in the back for DIY overflows. Holes should be about $20 each.
Then again, it's all up to you and your budget.
 
spanko

spanko

Active Member
You mean tropical critters can be kept in Marquette?????? I think you can see the North Pole from there. Going to school up there? Yeah must be a pain getting stuff, probably have to do some on line shopping huh?
 
beckto

beckto

Member
Thanks for the responses...
It was my 55g tank that broke. Bowed out about 3-4 inches.
I have ordered about 75% of my setup online..even the water tests at my LFS(the only one) where $40 and just about expired.
I have been doing a lot of reading on the DIY overflow boxes from melevs, and they seem sound in design. I just dont want to create an area where I will have a risk of flood..so I was hoping to hear from anyone with a HOB overflow....horror stories, or happy stories.. Thanks
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
How long before you can get a bigger tank? I ask this cause it seems you have most everything for a bigger one...so why not just set up your 29g for now, with the intentions of getting a bigger tank, using the 29 for your sump, or for a qt? You will be very limited to what you can put in a 29g, as I am sure you already know this.
 
beckto

beckto

Member
Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/2952536
I thought this was and interesting read.
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=297623
That is very interesting.....does the PVC look weird though? Kinda intrusive? Great idea though...this is full proof as far as anti flood. Maybe it would look better with dark PVC. THANKS!
Meowzer, I would buy a new 55g with built in overflow in a heartbeat...only prob is my 29 is already set up, (although only cycling) and I would have to somehow get the new tank delivered here, as my LFS is useless.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
LOL...MY LFS is 2 hours away....But when I have time to take the trip the guy who owns it is good to me...I have to buy everything online....never bought a tank online though....You can just get a tank from a Walmart....and then take it to get it drilled (if you want drilled) or just check the sale ads....
 
spanko

spanko

Active Member
Originally Posted by beckto
http:///forum/post/2952546
That is very interesting.....does the PVC look weird though? Kinda intrusive? Great idea though...this is full proof as far as anti flood. Maybe it would look better with dark PVC. THANKS!
Meowzer, I would buy a new 55g with built in overflow in a heartbeat...only prob is my 29 is already set up, (although only cycling) and I would have to somehow get the new tank delivered here, as my LFS is useless.
You could;
Hide it behind rocks for the most part
Just let is cover over in coralline algae eventually
Use a safe epoxy painted on and while still wet stick sand to it.
Etc.
Etc.
 
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