Any reefers out there?? Coralline question in dart tank

[flynmnky]

I'm converting an old reef set up into a dart vivarium. It has coralline algae (been dry for about two years) on the reef ready overflow. How important is it to get all of that off? I can scrape the glass but the plastic is textured. Would have to scrub it off with vinegar which is a BIG, BIG job. I think it's mostly just calcium deposits. Thanks!!'

[deranged chipmunk]

It should be fine. It will probably be covered up anyway. Unless you feel like putting in the effort of removing the overflows. But with a bit of planning and the right pumps, those overflows can be built in water features

[flynmnky]

It will be covered, and I have no plans to remove it. This tank is drilled in four places on the back, which used to run a closed loop water circulation system. None are low enough however to take water out. The overflow is a surface skimmer. Not sure how this helps me with a waterfall, am I missing something?

[deranged chipmunk]

C'mon, be creative a few notches in the bottom of the overflow to allow water in, place a pump down in the overflow, drill a hole in the overflow for your hose for water to come out, a little foam and a few rocks and voila! Instant, built in waterfall. And you can use the drilled holes for filter hoses as well. Imagine a water feature on each side, flowing into a central pool. Killer!

[deranged chipmunk]

****....i just saw your tank in my head......if you don't build it, i just might have to trade tanks with a buddy of mine and build it myself....lol

[deranged chipmunk]

Something like this. Sorry for the lousy pic/sketch. Did it at work between jobs

[flynmnky]

Perfect sketch. Problem is getting the water over the overflow weirs to start the waterfall. Not sure how I'd feel about drilling them. Have to think about it. And mine is a single center overflow. Might be worth it just to use the drainage holes for the sump.... Hmmmm...

[deranged chipmunk]

Ah....you have the marineland i think. The aqueon 75's have dual overflows. My bad. I'll shut up now....lol

[flynmnky]

Maybe I could drill out and insert PVC pipes? Then I could plug again if I ever wanted to.

[flynmnky]

Still not a terrible plan. Might be easily done with a bulkhead.

[flynmnky]

Or perhaps a siphon like a hang on back sump, with none of the leak risk since its all inside the tank...

[deranged chipmunk]

Any hole you were to drill into the overflow could easily be fixed with silicone and a small square of plexi.

[flynmnky]

Guess it wouldn't be the worst thing anyway if it leaked...

[flynmnky]

Man... Now you've got me thinking on double waterfalls... Could easily t-fit from the center and run pipes to the corners. Nothing like purple fingers. :-)

[flynmnky]

And still hide all my filtration and pumps in the overflow... Me likey!!

[deranged chipmunk]

See? Now yer using that head. Use what you have effectively and efficiently

[deranged chipmunk]

And how do you end up with purple fingers? I've played with pvc for decades and never had purple fingers. Lol

[flynmnky]

Really?? Guess I'm just messy. I always get purple stuff on something. :-)

[flynmnky]

And probably because I was painting PVC with glue to make them purple, quicker match to coralline growth... I might be ok with just a few fittings.