Done It Myself

[Ian]

I'm in the process of completing my over flow box (ofb).

[mv3i]

veri good schematic !!! A+ .....

what software you use ?

[Ian]

Early november i was impressed with life reefs design. So i made one. Copied loads of pictures with the OFB from the net and slowly drew it out on paper. I made 2 small OFB for my 4 2 2 tank. My Return pump is 800gph so i need 2 OFB. I got it cut at the shop, got my PVC parts and got it all fixed up.

[mv3i]

nice !!! post pics when you get it running ... also post pics of the box interior .... more pple can copy also .... or you can start to take orders for all those interested ... costs of production will be of interest too!!

good job

[Ian]

veri good schematic !!! A+ .....

what software you use ?

errrrrr powerpoint

[Ian]

After installing the OFB i realised that by using PVC Pipes my location is fixed. So i decided to use washing machine hose. New one of cause.

The problem i had with the inner box is that my plastic man did'nt cut the groves for me. He said too leche. So no choice to improvice with some plastic i had from an old overhead filter. Cut and silicon it in front.

[onghm]

Hi Ian,

Your DIY looks really professional.

Do keep your powerpoint diagram coming so that we can just print it out and take it to the manufacturer

I've got a few questions if u don't mind :-

1) Noticed the pipe from overflow to sump in your new design is different from your existing one.

New one look like letter "h", would u mind to explain its purpose ?

2) Also u r using double C-siphon and double return to sump.

That's to increase the turnover ?

3) The part of the OFB inside the tank and the part outside, are they 2 separate boxes ?

4) How do you attached the OFB to the tank, do u need holes in the tank ?

5) The part of the OFB inside the tank, is it adjustable acording to water level ?

Sorry for so many questions as I've never done one before but I'm very interested.

Thanks in advance.

[Ian]

This is the actual design drawing.

The first design drawing is my new bigger one. I'm actuall making 1 big OFB instead of 2. I also took in considiration of the Durso Standpipe.

Now i'm looking for a shop who can cut the groves for me nicely. Any one can help?

[Ian]

1) Noticed the pipe from overflow to sump in your new design is different from your existing one.

New one look like letter "h", would u mind to explain its purpose ?

1R) The link above will answer it.

2) Also u r using double C-siphon and double return to sump.

That's to increase the turnover ?

2R) Initially i had 2 small OFB, with one C-siphon. As i joined both i need 2 C-siphon. Lifereefs design on the larger box has also 2 c-siphons.

3) The part of the OFB inside the tank and the part outside, are they 2 separate boxes ?

3R) The old design is connected together. New one I seperated them so that i can take out the inner box and without distrubing the outer one.

4) How do you attached the OFB to the tank, do u need holes in the tank ?

4R) No holes in tank needed.

5) The part of the OFB inside the tank, is it adjustable acording to water level ?

5R) Actually the lifereefs design is ajustable. but i made mine to the level i wanted.

[Ian]

My personal advice:-

If your getting a new tank, get the holes drilled and make an internal overflow box. Very much safer and neater.

If you got no choice(like me <_< ) My tank was a planted tank and had no hole then. So had to make an OFB.

[onghm]

3R) The old design is connected together. New one I seperated them so that i can take out the inner box and without distrubing the outer one.

4) How do you attached the OFB to the tank, do u need holes in the tank ?

4R) No holes in tank needed.

Thanks Ian.

Hope you would bear with me as I'm a bit slow

How do you go about attaching the inner and outer boxes to the tank ?

[Ian]

Dude no wories shoot away.

I bent 2 brackets glued and siliconed.

I have not fixed the inner box yet.

[onghm]

thank u sir

[Anthony]

hey ian...

u can diy more and sell it to us ... but nt that ex loh

[Ian]

If anyone wants it no problem! Think that if we compile the orders i can try to get the plastic man to give me a better price.

[Ian]

thank u sir

Anytime onghm

[Anthony]

ok sure .. i will be queue no 1 .. lolz kiasu..

[wolfie]

count me in too!

[mv3i]

bro ,

juz checking if your 2 lights above the tank are MH ... if so , are the cable ties there to secure the wiring or the light hoods ? if hood ... and MH is used ... dunno if they can take the heat ... juz a comment

[Ian]

bro ,

juz checking if your 2 lights above the tank are MH ... if so , are the cable ties there to secure the wiring or the light hoods ? if hood ... and MH is used ... dunno if they can take the heat ... juz a comment

Your right, its cable tie. I have no hood. Its open like in the picture. I was worried too. so at the end of the day before the light were going out i checked if it was too hot. I could even touch the cable ties. So i guess it's alright. Thanks anyway.

[mv3i]

btw , yours MH ? what bulbs are you using ? DE ?

[Phang]

Hey Ian,

Nice reef there....

And one question, What's that for your avater... looks strange.....hmmmm

Coming back to the topic of external overflow, was thinking how much you would charge for a overflow llike yours???

Thinking of a smaller reef with a external overflow instead of a inbuilt one....

[Ian]

Hey Ian,

Coming back to the topic of external overflow, was thinking how much you would charge for a overflow llike yours???

Thinking of a smaller reef with a external overflow instead of a inbuilt one....

I just went to the shop to cut the front teeth for the over flow. Cost me $25. Damm high i think. Will collect it later in the day to install and i'll post more pic later tonight.

About the cost I cannot say now cause the cost today for the teeth is so high. Must find other altanitive. I'm looking for the ones the marine shop is using. Grey color and very easy to install. Anyone can help?

[Ian]

Hey Ian,

Nice reef there....

And one question, What's that for your avater... looks strange.....hmmmm

I bought this coral from Irene in Pasir Ris Farm. The called it Christmas tree.

I don't know the actual name. But it looks nice so i bought it.

Any one knows what is it?

[Phang]

Maybe if you can post up a larger picture in the reef section for identification.....