Internal overflow vs ghost

[MikeandDee]

So I just picked up an amazing deal... 180 gallon oceanic aquarium, stand, lights and sump for $150. Has been stored in garage for two years so it really needs a vinegar bath

so here is my issues (if you call it that). Tank is bottom drilled and has the silicone outline of where the weir box(internal overflow used to be)

should I cap and cover the internal holes with bulk heads and have the back drilled for an external overflow box? Should I purchase the two internal overflow boxes and where do I get them? seemed to have searched all the common websites but internals are hard to come by. Just go to the big box store and by plexi glass and fussion paint it blue or black?

any comments or suggestions will greatly be appreciated

 

[SetayIV]

The only thing I really wish I could change on my 5 year old tank would be to have external overflow. Just opens up the tank for better aqua-scape. IMHO

 

[DaneGer21]

Get a piece of glass cut and silicone it on the INSIDE of the tank to cover the holes. Then drill the back panel for your choice of overflow.

 

[MikeandDee]

How do you both like the space that is caused by having an external against the wall? I currently am running a 75 gallon with an HOB overflow... causes spacing between the wall and tank, but not enough space to really work back there if need be. Guess that’s a personal preference think too.

 

[SetayIV]

@MikeandDee that is a very good point. I do have my tank offset from the wall already mostly because of the MP40 and the space the need. I don't think the external overflow would cause my to adjust too much at all for my situation.

 

[MikeandDee]

Guess that’s going to be the million dollar question. Do I want flush with the wall, bottom stand maintenance for piping etc..BUT have less internal space because of the internal overflow boxes!!

what space means more to me...internal space for fish or external spacing!!

oh the dilemmas of a reef addict... can see myself getting this build up and running. Then start saving for the next build

 

[ca1ore]

I would personally go the ghost-style route. Oceanic tanks haven't been made in a while, so you'll have to check for yourself whether the back is tempered (it probably isn't as O did not use tempered glass very often). How tall is the tank? My sump is an old Oceanic 150, and I have the removed overflows sitting around somewhere.

 

[MikeandDee]

I would personally go the ghost-style route. Oceanic tanks haven't been made in a while, so you'll have to check for yourself whether the back is tempered (it probably isn't as O did not use tempered glass very often). How tall is the tank? My sump is an old Oceanic 150, and I have the removed overflows sitting around somewhere.

Let me measure and send you a DM, quote me a price if you can find them