Should I clean overflow box?

[neil82]

I took a peek into the overflow box and there is a fair amount of algae and gunk in there. Should I clean it out? The tank has been running for 1 year 4 months and I haven't cleaned it yet... any feedback is appreciated.

 

[Haddonisreef]

Is this a hang on over flow or built in reef ready? Either way make sure nothing clogs the flow of the water or u could get in trouble!

 

[SynDen]

Yep I would just clean where the water flows. So up around the top and around the pipes a bit. But honestly no need to clean it all out unless you need to get at the bulkheads or something. Your overflow is basically a cryptic zone and life will grow in there. Most of that life is a good filter for the water, so just keep the water flowing smoothly through and you should be good to go.

 

[timnem70]

Yeah, mine has all kinds of life, tube worms, algae, etc. I just make sure that the siphon U tube is free of stuff. I hist buy cheap tooth brushes and clean it now and again.

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

 

[TheRealChrisBrown]

I cleaned mine once and found a clown fish back there! I thought he had died in the tank somewhere since I never found his remains. Turns out he had been living in my overflow for over a year! When I tried to reunite him with his fellow clown that I bought at the same time he was rejected and picked on until I pulled him out and sold him.....along with a great story!

 

[neil82]

Is this a hang on over flow or built in reef ready? Either way make sure nothing clogs the flow of the water or u could get in trouble!

It's a tank I drilled (with help from a club member) and siliconed in a CPR overflow box. I don't think it's in danger of clogging though.

 

[neil82]

Thanks for the replies. TRCB that is an awesome story. That fish was determined to live!