Installing Overflow in an Acrylic Tank

[goliwala]

I have a 36 x 18 x 20, 50 - 55 gal acrylic tank and I am installing an internal overflow. I was thinking corner as it would be the least amount of work. Problem is that bracing on top of the aquarium wont really allow me to install an overflow anywhere in the tank unless I cut off part of the bracing. What's the consequences of expending the 1 1/2 hole on the corner of the tank to lets saw big enough to put my hand in (I am not a sasquatch). Or, expending the middle bracing opening to install in the middle?

 

[Goober]

Why not go for an external overflow? Pretty easy to do on a tank that's already put together. Also won't effect the integrity of the tank

 

[goliwala]

I just don't feel comfortable with external overflow. Also, don't want to spend extra for all those fancy external overflow that will not break the siphon?

 

[Goober]

No you cut into the tank and put a box on it as your overflow. It becomes part of your tank. Materials would run you probably $20

 

[Goober]

I would offer to do it for you but I'm not home much right now

 

[gumbii]

what's wrong with just having a PVC strainer right there... kind of like speargunhunter's tank...

 

[goliwala]

what's wrong with just having a PVC strainer right there... kind of like speargunhunter's tank...

that was my original plan but got nervous about flooding my sump, its only 20 gallons. I am reading up on external overflow with drilled holes, seems like a good option to me.

 

[goliwala]

another question. If I go without overflow, like gumbii suggested, is it going to be loud?

 

[gumbii]

not really... the tank i have now used to be a turtle tank... LOL... so it has a 90 elbow pointing upwards with some screen mesh... on the other side, there is a "T" that goes slightly above the water line with a cap... the cap has a hole... then it goes down to the sump.. it's quiet as long as the cap doesn't get removed...

 

[xmas_one]

another question. If I go without overflow, like gumbii suggested, is it going to be loud?

If you try to run anything more than a trickle down it it's going to be loud. I'd suggest you get an eBay overflow box and run a "Herbie" style drain.

 

[goliwala]

If you try to run anything more than a trickle down it it's going to be loud. I'd suggest you get an eBay overflow box and run a "Herbie" style drain.

Well, that's the issue here, I want internal overflow but I would have to cut out little pieces of bracing to be able to access overflow. My question was what kind of danger am I putting myself in by cutting out part of bracing. Looks like the acrylic is little less then 1/2 inch. Pics above

 

[xmas_one]

Well, that's the issue here, I want internal overflow but I would have to cut out little pieces of bracing to be able to access overflow. My question was what kind of danger am I putting myself in by cutting out part of bracing. Looks like the acrylic is little less then 1/2 inch. Pics above

Put it in the center and don't cut any bracing.

 

[goliwala]

Put it in the center and don't cut any bracing.

the opening in the middle is just not big enough to put my hand through. I have to be able to reach in there for maintenance. What if I cut out a little piece as suggested in one of the pics above? Is that going to be enough to damage the structure?