Overflows.. Teeth Vs. No Teeth

Valistener · 10/03/2007, 04:02 PM

I am looking to add an overflow and want to know what the advantages/disadvantages there are to each design.

Thanks.

customcolor · 10/03/2007, 04:21 PM

well lets put it to you this way: you make an over flow 12' long with 1/4"teeth with a 1/4"cut into it every 1/4". the total surface you are skimming off the water surface would be 6". and well with no teeth you will skimm off the top 12". you get a better surface skim off the top surface of the water (where all the protein sits) with out breaking up the surface tention of the water without teeth

GuySmilie · 10/03/2007, 05:06 PM

Snails have no qualms about climbing over those fancy fences to access the 'forbidden zone'.
The algae is always greener on the other side of the barrier

shrinky · 10/03/2007, 05:17 PM

unless you have a method of putting up a grate, just be aware that snails and fish will have a very easy time getting into your overflow. I have renegade snails that even chance it on a "toothed" overflow, but its very rare, but depending on your plumbing setup, that could spell disaster.

My opinion is that if its a small overflow, you're going to have a lot of flow, so go with teeth - if you can stretch it out, consider tiny teeth or no teeth, since the flow/strength will obviously be lesser as the surface area increases, lessening the chance of losing a fish to the overflow (imo).

wooden_reefer · 10/03/2007, 05:45 PM

Without teeth the tank has to be more level.

bag151 · 10/03/2007, 06:10 PM

I welcome the snails in my overflows, they more they eat in there the less decay from food that makes it in the overflow. IT is a major pain through trying to pull fish from the overflow. So I don't mind it, you never see them anyway

10/03/2007, 04:02 PM	#1
Valistener Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 33	Overflows.. Teeth Vs. No Teeth I am looking to add an overflow and want to know what the advantages/disadvantages there are to each design. Thanks.

10/03/2007, 04:21 PM	#2
customcolor Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: kaukauna, wi. Posts: 3,879	well lets put it to you this way: you make an over flow 12' long with 1/4"teeth with a 1/4"cut into it every 1/4". the total surface you are skimming off the water surface would be 6". and well with no teeth you will skimm off the top 12". you get a better surface skim off the top surface of the water (where all the protein sits) with out breaking up the surface tention of the water without teeth __________________ PLEASE DONT USE GREAT STUFF (THE YELLOW STUFF) IN YOUR TANK........USE POND FOAM (THE BLACK STUFF).. I BEG YOU! Great stuff====$5 a can 24-48 hour cure Epoxy to cover it====little as $5 for small projects or up to $100+ for larger projects and another 24-48 hour cure I hope you covered it well cuz if you didnt it will start to break down in a few months sand is another added cost to cover up the yellow. Pond foams====$9-$15 a can 24-48 hour cure DONE! You can cover it with sand if you want to (YOU DONT HAVE TO) though but thats added cost again Current Tank Info: 75 gal under way

10/03/2007, 05:06 PM	#3
GuySmilie Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 943	Snails have no qualms about climbing over those fancy fences to access the 'forbidden zone'. The algae is always greener on the other side of the barrier __________________ Guy Smilie

10/03/2007, 06:10 PM	#6
bag151 Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 279	I welcome the snails in my overflows, they more they eat in there the less decay from food that makes it in the overflow. IT is a major pain through trying to pull fish from the overflow. So I don't mind it, you never see them anyway __________________ -Brett Current Tank Info: 336g Penninsula Reef Tank

10/03/2007, 05:17 PM	#4
shrinky Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 59	unless you have a method of putting up a grate, just be aware that snails and fish will have a very easy time getting into your overflow. I have renegade snails that even chance it on a "toothed" overflow, but its very rare, but depending on your plumbing setup, that could spell disaster. My opinion is that if its a small overflow, you're going to have a lot of flow, so go with teeth - if you can stretch it out, consider tiny teeth or no teeth, since the flow/strength will obviously be lesser as the surface area increases, lessening the chance of losing a fish to the overflow (imo).

10/03/2007, 05:45 PM	#5
wooden_reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 4,670	Without teeth the tank has to be more level.