Ghost overflow options and returns

[starypotter]

Hi everyone,
I'll be getting a new tank to replace my current one that has a leak. It'll be a standard Aqueon 75 gallon that I'm going to drill for an overflow. I'm thinking I'll get the eshopps medium ghost overflow, but I'm open to suggestions. I like that one because of the price, because it comes with the drill bit needed, and it's slim and sharp looking. I won't need to give up precious real estate for a typical built in overflow box. I don't want anything HOB because of my canopy.

I have two eflux 2100 wave makers in my tank, those plus my returns are my only water movement. Right now in my reef ready tank I've got a dual locline pointing at the back of my rock work. I only have one return pump, budget is an issue at this point. I want to avoid spending more money than necessary but I understand that if there's a solid benefit of spending more now to get something notably better in some way that I'll consider it.

What overflow options do you like best, and why?
Which return options do you like best, and why? Single return, double return, which nozzles, anything that's relevant.
What other things should I be considering?

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

I had a Synergy Ghost overflow on my 40g breeder and was very satisfied. Even at 16" long I barely noticed it in the tank. If I had painted the background black, never would've noticed it. I also liked it because I had it high enough to where these wasn't a water line.

I like two returns. More ability to direct flow the better. My two cents Good luck! I'm trying to piece together this 525 XL on a budget as well.

 

[starypotter]

I had a Synergy Ghost overflow on my 40g breeder and was very satisfied. Even at 16" long I barely noticed it in the tank. If I had painted the background black, never would've noticed it. I also liked it because I had it high enough to where these wasn't a water line.

I like two returns. More ability to direct flow the better. My two cents Good luck! I'm trying to piece together this 525 XL on a budget as well.

I'm contemplating how I'm going to do my background. I really like the blue, and it's what I have now but I wonder how it would look with the black box in there.

 

[pshootr]

I'm contemplating how I'm going to do my background. I really like the blue, and it's what I have now but I wonder how it would look with the black box in there.

I think that both have their own qualities. Blue in a way, gives the illusion of depth. While black provides a great focal contrast to The Reef.

Of course the overflow will blend very well with a black background.

 

[starypotter]

I think that both have their own qualities. Blue in a way, gives the illusion of depth. While black provides a great focal contrast to The Reef.

Of course the overflow will blend very well with a black background.

I think I'll just have to do more browsing on that topic, see what my favorite tanks seem to lean towards.

 

[Art2249]

I have both. The eshopps is way thicker material. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the synergy, but it's soooo thin material it makes me nervous. My tank is in wall and working from the back I'm scared i might have an accident (clumsy). I have to step up on a little stool to reach sometimes. I thought about getting an extra synergy just to have on hand if i break something.

 

[pshootr]

I think I'll just have to do more browsing on that topic, see what my favorite tanks seem to lean towards.

Yeah that's definitely a good idea. Some people put GSP on the overflow. This could possibly work pretty well in the case of a blue background. With a few random patches on the back glass, surrounding the Overflow. So that it looks less Square.

Another approach would be to choose a more standard type of overflow. And use Rock work to help conceal it. of course you would have to build a skyscraper lol

Personally I think that a black background provides the cleanest look, with a ghost overflow.

 

[starypotter]

I have both. The eshopps is way thicker material. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the synergy, but it's soooo thin material it makes me nervous. My tank is in wall and working from the back I'm scared i might have an accident (clumsy). I have to step up on a little stool to reach sometimes. I thought about getting an extra synergy just to have on hand if i break something.

That's good to keep in mind, I don't have a fish room or anything, and the back of my tank is against the wall so I won't be worrying about bumping into it but I never even would have thought about something like that being a problem or to look into it.

 

[starypotter]

Yeah that's definitely a good idea. Some people put GSP on the overflow. This could possibly work pretty well in the case of a blue background. With a few random patches on the back glass, surrounding the Overflow. So that it looks less Square.

Another approach would be to choose a more standard type of overflow. And use Rock work to help conceal it.

Personally I think that a black background provides the cleanest look, with a ghost overflow.

I've got some GSP on my back wall now, it's growing really well so I'll be sad to have to scrape it off. Another reefer gave me some scrapings from his back wall and I've got three rocks covered in it from fist to golf ball size and maybe about 6 square inches on the back wall that I'll be scraping off. I'll be reapplying it to my new tank for sure.

 

[Ruben's Reef]

@starypotter just an advice, double check the Aqueon 75g because sometimes they are not drillable. I working on my 75g upgrade and got one on Petco at the $1 per gallon sale that came out for $85 and all side was tempered. I called Aqueon and all glass are tempered.

 

[Ruben's Reef]

I already check Marineland brand from Pet Supermarket and only the bottom is tempered.

 

[pshootr]

I've got some GSP on my back wall now, it's growing really well so I'll be sad to have to scrape it off. Another reefer gave me some scrapings from his back wall and I've got three rocks covered in it from fist to golf ball size and maybe about 6 square inches on the back wall that I'll be scraping off. I'll be reapplying it to my new tank for sure.

I like GSP. Just like you, I would want to keep it contained.

 

[pshootr]

@starypotter just an advice, double check the Aqueon 75g because sometimes they are not drillable. I working on my 75g upgrade and got one on Petco at the $1 per gallon sale that came out for $85 and all side was tempered. I called Aqueon and all glass are tempered.

Good call. Apparently, depending on glass availability. Aqueon May sometimes substitute tempered glass for non tempered glass. There should be a warning sticker on the bottom of the tank in these cases. However, it is probably best to specifically order a non tempered tank if you choose to go with Aqueon.

http://aqueonproducts.cvt.int.central.com/education/faq/index.htm

 

[starypotter]

@starypotter just an advice, double check the Aqueon 75g because sometimes they are not drillable. I working on my 75g upgrade and got one on Petco at the $1 per gallon sale that came out for $85 and all side was tempered. I called Aqueon and all glass are tempered.

That's good to keep in mind, LFS guy said that it should only be the bottom that's tempered but I'll have to check when I pick it up. See what other LFS people say on the matter and everything. the aqueon 75 I have now has a sticker on the bottom that says the bottom is tempered but nothing more than that.

 

[starypotter]

I like GSP. Just like you, I would want to keep it contained.

Oh yes, I have very cute little balls of GSP that sit far away from the rest of my rocks haha

 

[starypotter]

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