Drilled tank vs HOB Overflow

[Jake]

I am buying a used 70G setup which includes a HOB overflow to a large sump.

Q. Can this setup be put together to be sure that I will not have an overflow on power failure? Concerned on loosing siphon or backflowing. It seems that most of the existing tanks I have seen are setup using a HOB overflow. The new tanks can be purchased with the drilled overflow. I am trying to decide if I need to bite the bullet and buy a new tank since I have to move the whole setup. If there is a way to setup the HOB reliably I will use it this way since the tank is in good shape.

[joe_sk1]

If you can ALWAYS get a reef ready tank!!!! Take out the risk of wet floors!!!

[Raf]

which type of overflow box is it?

[Jake]

Not sure on the type yet, but I pick it up tomorrow AM so I guess at this point I will use the tank. If someone knows of a reliable method for setup using the HOB overflow please post. If a certain type of HOB overflow is best also note that. Thanks.

[InLimbo87]

Stick with the u-tube style hob overflows if you are going with the hob. They are much more efficient in restarting siphon after the pump has been shut down for whatever reason (power outage, feeding, etc). I got a u-tube style one from a local lfs made by a local acrylic company and its been working great so far. :knocks on wood:

But, if you do have the opportunity to go with a RR tank, DO IT! I wish I had taken the time to drill my tank before hand, as it really takes most of the worry out of it.

[DaveK]

Depending on the tank, you may be able to drill it or have it drilled by a glass company, and install an internal overflow. In effect you are converting it to a "reef ready" tank.

However, if the glass is tempered, do not attempt to drill it. Tempered glass will shatter.

Of the external, hang on the tank overflows, IMHO, the only one to consider is LifeReef's. See them here (offsite link) - prefilter box, siphon box, overflow box, siphon overflow, Eurobrace, Euro-brace, Euro-tank

Like any other quality produce, Lifereef overflows are expensive, but you only need to get it once.

Besides them, I have also used the CPR overflows, which I found to be a complete disaster with flooding, cleaning, and parts breaking. I do not recommend ever using a CPR overflow. It's just too prone to fail, and cause a flood.

[TNT_Tile]

I've had HOB's on a 125 for over 5 yrs with no issues. LFS and I don't know the brand. U-tube design with no spills, but I had a small drip the first time I plumbed them from where the male/female parts screw together. If I had to start over agin I would get a reef-ready. The noise of the HOB overflows seem to be louder.

[Snelly40]

i have used both, get it drilled, not too much $$$, only like 15 bucks at a LFS and so worth it

[rDr4g0n]

i just wanna add that i use a weir style overflow (like a u-tube on but without the u tube) and it works just fine. the only time ive had it lose siphon is when my sump level got low and pumped lots of bubbles into the water. through multiple power outages, this thing has never lost siphon.

[Jake]

Thanks for all of the input. I went with a reef ready factory drilled overflow. It is setup and so far it is working fine.

[lcstorc]

Do you have any pics? We love pics.

[rDr4g0n]

Originally Posted by lcstorc

Do you have any pics? We love pics.

man, that must be the truest thing ever said in this forum.

[Jake]

I will get some pics taken hopefully soon.