Overflow surface skimmer

[fishhugger]

My diamond core bit has come in finally , and it has occurred to me that I dont know exactly where I'm going to drill my hole. I never ordered my specimen container to make the surface skimmer to set the water level. I dont want to just use an upturned PVC elbow, because I imagine it would be very noisy, and I would rice plugging up the pipe. I was wondering if adding an additional length of PVC to an upturned elbow with slits cut into it would be a suitable alternative.

 

[al&burke]

Fishhugger - personally I think you should build an overflow if you are drilling your tank. What is the expected flow for your tank and what size is your drain? You could I guess put a tee inside the tank and have two elbows coming off and skimming - but I still would build an overflow.

 

[fishhugger]

My drain is 1" pvc, and I bought the Quiet One 2200 as my return pump, so IM expecting about 410-455 GPH. The few problems I have with building an overflow box are:I want to get this done so I can get my tank out of my basement, I would have to wait another 2 weeks to order it, its another $15, and I'm going to have to be much more precise with my drilling.

 

[al&burke]

The overflows that I have built have no back - I silcone them to the wall of the tank. You might be able to order an overflow without a back or one that is not drilled. You could drill your tank put a temporary elbow then when your overflow comes in drill it to the height that you drilled your tank. PM acrylic51 he know better about these things and he will help you out.

 

[acrylic51]

Honestly don't know of anywhere that builds overflows personally, but there might be never really checked. I do agree with Al on the use of an overflow box instead of a straight bulkhead.....Basically increases surface skimming area.