Though rare, if the siphon on an external overflow breaks, the air gets in, and the water no longer gets taken out. One reason is that internal overflows involve less risk. Many experts recommend that people install internal overflows instead of external ones for many reasons. Internal Overflow: Which is right for you? The sump tank pumps more water into the tank, continuing the cycle to filtrate the tank and refresh the surface water. Inside the right side of the clear box is a tube that directs the water into the sump tank. This lower divide means that when the water on the left side of the clear box starts to equal the contents of the black box, it spills over into the right. The divide in the box is lower than the standard water level of the black box. The clear box in typical standard models has a middle divider. The tube is always underwater and acts like a straw, sucking up water from one to the other to equal the levels. Some models use a mechanical siphon in place of the tube. A tube, sometimes called “the U tube,” runs between the two depositories, carrying water from the black box into the clear one. The black box connects to a clear overflow box on the other side of the glass. These slits are only large enough for water to leak through, keeping the wildlife of your tank safe. These are:ĭue to the slits at the top, water slips through into the black box. How does an external overflow box work?Įxternal overflows typically have four main components. Ultimately, however, the location of your overflow box is up to personal preference. Hiding it in the back of the tank is ideal if you do not want it to obstruct your aquarium’s view. As long as it is near the surface, overflow boxes can go in many places within your tank.Īquarists often opt to install their overflow tank inside an aquarium’s back corner. The only location requirement is to install the overflow box near the water’s surface. Where should an aquarium overflow box be placed? Column-shaped overflows are more versatile than their box counterparts and extend from the tank’s surface down to the bottom. Unlike the four-sided, a five-sided box has a wall on the back, so you do not have to silicone it.Īside from the standard box-shaped overflows, you can also install a column-shaped one. To install a four-sided overflow box, you will have to silicone it in place to one of the aquarium walls. A four-sided box is open on the top and back. What is an internal overflow box?Īn internal overflow box can be either a four-sided or five-sided box that you install inside your tank. That water then pours down a drain inside the overflow and is deposited into the sump. The only way water goes into the overflow tank is if the water in the aquarium gets too high. Like any dam, you have the high water side- the aquarium- and the low water side- the overflow tank where the slits let water through. The top of an overflow box always has teeth or slits, which act as the top of the dam. A sump tank collects water with unwanted chemicals or debris.Īn overflow tank functions similarly to a dam. How does an aquarium overflow tank work?Īn aquarium overflow tank works by removing excess water from the tank and depositing it into a sump. To prevent clogged water surfaces, many aquarists will choose to install an overflow box to keep their fish safe. This build-up of gunk creates a barrier that prevents oxygen from being able to dissolve into the water. Fish waste rises to the surface, and so does uneaten fish food. The surface water also tends to get contaminated quickly. Most of the oxygen in your aquarium comes from where air meets the water’s surface. They’re also helpful if you want to avoid water spilling onto your nice hardwood floors.Īquarium water’s surface is one of the most important aspects of a tank to keep clean. Overflow boxes are necessary to help keep your aquarium happy and healthy. Is an overflow box necessary?Īn overflow box is a system that people use in their aquariums to regulate surface water and prevent overflowing. So now you know you need one, but how does it work, and how do you decide the right one for you? Don’t worry- we won’t let you swim adrift! In the rest of this article, we’ll be breaking down how overflow boxes work and which style is best for your needs. An overflow box maintains your tank’s surface water by using gravity to remove any excess. So now you’re probably wondering: what is an overflow box, and is it necessary?Īquarists setting up a saltwater aquarium should purchase or build an overflow tank system for their aquarium to prevent overflowing and keep the water level at the same height. You’re looking to set up a saltwater tank and you see advertisements for an overflow box.
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