Corner overflow vs center overflow

[lyscer]

I am looking at having a tank build by a reputable lfs and before I pull the trigger I want to see what your thoughts are on corner overflows vs center overflows. I know that center overflows are more efficient at exporting nutrients because all nutrients only have 1/2 of a tank to travel. Where as with a single corner overflow nutrients have to travel further.

I absolutely love the clean look of the corner overflow which is why I am considering it and I am planning on having an mp40 and an mp10 for my flow in the display tank. The tank will be 45" long x 24" deep x 24" high. I would just go with a pre-built 120 but I don't have the space.

Just looking for thoughts on corner overflows vs center overflows.
Thanks!

 

[dss190]

I've never had a corner overflow, but I did get a center overflow and wish I would have went with a corner. I have two 1" drains and a 3/4" return. I just think it takes up to much room and made doing my rockwork and lighting the tank a little odd. I believe they call the shape of it hexagonal, it looks like this \_/.

 

[thejuggernaut]

There are 100 ways to build an overflow. Lol you should have put this up 3 days ago. I just made 2 extra overflows that would have been great for your tank. Ideally, the longer the over flow the better, but I feel that aesthetics are very important also. I had a corner overflow in my 120 for years and it performed fine. Put about 1000 GPH plus through it and it will skim great. I would look into how you are going to do your drain system. I prefer the "Bean" style drain, but that requires 3 drain lines, which may increase the overall foot print of a standard overflow. However, they are completely silent when tuned correctly. If you are having a custom made tank, the choices are endless. I would google "external C2C", "synergy reef overflow" (they recently started making them again) and "Bean Animal Drain" That should get you a good idea of what your choices are. Full length overflows (top to bottom of tank, not side to side) work, but do take up more room then some of the more modern designs. They would definitely not be my top choice if I was building a custom tank.

 

[Trex]

Where in the room is the tank going to be placed? Any chance of the corner overflow being seen?

 

[Docdiggy]

I like the center overflow but, my stand had a center brace so I went corner.

 

[lyscer]

The tank will be in a corner so the overflow will be against the wall.

Docdiggy - have you found that controlling algae in your tank is tough or have you not really noticed a difference than a normal center overflow tank?

 

[Docdiggy]

I don't really have trouble with algae at all. I contribute that to a small bio load and good skimming. However, I do get that typical oil slick sometimes on the opposite side of the tank though. My return has 2 spouts. They kinda make it tough for that slick to get into the overflow.

 

[hawkinsrgk]

If I were getting a custom tank built I would go with an external coast to coast overflow with a bean animal setup. I have a megaflow overflow and hate it