Overflow box

[sweetruben]

Well I have yet another question. I was just wondering what an overflow box is and if I need one. I have decided to keep a FO WLR tank. There is so much equipment I need to learn about and Im not sure how much of it is actually something you NEED to have.
I know I have to have a skimmer, powerhead, pump, heater and those general things but other then that im not sure.
Any advice is always appreciated
Thanks!

 

[mogurnda]

If you plan to have a sump, you will either need to drill the tank or use an overflow box. No sump, no overflow.

 

[sweetruben]

Ok well this might sound extremely dumb but what do you use a sump for? I guess I could google it too.

 

[mogurnda]

It's a great place to keep equipment, like your skimmer, heater and the like. You can also have a refugium.

Better than google is Melev's site. He has done a great job explaining what they are and how to build them.

 

[f4141]

Here are a few pics to help you out.

Instead of "in tank" overflow boxes, mine was done this way as to not take any space away from in the tank.

Here is the sump some are talking about. It is a Bio-Fil 2 that I have for my 180 gallon tank.

Excuse the mess! It houses my two Rio 3100 pumps, bio-balls, two large heaters, carbon bags, and mechanical fiter media.

Late- Alex