Large Tank Layout Experts Please, Need Help ASAP

[WVReefJunkie]

Iam planning to purchase around 500 gallons reef tank, which Iam having problems figuring the hole placement for the drilled holes.

There is two options for aquariums Iam considering:

130x28.5x36 inch dimensions with a glass external overflow (2 one inch returns, 2 one and half drains).

130x30x36 inch dimensions with glass external overflow (Same as above).

My questions I have, where would the best location for the overflow? On one end of aquarium, center of back of aquarium?
Also should I drill the bottom of the aquarium for closed loop? I will be using vortech pumps MP 60s and 40s.

 

[P-Dub]

Where you place the overflow is partly a function of where you place flow within the DT. You want your overflow to be where it will catch as much detritus and have that filtered out with socks or a settling area in your sump. Note, this can change over time as your corals grow and alter your flow. The other part of the equation is where it looks best aesthetically. No one but you can answer that question.

Regarding a closed loop, if you are going to have one, the generally accepted method is to have the bottom drilled but, there are no hard an fast rules here. Again, it will depend on what your tank layout will be and aesthetics.

 

[WVReefJunkie]

Where you place the overflow is partly a function of where you place flow within the DT. You want your overflow to be where it will catch as much detritus and have that filtered out with socks or a settling area in your sump. Note, this can change over time as your corals grow and alter your flow. The other part of the equation is where it looks best aesthetically. No one but you can answer that question.

Regarding a closed loop, if you are going to have one, the generally accepted method is to have the bottom drilled but, there are no hard an fast rules here. Again, it will depend on what your tank layout will be and aesthetics.

Do people usually incorporate a closed loop system with powerheads in a tank @ 10' ft length? I was thinking of putting the overflow on one end of the tank so if I decide to setup the aquarium as a pennisula style layout that would work.

 

[P-Dub]

It is all personal preference. Think for the future and possible scenarios. I like the peninsula reasoning.

 

[Fishfinder]

I would do your overflow either as a peninsula style, or if closed loop, having the overflow as a center island (viewable from all 4 sides). Also get 3 1.5" drains instead of 2, you'll like that much better.

 

[WVReefJunkie]

I would do your overflow either as a peninsula style, or if closed loop, having the overflow as a center island (viewable from all 4 sides). Also get 3 1.5" drains instead of 2, you'll like that much better.

So your saying closed loop put the the overflow internal center of aquarium? You recommend three drains to help with higher turnover?

 

[Fishfinder]

It is ultimately up to you. It doesn't sound like you have a specific spot in mine. But if it could be viewable from 4 sides then a center over flow would be best.

 

[Fishfinder]

3 drains is best for silence and safety

 

[ca1ore]

I have a 450, 96" long X 36" wide X 30" tall. I went with a 36" ghost-style overflow with the skim box in the middle of the back wall. IMO, an end mounted skim box isn't going to really do the trick in a 130" long tank. I really don't like overflows in the center of the bottom - gets in the way of most sensible aquascapes and weakens the bottom panel. No thanks! In fact, I don't put any holes in the bottom panel anymore - just too many things to go wrong. If you do a closed loop, put the auction along the top of the back with the returns. That's what I did on mine. Definately get a drain system with three 1 1/2" detain pipes and do a bean animal.

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

I have a 240 and hate the fact it has overflows because they take up space. Recently my parents as a gift bought me a 425 which is being built. I opted for a newer design cslled a top over flow. It has over flow bars that are about 3/4 inch tall but as wide as the tank and sit below the three cross support members. They then go into the back glass where piping is, and it goes somewhere else. Since it’s being built or more correctly going to be built once the company who builds it gets to my order, I have not seen all of it yet. I don’t have a clue where the return lines will come out of, but can’t imagine it being too much different than most.

The beauty of it is, I have more space for aqua scape and don’t have the ugly over flows. With the way my living room is, I couldn’t do a peninsula style tank. Plus since my 240 is doing crazy awesome, I don’t have the heart to break it down. So lol looks like we have two tanks, which is gonna be a lot more work. But my tank size will be 96x32x32, which is roughly 425. so happy.