Which is better overflow box or weir?

[lovespuds]

I'm looking to get a tank built and have the option of getting a weir put in

I'm not sure if I should do that or go with a overflow box what do you think?

what are peoples experiences with them and preferences and why?

Advantages/disadvantages?

Cheers, Chris

[V]

If your having one built, a weir & an overflow box are one in the same.
a section that overflows from the main tank internally into a catchment reserviour.
Unless im missing something all these years that is..lol

In the sence of the word though, an overflow box doesn't have to be the depth of the tank, just below the water line, is this what your refering to?

[lovespuds]

Yes a weir and an overflow box are technically the same thing but in this case I mean a weir as in a glass boxed off area running from the top to the bottom of the tank and allows water to flow through to the bottom of the tank to the sump/refugium. Where as an overflow box I'm talking about a box that hangs over the back of the tank and works via siphoning action.

I'm just looking to gage peoples experience on these and pluses and minuses of each.

For example I know a overflow box takes less room in the tank than an overflow box. Is their more maintenance with an overflow box or more risk of getting a flood on the floor?

Are there any benefits to having a built in weir that might not be obvious to a new guy t Reefing?

Cheers, Chris

[Amphibious]

Hey Chris,

Let's play, change the name game.

In the aquarium field, a weir goes across the entire length or width of the aquarium. It's usually 4" deep and 4" out from the back or side wall but, could be any dimension the designer wants. Bulkheads are installed in the wall below water level and water drained externally to the sump below. I've seen them internal and external, with internal being the better design. The weir is not a bad design.

Internal and/or external overflows can be various lengths, depths and widths depending on the size and number of drains and return lines you intend on installing. Usually, but not always, they extend from the bottom to the top of the aquarium and are slotted to keep most fish and crawling invertebrates from entering. I've seen the external overflow (glued to the back wall) used a couple of times and felt it would be vulnerable to breaking. It also made building a stand more challenging. The internal design is a better design and the most often chosen option.

The external overflow syphon box is a hang-on device that is usually chosen by those that cannot or will not drill their existing aquarium for whatever reason. This option is the least reliable due to syphon breaks, flooding and restricted flow. The worst option!

As long as you are designing and having custom made the aquarium of your dreams, go with the internal overflow. It's the most reliable in performance, cheapest to have installed, and least prone to failure.

I hope this cleared things up for you.

Dick

[lovespuds]

Good points Dick,

Thanks for the info, internal overflow it is )

Cheers, Chris

[bbl_nk]

Great description Dick I think with a lot of technical terms in this hobby and not everyone getting the most sound advice, its good to add good descriptions like this. Maybe we should have a page on FAQs or key terms and definitions somewhere for reference

Brian

[V]

sticky it is then, ampage to the rescue

id prob need to do a correction to my posting as ive inserted the wrong word, but hey, im too lazy anyways!

im in agreeance, floor to roof overflow if your building a tank from scratch, just ensure you dont have major bracing in the way for cleaning or maintance.

[CarmieJo]

Consider it done! Overflows, Weirs and Siphon Boxes Explained