Ghost Overflow vs. External Overflow on Custom Tank?

[LilElroyJetson]

Can anyone explain to me why someone would opt for the ghost overflow over an external overflow when custom ordering from a company such as Reef Savvy? When you have a pre-existing tank and are adding an overflow after the fact, I can see how the ghost is an exceptional option. But if you're having a tank custom built, why not go with an external overflow?

I've seen people state that they prefer the ghost because they want the tank as close to the wall as they can get it, as well as for being able to work back there should a leak or something else occur. I fail to see how one is easier to get into for work than the other. Also, the difference in space from the wall between the ghost and the external is probably only 2-3". Does that justify giving up the 2.75" in the tank and having an overflow box sitting in your tank rather than a clean tank wall and unobstructed flow?

 

[Ocelaris]

I had a custom tank made with a full height overflow, as I didn't want any plumbing on the back side. But I have the tank viewable from all sides. In order to accommodate 3x1.5" drains and 2x1" returns it took up a huge amount of real estate. So I get people not wanting to take up space, but I consider access to plumbing critical as well, so I don't see the point of having the tank so close to the wall anyways. If you're going to have the tank for a decade, make sure every piece of rubber and every valve is accessible.

I know this isn't exactly the example you were looking for, but thought I'd share.

 

[Ocelaris]

Front. The tank is 60x36x27. In a 36" deep tank, there's plenty of room front to back.

 

[Robert_ellis]

I would say if an external fails it would take a bit to silicone and let the silicone reset and you could be down a few days. If a ghost fails... which would be pretty much only the rubber gasket failing, you could have fixed in hours. I have a ghost because that's what my tank came with but that is just my idea of the difference.

 

[LilElroyJetson]

I would say if an external fails it would take a bit to silicone and let the silicone reset and you could be down a few days. If a ghost fails... which would be pretty much only the rubber gasket failing, you could have fixed in hours. I have a ghost because that's what my tank came with but that is just my idea of the difference.

That’s a reasonable consideration. I don’t know that it’d be enough to sway me considering there’s always some risk of something going wrong and a well made tank is unlikely to have this issue, but nonetheless worth giving some thought to.

 

[LilElroyJetson]

Would be great to hear from others who have had to make this decision on their custom tanks.

 

[Saveafish]

I went exotic marine overflow. Main reason is I can have more options with it. Like bigger drains, matter of a few moments drilling, bulkhead replacements. Less room in the tank equates more room for viewing. If you want a longer weir inside its a quick change out of weirs.

 

[LilElroyJetson]

I went exotic marine overflow. Main reason is I can have more options with it. Like bigger drains, matter of a few moments drilling, bulkhead replacements. Less room in the tank equates more room for viewing. If you want a longer weir inside its a quick change out of weirs.

I, of course, like the idea of having an external overflow in order to have less clutter in the tank. But I still haven’t heard any compelling reason why those who have had custom tanks built don’t, by default, opt for an external overflow rather than a ghost or something similar (aside from keeping the tank closer to the wall, which doesn’t sound like a great reason to accept having the overflow box in the tank, but still needing to leave room for space behind the tank nonetheless because there’s still a box back there, only a slimmer one).

 

[Saveafish]

I, of course, like the idea of having an external overflow in order to have less clutter in the tank. But I still haven’t heard any compelling reason why those who have had custom tanks built don’t, by default, opt for an external overflow rather than a ghost or something similar (aside from keeping the tank closer to the wall, which doesn’t sound like a great reason to accept having the overflow box in the tank, but still needing to leave room for space behind the tank nonetheless because there’s still a box back there, only a slimmer one).

Probably the biggest. Is where it comes out. Under the tank. Placement is to some very important. Depending on the stand having the pipes come through the bottom of the tank can get in the way. Or not in the spot they need them. Flow limits. If it goes through the bottom of the tank your stuck with what ever they put in there. Custom over flows you can go to the flow you want. That pic I posted has the ability to go 4000+ gah

 

[LilElroyJetson]

Probably the biggest. Is where it comes out. Under the tank. Placement is to some very important. Depending on the stand having the pipes come through the bottom of the tank can get in the way. Or not in the spot they need them. Flow limits. If it goes through the bottom of the tank your stuck with what ever they put in there. Custom over flows you can go to the flow you want. That pic I posted has the ability to go 4000+ gah

I think we are misunderstanding each other. I’m not discussing anything coming out from underneath the tank, and you would have equal ability to control flow when having a tank custom built. I’ve attached two photos below, the first of the external overflow, the second of the ghost. These are the two custom tank options I was comparing and wondering why someone would opt for the ghost (or similar overflow) instead of this clean style external when having a tank custom built.

Built-in External Overflow:

Ghost Overflow:

 

[oldmonk]

I think we are misunderstanding each other. I’m not discussing anything coming out from underneath the tank, and you would have equal ability to control flow when having a tank custom built. I’ve attached two photos below, the first of the external overflow, the second of the ghost. These are the two custom tank options I was comparing and wondering why someone would opt for the ghost (or similar overflow) instead of this clean style external when having a tank custom built.

Built-in External Overflow:

Ghost Overflow:

Very very clean and crisp work... Just one doubt. how does one determine the width , height and height of the teeth incase of an external overflow?

 

[drtechno]

I'm little late to the party..
Here is the compelling reason (at least what is my case):

I have an in wall tank. The size of the opening in the wall is the same size as the "closet door" at the rear of the tank. The inside of the closet is larger than both.

The tank will not fit into the opening/doors with a permanently attached external overflow.

I need to insert the tank into the closet through the doors, then attach an external overflow.

Happy ?

 

[Treefer32]

I had a custom tank made with a full height overflow, as I didn't want any plumbing on the back side. But I have the tank viewable from all sides. In order to accommodate 3x1.5" drains and 2x1" returns it took up a huge amount of real estate. So I get people not wanting to take up space, but I consider access to plumbing critical as well, so I don't see the point of having the tank so close to the wall anyways. If you're going to have the tank for a decade, make sure every piece of rubber and every valve is accessible.

I know this isn't exactly the example you were looking for, but thought I'd share.

BTW: I love your corded mess!! Mine is as bad if not worse, and I feel horrible when I see all these neat and tidy tanks with cords and everything perfectly in their place. I don't know how people have the time and energy to plan cord placement and staple everything down and build enclosures, etc, etc for cords. ..