Mega-flow removal

MaineMarine · 12/25/2006, 05:15 PM

I am sure that I am not the first person to try this but I could not find a thread in the search. I want to remove the overflows from my 120. I am going to use the tank for freshwater planted tank and the overflows will be counterproductive to CO2 build up.

I was planing on cutting the overflow out then siliconing plates of glass over the drilled holes in the bottom.

Any reason I should not try to do this?

Any links to people who have done this?

antony1103 · 12/25/2006, 06:32 PM

I do not know exactly how to take it off but instead of siliconing plates over the holes, why not just use them as drains to make water cahnges easier. Just plug the holes with ball valves. Sorry i coudn't help with removing the overflow.

marinelife · 12/25/2006, 07:10 PM

why not just get a non reef ready tank, seems easier

BigStun · 12/25/2006, 08:02 PM

I have removed overflows from a tank and it's not too hard. Razorblade the silicone as much as you can and then muscle it a little. I have seen bulkhead plugs, but I'm sure siliconing it would work.

MaineMarine · 12/26/2006, 08:07 AM

What size was the tank you removed them from? My concerns is that with the overflows in place the holes are not bearing the weight of the full 120 gallons of water, they would only bear the weight of the first few inches of water in the tank. Once the overflow is removed those hole are exposed to who volume of weight.

Maybe I am over thinking it, but 120 gallons of water on the floor is a serious problem.

I already have the tank and it is brand new, If I can get a LFS to swap me a standard for a reef ready I will, but if not I am looking at modifying.

benray4fun · 12/26/2006, 10:53 AM

Stay on the safe side and get it replaced..."you have to get it right the first time."

RichConley · 12/26/2006, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MaineMarine
What size was the tank you removed them from? My concerns is that with the overflows in place the holes are not bearing the weight of the full 120 gallons of water, they would only bear the weight of the first few inches of water in the tank. Once the overflow is removed those hole are exposed to who volume of weight.

Maybe I am over thinking it, but 120 gallons of water on the floor is a serious problem.

I already have the tank and it is brand new, If I can get a LFS to swap me a standard for a reef ready I will, but if not I am looking at modifying.

Quote:

by BenRay4fun: Stay on the safe side and get it replaced..."you have to get it right the first time."

If you have questions on physics like this, and you dont understand it, dont interject your own oppinion. I understand your concern, but its totally not a valid concern. The tank will hold fine without the overflows, and be just as strong.

That being said, RR tanks are much more expensive than non reef ready tanks. I'm sure you can find someone that would swap, and most likely give you something in the trade.

Misled · 12/26/2006, 07:53 PM

Like rich said not a problem. You can remove the overflow but be very careful at the tank seams when cutting the silicon. Then put bulkheads in and plug them up.

sean48183 · 12/26/2006, 11:30 PM

With saltwater xperience and a reef ready 120 why go back to freshwater? Just curious.

MaineMarine · 12/27/2006, 07:38 AM

It requires more money and time than I willing to invest. I loved the hobby and maybe someday I will be back but for now I am checking out.

Just the live rock for this 120 will be about $600. That amount of money in a freshwater setup goes a long way. I have always loved freshwater and have had them for many years before salt and am looking forward to going back.

12/25/2006, 05:15 PM	#1
MaineMarine Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Northern Maine Posts: 52	Mega-flow removal I am sure that I am not the first person to try this but I could not find a thread in the search. I want to remove the overflows from my 120. I am going to use the tank for freshwater planted tank and the overflows will be counterproductive to CO2 build up. I was planing on cutting the overflow out then siliconing plates of glass over the drilled holes in the bottom. Any reason I should not try to do this? Any links to people who have done this?

12/25/2006, 06:32 PM	#2
antony1103 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 628	I do not know exactly how to take it off but instead of siliconing plates over the holes, why not just use them as drains to make water cahnges easier. Just plug the holes with ball valves. Sorry i coudn't help with removing the overflow. __________________ Anthony Current Tank Info: I help with Penn State's 125 and 500 gallon reef aquariums.

12/25/2006, 07:10 PM	#3
marinelife Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Union, Ohio, USA Posts: 6,590	why not just get a non reef ready tank, seems easier __________________ I'm a SaltGeek are You? All LED since 2010. Current Tank Info: 375 Gallon Reef with siporax, all LED lighting, and Red Dragon 3 and Abyzz A200 on 2 closed loops.

12/26/2006, 07:53 PM	#8
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	Like rich said not a problem. You can remove the overflow but be very careful at the tank seams when cutting the silicon. Then put bulkheads in and plug them up. __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

12/25/2006, 08:02 PM	#4
BigStun Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 384	I have removed overflows from a tank and it's not too hard. Razorblade the silicone as much as you can and then muscle it a little. I have seen bulkhead plugs, but I'm sure siliconing it would work.

12/26/2006, 08:07 AM	#5
MaineMarine Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Northern Maine Posts: 52	What size was the tank you removed them from? My concerns is that with the overflows in place the holes are not bearing the weight of the full 120 gallons of water, they would only bear the weight of the first few inches of water in the tank. Once the overflow is removed those hole are exposed to who volume of weight. Maybe I am over thinking it, but 120 gallons of water on the floor is a serious problem. I already have the tank and it is brand new, If I can get a LFS to swap me a standard for a reef ready I will, but if not I am looking at modifying.

12/26/2006, 10:53 AM	#6
benray4fun Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hartford, CONNECTICUT Posts: 1,147	Stay on the safe side and get it replaced..."you have to get it right the first time."

12/26/2006, 11:30 PM	#9
sean48183 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: michigan Posts: 1,577	With saltwater xperience and a reef ready 120 why go back to freshwater? Just curious.

12/27/2006, 07:38 AM	#10
MaineMarine Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Northern Maine Posts: 52	It requires more money and time than I willing to invest. I loved the hobby and maybe someday I will be back but for now I am checking out. Just the live rock for this 120 will be about $600. That amount of money in a freshwater setup goes a long way. I have always loved freshwater and have had them for many years before salt and am looking forward to going back.