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View Full Version : Calfo Overflow a la carte


LoneStar
Sat, 18th Nov 2006, 12:17 PM
Anyone put a Calfo style overflow on the short side of their tank before? I am going to put one on my 75g on one side, with the return on the other. The tank is going to be a room divider so I do not want anything blocking the 2 large sides....

I am either going to drill (1) hole for a 2" bulkhead or (2) holes for 1" bulkheads. Which would be better? I am thinking the (2) 1" holes just incase one might plug up.
GaryP
Sat, 18th Nov 2006, 12:54 PM
I can understand why you would want to do it that way, but that really defeats the purpose of a Calfo. The idea behind a Calfo is to take a very thin layer of overflow from as much of the water surface as possible. The smaller the linear dimension of the overflow, the thicker the water being skimmed will be, if you have the same return flow rates. The idea is to get as much waste and as little water as possible. The surface should be relatively undisturbed by flow to allow the "oily" waste layer to form there. Return fow and in tank flow is directed into the mid and bottom sections of the water column.
LoneStar
Sat, 18th Nov 2006, 01:01 PM
Yes I am well aware it 'defeats' the purpose of the Calfo style of overflow but for this particular tank, it is not possible to do a full length Calfo. I do not want to do a simple overflow box for many reasons. The Calfo style may not work as good on the side but it will hide the bulkhead and strainer ;)
hobogato
Sat, 18th Nov 2006, 01:11 PM
it will also save you the bottomspace that a traditional overflow would have used up. i think it will work great.
GaryP
Sat, 18th Nov 2006, 01:13 PM
I just didn't want to get confused as to what is and is not a Calfo. This is more along the lines of an HOB Overflow.
LoneStar
Sat, 18th Nov 2006, 01:20 PM
Yeah I understand what you were going for Gary. It helps those better understand the 'true' Calfo style. I would have done one but did not want to look at the drains in the dinning room :lol
Richard
Sat, 18th Nov 2006, 07:51 PM
Check with BSTREEP, his 215 is done that way. I think it's awesome and wish I had done my 215 that way. The surface of his water looks like a fast flowing river.
LoneStar
Sat, 18th Nov 2006, 09:30 PM
Check with BSTREEP, his 215 is done that way. I think it's awesome and wish I had done my 215 that way. The surface of his water looks like a fast flowing river.

Cool I may have to check his out. And as for the fast flowing river, I am contiplating using a Eco Marine Tech Pump as my main source of flow :)