Silicone and bracing failure

[jjohnwm]

Cool! Looks good.

I thought you had decided to push it all the way up to 26 inches water depth...instead of the nearly 30 inches you seem to have now?

 

[805hd]

jjohnwm with the water tipping the overflow it came out a little higher than anticipated. I should have cut the overflow a 1/2 inch shorter.

It’s about 27”. What can you do?

Rollin dice!

I think it will be okay. What I can see from the silicone between the glass it’s not even stressing out.

 

[Backfromthedead]

You'll most likely be fine . You nailed the eurobrace, it's rock solid. I just don't envy that access to the overflow box, but it's serviceable...I'm imagining coat hanger creations that may be of use in snaking out errant leaves.

 

[805hd]

Backfromthedead Yea. Trust me, I’m not happy about it either. Been thinking about cutting out a screen to size and securing it with some carefully placed dabs of silicone or glue or something. I really don’t wan to go fishing in there.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Backfromthedead Yea. Trust me, I’m not happy about it either. Been thinking about cutting out a screen to size and securing it with some carefully placed dabs of silicone or glue or something. I really don’t wan to go fishing in there.

Not a bad idea. I've seen several similar add-ons particularly in planted tanks. A cut-to-size sheet of window screen over the weir teeth and top of the overflow could save you a lot of headache by catching all the big stuff.

 

[jjohnwm]

I know that I can be a bit pessimistic about potential future problems, likely because so many have risen from the grave to bite me on the ass at a later date. Sorry about that; it's a gift...

I think a piece of nylon or plastic screen at the top of that type of weir is essential. If it covers the open top it prevents jumpers, and extending it down to protect the individual teeth helps to screen out debris...or fish fry...but it will then force the water level to rise even a bit higher than it is now unless you also cut the gaps between the teeth a wee bit deeper. The screen must also be cleaned regularly to prevent a gradual water depth increase as the screen slowly becomes obstructed with debris.

Your 27 inch depth is much less than I guessed from those pics, so I'm sure there will be no structural issues...even if your favourite $200 fish manages to flip its portly short-bodied form into the overflow...while your wife is at work...as long as you don't panic and start trying to spear it or gaff it or otherwise finagle it back out of that inaccessible little chasm...

What did Bill Murray say in Ghostbusters? "I love this plan...I'm excited to be a part of it!"

 

[805hd]

jjohnwm no worries man. Completely valid point! I’ll figure out an elegant solution.

I was thinking about gluing some tabs on the inside of the overflow to use as, “support tabs” to hold a piece of acrylic flush with the top of the overflow? Or maybe just a little below it with some holes/ slits in it.

Something like that would look nice (not that anyone will see it but me) and be easier to pop out and clean when needed.

Just thinking…

 

[quikv6]

That wrap looks incredibly clean. Kudos for all the hard work and thought you put into saving this tank. It certainly created a very helpful and informative thread for other folks to reference for years to come....and hopefully got you a great tank which you'll enjoy for years to come.

Well done indeed.

 

[805hd]

Q quikv6 Hey man thanks!

That’s what it’s all about. Often thread you find and need is never completed from start to finish. It just dead ends. If this can help just one person it’s the icing on the cake!

 

[805hd]

What's up guys!

Its been 18 days since fill up, just wanted to post a little update. The tank has been solid, absolutely ZERO issues and believe you me I watch it like a hawk! Plants are starting to take off and with some already established bio media from a friend's fish room shout and thank you to @ i Aqua ! We are rolling along pretty good with cycling. Got a few Cory's and a couple Sailfin Plecos in there living the dream.

The overflow issue was solved by cutting out a piece of acrylic slightly smaller than the inside of the opening. This acrylic "lid" sits at the top of the overflow with a 1/8'' gap around it allowing water to flow in while keeping fish out. The lid is held in place with a couple of plastic coated magnets. So it snaps in and out with ease and looks super clean.

I also have added additional filtration power by running a canister filter (yes, the pressure gauge is not working) that serves as more of a media reactor with some additional filtration in tandem with the sump. This set up is by all means overkill, but damn does it keep my water crystal clear. I bumped up my return pump in anticipation of the new plumbing. runs nice at 60% with plenty of ramp up if needed. Water runs from tank, through sump, through canister and then back to tank. I also mapped the plumbing out so I can bypass the canister filter if maintenance is needed, or a problem occurs without shutting down the whole system.

Again, over kill but pretty cool stuff if you ask me!