Overflow Boxes

[pmb_67]

Hello all.

Looking for some advice. But you figured that already. Anyway, thing is I have a newish tank (Rena Aqualife 150cm wide - 400-450 litres or so) containing just salt water and various bits of kit - no rock, sand or livestock yet until I can get everything sorted. My main issue is my skimmer (V2 Skim 600) - it's getting quieter, but is still too loud to have on when we're (well I say "we", I mean "my wife" really) in the room. And I've tried working it on a timer but I can't get the level to settle.

So, the big question is, has anyone tried using the Aqua Medic overflow boxes? (see http/www.aqua-medic.de/seawater/en/13/kasten/ ) Or anything similar? And preferably cheaper...

I'm figuring on putting a 40x40x40 (approx) tank as a sump in the aquarium cabinet, sitting the skimmer in that and rigging up return pump and pipework etc. (Rob at Fish Fur & Feather has advised on what I'd need) - I do have reservations about flooding the house though...

Any hints / tips more than welcome! If I can't get this thing quietened down then it looks like I'll have to start again and go freshwater Have been looking forward to a salty tank for months!

Thanks,

Paul

 

[andywg]

If you want a quieter skimmer, spend the money and get either a Tunze or a decent Deltec.

If all you have is water in there then consider draining it out and storing as much as possible and drilling the tank, it's safer and easier than worrying about overflows.

 

[pmb_67]

If you want a quieter skimmer, spend the money and get either a Tunze or a decent Deltec.

If all you have is water in there then consider draining it out and storing as much as possible and drilling the tank, it's safer and easier than worrying about overflows.

Thanks, Andy.

Don't think I've quite got the courage to go drilling - and the complication and expense of the OFB means I'm going to change skimmers. Anyone want a (barely) second hand V2 Skim 600?

More seriously, I've looked at the Tunze and Deltec options and I'm thinking I need either the Tunze 9005 (internal), Deltec MC500 (internal) or MCE600 (hang-on) - anyone got any opinions on these? I guess the hang-on takes up less tank volume, though I'm kind of attracted to the lower spillage risk associated with the internals. The MC500 looks like it might be tricky to mount in my Rena as the bracket attaches to the thin side of the skimmer and could be tricky to get it over the side of the tank etc.

Help, advice, comments always welcome!

Paul

 

[andywg]

I have heard mixed reviews of those Deltecs and how well the square boxes do. I have the Tunze's bigger brother (9010) and it is absolutely fantastic. I would recommend the Tunze, but then I almost always do.

 

[jetbox]

my mce600 is great, very queit would recommend it