How should I drill my tank

galantra · Nov 6, 2020

So looking for some insight getting ready soon to drill my 150 gallon tank. Measurements are 5ftx2ftx2ft and looking to place a external overflow on the tank. My issue is where should I place it? Originally I was going to place it on the back glass wall but currently debating if I should just place it peninsula style instead. Tank will be going into a right corner and I am just keeping it clear backing if not frost it. My current stand is already build with a 1 inch lip around the whole tank and going to use a open top so no canopy just in case you wanna know.

I currently will be using a modular Marine 1800gph overflow
Is there any benefits doing one style than the other?
And placement of the return like drilled through the tank or just over top?

Pistondog · Nov 6, 2020

galantra said:
So looking for some insight getting ready soon to drill my 150 gallon tank. Measurements are 5ftx2ftx2ft and looking to place a external overflow on the tank. My issue is where should I place it? Originally I was going to place it on the back glass wall but currently debating if I should just place it peninsula style instead. Tank will be going into a right corner and I am just keeping it clear backing if not frost it. My current stand is already build with a 1 inch lip around the whole tank and going to use a open top so no canopy just in case you wanna know.

I currently will be using a modular Marine 1800gph overflow
Is there any benefits doing one style than the other?
And placement of the return like drilled through the tank or just over top?

I put mine in the back left, and wish I'd moved it around the corner to,the left side for easier access.

SliceGolfer · Nov 6, 2020

I don’t know if there is proof to this, but I believe peninsula style would give you greater flexibility In flow options and aesthetic appearance. Gyres could push surface proteins towards the overflow, the background would be free of clutter. Management of the overflow would be easier as well.

galantra · Nov 6, 2020

SliceGolfer said:
I don’t know if there is proof to this, but I believe peninsula style would give you greater flexibility In flow options and aesthetic appearance. Gyres could push surface proteins towards the overflow, the background would be free of clutter. Management of the overflow would be easier as well.

Heard this as well and was going to use gyres and maybe 2 MP40 or additional set of gyres maybe too much flow

Soren · Nov 6, 2020

It seems like there could be a number of advantages to peninsula-type overflow. Adding to the advantages mentioned above, if you ever wanted to set up the tank as a peninsula, the overflow would not block part of one side. Also, if you happen to have a failure while drilling the tank and crack the glass, the smaller piece of glass would be cheaper to replace than one of the full large sides.

servus · Nov 6, 2020

Done a 75 peninsula 10 months ago. Plus: excellent views from both long sides, plumbing smaller spread on the short side. In my case, I wanted to do a peninsula due to the layout of the space.

Downsides: hard to reach opposite end with enough flow, that depends on the coral types if they need much flow or not. More flow can work with additional heads, if you don't mind seeing them. Less option with circulation. I am looking at particles flow and they keep turning inside the tank instead of draining to the sump. I will have to put the return all the way to the opposite side from the overflow to get good water push straight into the overflow. For some reason I believe regular layout would allow a better flow pattern, but I will let the more experienced weigh in on that.

ca1ore · Nov 7, 2020

You’ll get better surface skimming with the skim box placed more centrally (on the back wall). Whether this makes a major difference is less clear. You might need to goose the gph a bit more with end mounted. Also, if you plan to go for a wave, that will mess more with end mounted. Probably the aesthetic goal makes the decision.