Custom Tank Flow Questions

[xxjt2oxx]

Happy new year!

I currently have a 65g super budget setup that I've really enjoyed over the last year. My thought was if after a year or so I still enjoyed it, I would get something a little more substantial. I've attached a picture of the tank I want to have made (acrylic, glass is cost prohibitive with the bend) and some notes as to why I'm going with this shape. I have a few questions regarding flow that I'm hoping I can get some input on

I left 4" on each side of the overflow to put my power heads in, both pointing in the same direction. I figured this would create a strong pull effect from the bottom of the tank, I'm just worried that I'll have sediment build up in front of the overflow box. There will be 2 returns from the sump, and I would adjust those to get flow on the side of the tank opposite the overflow. I plan on using 2 MP40s, and plan to have at least 1000gph turnover through the sump.

To keep things as quiet and easy to access as possible, I have a small hallway closet behind the tank, all the plumbing will go through the wall and the sump will be located in the closet.

Looking forward to hearing everybody's thoughts, again happy new year and thanks in advance!

 

[xxjt2oxx]

bump

 

[xxjt2oxx]

^^^

 

[duke4130]

if you stick an MP40 on each side of the box you should be fine. It is basically a peninsula tank with curved glass. I wouldn't worry about the sediment buildup in front of the over flow box. Sounds like you will have plenty of flow.

 

[xxjt2oxx]

The only thing I'm really worried about is having 2 of them one the same side of the tank, essentially closed in on either side. Is this going to create too much undertoe and eat my sand up?

 

[gtbarsi]

Have you considered not using a traditional overflow box, and instead using a BeanAnimal overflow?

With the closet behind the long side this would be an optimal configuration and completely eliminate your concern of the power heads creating too much suction at the bottom of the tank due to the confined space that you have in your plan. If you stagger the height of your power heads and have your returns come in above the top of the tank you should be able to create some really awesome flow.

If the original BeenAnimal design is not to your liking there are others like the reef savvy ghost overflow, it has a much more streamlined overflow section. Personally I would love something like the ghost overflow but in a 90% tank length to maximize surface skimming.

I hope that these ideas are helpful to you.

 

[Reefing Madness]

The only thing I'm really worried about is having 2 of them one the same side of the tank, essentially closed in on either side. Is this going to create too much undertoe and eat my sand up?

No, it creates a great current in the tank. Only thing is that the poweheads must be strong enough to get the flow to the other side, and the MPs are just the trick.