I used an overflow box for years. 2000-2012 to be exact. They work just fine. I am much happier with my drilled tank though as the siphon tube can collect bubbles if overflow rate is too low to push the bubbles through. Broken siphon=overflowing tank as the pump keeps pushing water back up to it. It isn't fun to restart the siphon either, I had to run an airline to the top of the U tube and suck air out.
CPR overflows have a siphon area rather than a tube and start the siphon and keep it with the aid of a small pump that continuously pulls whatever is in the top of the siphon area out, air or water.
The ultimate in HOB overflows are the MAME though. Really nifty little loops of glass and they are also imitated with DIY PVC and acrylic.
There are long threads on other forums about PVC overflows. A couple people here have worked on them but at least one just ended up buying an overflow in the end. If you have a couple of spare tank/tubs, pump for the return and room outside to work on it go for it.
After building an DIY PVC overflow for my 125G tank, ended with an LifeReef overflow filter. Since my tank wasn't drilled, and his filter has an outstanding track record for not flooding in over 29 yrs. and "no lift pump required. Jeff ships all the plumbing supplies needed and excellent instructions. Highly recommend this filter, LifeReef.com. http://youtu.be/PFvfCC8FvK4
Only question I have is what happens if power goes out? Does it restart automatically like the others?
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