How wide should my overflow be?

[RobB'z Reef]

Hello reef experts! About to pull the trigger on 180g (72" long) tank. How wide should the internal portion of my external overflow be? Models in high contention are the ghost overflow and modular marine. Is 21" adequate or should I be looking towards 24 - 30 inches? Looking to be a mixed LPS / SPS tank with more towards the SPS side. All thoughts welcome and sincerely appreciated in advance!

 

[CK00020]

For that long of a tank I would go long prob 30, they will make anything you want at mod marine

 

[RobB'z Reef]

For that long of a tank I would go long prob 30, they will make anything you want at mod marine

Thank you, that's where my head was at. Reef savvy's is only 21" and they want a rather large sum to make anything larger. Modular marine was in fact what I favored.

 

[ca1ore]

MM is a vastly better design. You’d want 24” minimum length, 30” better. I’m using their 36” in my 8’ tank and have been very happy with it.

 

[RobB'z Reef]

Thank you for your insight, it's very much appreciated.

 

[mfinn]

I would go as long as you can.
IMO the wider it is, the less chance of water noise going through it if it is spread out.
I guess it just depends on the amount of water flow through it.

IMO a silent running tank is heaven.

 

[Vinman]

Hello reef experts! About to pull the trigger on 180g (72" long) tank. How wide should the internal portion of my external overflow be? Models in high contention are the ghost overflow and modular marine. Is 21" adequate or should I be looking towards 24 - 30 inches? Looking to be a mixed LPS / SPS tank with more towards the SPS side. All thoughts welcome and sincerely appreciated in advance!

I have a coast to coast 56" on a 60" tank

 

[WvAquatics]

32" Overflow Kit with 1.5" Drains

This is our standard 32" slimline overflow kit. The weir openings are 0.5" tall, with a total distance from the top of the box only 1". The external box utilizes 1.5" drains for increased flow capability. If you are flowing over 1500 GPH through your sump, this is the system we recommend. The...

www.exoticmarinesystems.com

32 inches. Modular does make longer internal boxes and bet exotic marine would also. Exotic is just the longest at that price

 

[Vinman]

I have a coast to coast 56" on a 60" tank

Sorry my tank was custom...I was just giving reference to size of tank to overflow size

 

[RobB'z Reef]

thank you all for the awesome advice. If i do end up going with reef savvy I'll just have them drill the back for a MM 30" rather than go with the ghost. Everyone else I'm getting quotes from I've indicated to them I just want it drilled only for a MM overflow of a yet to be determined size. Holes is holes as far as quotes go