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melev

Overflow covered from the lights

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12 Comments
by
melev
, 04-23-2011 at 05:05 PM (5227 Views)
Over the past two months, I've watched algae grow in the overflow. Since it is lit from the metal halides above, a cover was needed. Now that the fifth and final Durso was installed, the cover could be fabricated and placed over that area.

I decided to make the cover big enough to cover the entire external overflow and overhang the teeth a little. It had to be drilled for the Durso caps, as well as for the Aqua Controller probes.

Top side


Underside with cross pieces to avoid warping.


From the end of the tank.


A view from the surface.


And finally a close up.


The probes are visible from the front at the moment. ORP and pH. The temperature probe is behind them 4" away.


I'm still going to have to clean out the overflow to get a nice fresh start, but I'll let the stuff weaken in there for a day or two first.

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Categories
‎ Tank Entry , ‎ DIY projects

Comments

  1. Bbprinting's Avatar
    Just saw this in person and Wow, Marc you don't do anything half way. What a professional looking setup from top to bottom!
  2. evoracer's Avatar
    Nice craftsmanship Marc! The way you approach even as small an item as a cover shows your true dedication to the hobby. Very impressive.
  3. Jnarowe's Avatar
    That became a huge problem at about year 2 for me, with HA in the overflow that literally threatened to clog my drains. I never got around to building a cover, but on my next tank, I certainly will. Another nice benefit is keeping fish from accessing and/or jumping out of the overflow. Nice job Marc!
  4. Brad Syphus's Avatar
    Very smart move. It keeps more than algea out, fish as well.
  5. Tank2379's Avatar
    That is a great idea- I would have never thought of putting my probes in my overflow- Also the cap was also a smart move...
  6. melev's Avatar
    Something I forgot to mention above: The reason the Durso Standpipes are that tall and not hidden under a flat piece of acrylic is two-fold. Primarily, because of the size of the external overflow. Secondarily, the sound of the Durso's vent actually amplifies under the lid. So it is actually better to have the vent exposed through the lid, either with a taller cap or if you run airline tubing up through it. That way it stays whisper quiet.
  7. ams-chicago's Avatar
    Tank is right, great idea with the probes!
  8. brotherd's Avatar
    Have to say your old setup was killer but you are taking it to a whole new level guy! Innovation and invention.Really well done.
  9. brotherd's Avatar
    Do you also have additional probes in the sump? curious as to why you put them in the overflow? Is the reason to sample actual tank water not affected by reactors ,etc?
  10. melev's Avatar
    The most important probe that should remain in the display is the temperature probe. If for some reason the return pump failed, the water in the display could heat up from the lighting. A probe in the sump would remain cooler, but if the temperature is measured in the display a controller can turn off the lights if programmed that way.

    For me, I just preferred to have them in sight and the AC3 is installed in that general area. It just worked out well. I used to have the pH probe in my last tank's overflow, the ORP in the sump, and the temperature probe in the display itself, hidden behind a return.
  11. Trido's Avatar
    High class!

    Good point about the temp probe for the controller. Ive never thought of it that way.
  12. Brad Syphus's Avatar
    You only need one more thing, well two. Wrasses and a nice mesh top. Then your set Marc.