Design Question

[maxtek]

I’d like to build a nice big custom tank, not unlike the BRS 160. However, I want it to be an “island” in the sense that it doesn’t back up to a wall and offers a view on all sides. Has anyone done this with a reef savvy or other high quality custom tank builder? How should I arrange the overflow and return, and plumbing?

Thanks!

Max

 

[Crabs McJones]

What about a tank similar to this?
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/24x24x18-custom-acrylic-cake-tank-huh.124368/

 

[Jr'sReef]

Center overflow.

The hardest thing is how to get the cables and wiring of lights and pumps over the tanks without having an ugly tube or corner of wires etc. also where to put wavemakers becomes a challenge as well since it’s viewable on all sides, a pump in view with wires in plain sight is an eyesore.

 

[Redleg]

I'm thinking go old school closed loop system for your water flow camouflaged with aquascaping.

 

[Aaron Cheek]

Local restaurant has a huge oval tank with plumbing up the middle and rockscape all around it. Looks beautiful. They dont have any powerheads and doesnt seem like much flow around tank. It is FOWLR so low flow might not be a problem. But if you did multiple returns with the outputs at different locations and levels hidden by the rocks you might be able to get nice flow with no powerheads.

 

[Brew12]

One of our LFS's has an island tank like that, I believe a 240g. They use a floating canopy for the lights and to bring wires down through. They mount a gyre on each side of the overflow pointing out.

 

[tank o tang]

You put an extra large bulkhead in the overflow with pipe above the water line and bring your wires up through that and even mount your powerheads on the overflow for a nice clean look.