overflow box

[primereef]

I have two in tank overflow boxes. The vertical slits in them are two short. Any suggestions as to make them half inch longer. They are two short for the size pump I am using. How can I cut them longer with the tank filled with fish and corals?

[Reefland]

If you increased the size of the slots, are you sure that the siphon/drain would handle the additional flow of the water?

[primereef]

Yes the plumbing will handle the increased size of the overflow.
I have already tested the plumbing and flow. The problem I have is that it the increased flow raises the water level over the glass support partition. I was thinking that enlarging the overflow slots it would lower the water level and keep it below the glass partition.

Before I increase the size of the overflow slits I was wanting to know if there was an easy way to cut longer slits if indeed this will work.

thanks

[Reefland]

The best way to cut the slots is with a router in a table using a straight cutting bit. You have to go slow and ensure you are using a fence to guide the piece. Can you not lower the overflow box to a level that the water will flow overtop of it yet still surface skim? Just trying to think of an easier way out for you.

[primereef]

My problem is that the overflow is already mounted in the tank and I have an established reef. I was going to use a router with necessary guides but it is in the tank and I was thinking that the vibration from the router would hurt the fish or even kill them (reflecting on the strict rules as a kid not to tap on the tank for this would hurt the fish). I was wondering if anybody had a "trick" to what I am trying to do.

Thanks

[yankeebobo]

If these are built in overflow boxes, you are going to have a problem doing this cleanly. My only suggestion would be to lower the water level below the slots. Then you can do your cutting but keep a vac (regular vac) running to suck up what you cut. If you go slow enough, the vaccum will suck up the particles from the reef side. Then you'll need to clean up the overflow section. A wet/dry vac would be recommended. Keep the vac below the cutting area to help with gravity.

Of course, this MAY mean that you'll have to lower your scape some because you'll have the water lowered for a while. Still not sure that this will be clean, but probably the cleanest way.

Keep us posted on progress.

[primereef]

Thanks, I was going to do this I just wanted to make sure it would work.

[Reefland]

Heck, the whole time I thought you had an external hang on overflow box.

[yankeebobo]

Heck, the whole time I thought you had an external hang on overflow box.

Don't feel bad - I had to re-read the post 4 or 5 times. I kept thinking to myself that this really wasn't so complicated. Then the words "in tank" hit me like a ton.

[Poseidon]

Coouldn't you just drill holes below the existing slots? Seems a 90 degree drill and a sharp bit would be much smaller and easier to use then a router. Heck you may even be able to drill 5-6 1/2" holes JUST below the slots and accomplish the same task of letting in more water!

[Cuda3]

Lower the tank level and use a dremel tool with a roto-bit mounted in it. Take it slow so you can keep it straight and neat. Good luck!

[primereef]

I think that is the only real tool I could use. Thanks for the tip. I will inform everybody as to the outcome. Thanks

Lower the tank level and use a dremel tool with a roto-bit mounted in it. Take it slow so you can keep it straight and neat. Good luck!