Overflow Options - 160 Gallon

[Zac K]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum and reef-keeping in general. I've had a 15 gallon nano cube for about 9 months now -- and for the most part --it's been a really enjoyable journey.

My goal this year is to build a 600 liter (approx 160 gallon) aquarium, complete with a matching canopy. I'm not a master DIYer, but I'm lucky to have some pretty handy friends supporting me with the project.

It's probably one of my favorite things about the hobby; learning everything from coral care to cabinetry!

Anyways, I have a question about overflows. It seems like there are lots of ways to achieve the same thing.

Originally, my intention was to build the overflow into the display tank, but I'm not sure what the 'best' way to do this is. I've seen various possibilities: coast to coast, corner overflows (one or two!), L shaped overflows, etc.

Is it possible to have a peninsula-style overflow on a non-peninsula tank? That is, using one one of the short ends of the tank to house the drain lines? This seems like it could be a good way to maximize space, but there are no doubt some trade offs to consider as well. In a set up like this, where would the return lines go?

Any opinions/insights are much appreciated.

Zac

PS -- I've thought about shadow-style overflows but I'm not sure that having a box at the back would look right with a canopy, at least from a side on perspective.

 

[sbash]

The best way is relative to your situation.

Corner overflows are great because the plumbing goes straight down the bottom, so there are no pipes coming out the ends or the back.

Coast to coast is great because if the giant surface skimming the achieve.

Shadow styles are good for discretion; but if it's going to contrast your set up, then they would be an unnecessary add-on.

Personally, I like glass overflows with as much fault tolerance as possible. I'm not a fan of the black boxes in the tank. BUT, and it is a big but... If you or others who look at the tank focus on your overflow, then you are doing something wrong!!!

So, let's look at the function you want your overflow to serve. First, we should start with the tank placement. Do you want the tank flush against the wall? Where is the sump going to be? How much room around the tank do you have to work with?

 

[Zac K]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. The goal is a mixed reef. I'm aiming for a 6 foot tank on the shallower side. My dimensions for the tank are 185cm x 60cm x 55cm. (I may make it slightly higher to account for where i want the water line).

I'm building everything slowly, with the intention of setting it all up when I buy a house next year. -- so I'm not a 100% sure on the availabile space, but I figured that I'd set this up against a wall.

The sump will be in the cabinet. The idea of the tank being flush to the wall appeals, as long as ventilation isn't a problem.

I'm not really worried about the sides of the tank being visible; I think I'd rather have maximum, unobstructed viewing from the front.

This is why I'm considering using one of the sides to house the overflow plumbing. But, I'm not sure how feasible this is.

Thanks again

 

[sbash]

This is why I'm considering using one of the sides to house the overflow plumbing. But, I'm not sure how feasible this is.

It's perfectly feasible, what are your concerns with this configuration?

Take a look at my build thread (although it is more of a peninsula), its overflow is set up in the way you are aiming for. Also take a look at my friend's tank, here is the link to the pertinent information on page 2 of his build:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/first-build-some-questions-and-documenting-my-build.241255/page-2

Which I helped drill and set up with him; and have it now as he moved to New Zealand (lol).

 

[Zac K]

Ha ha thanks! I'll take a look. I'm based in chch New Zealand.

Cool place, but there's not a lot on the market as far as saltwater aquariums go. Everything costs a lot and options are very limited when it comes to things like overflow boxes... unless you're willing to DIY!

 

[sbash]

Ha ha thanks! I'll take a look. I'm based in chch New Zealand.

Cool place, but there's not a lot on the market as far as saltwater aquariums go. Everything costs a lot and options are very limited when it comes to things like overflow boxes... unless you're willing to DIY!

Neat!

Overflow boxes are over-rated... Take some precise measurements, get some caulking and order the glass for the overflow...

 

[TaylorPilot]

How much flow are you planning on running in the tank?

 

[TaylorPilot]

C2C overflows are the best performing, but they require plumbing out the back of the tank (stand away from the wall), you can see in each end of it from the side panels of the tank, and since they usually stick 4-5" into the tank, create a shadow on the back glass that IMHO is a little distracting. Corner overflows can be seen in from the sides of the tank, and they split up your plumbing, so you have 2 siphon, 2 open channel (emergency drains are less important with all that redundancy). These are my least favorite of all the overflow options. I obviously prefer the through tank style overflows, as they take up the least amount of room inside the tank. But, if you want the tank right up against the wall, I would get a trapazoid overflow in the center of the tank. I would have 3 drains, and 1 return all going down and out the bottom of the tank, with the return coming over the top of the overflow. Maybe split it into two lines, coming out over each side of the overflow. You can do a rectangle, but the trapazoid allows for less dead spots because the current flows around it better

 

[Zac K]

Thanks for your thoughts. Do you have an example of a tank with this set up? So many options...

Sbash, your friend's old tank... now that's a good looking build. I guess my original idea was similar. Overflow at the side, but not hidden by any paneling.

 

[TaylorPilot]

http://coasttocoastaquariums.com/products/euro-braced/euro-braced-aquarium-portfolio/#prettyPhoto

The first one on this page. The 65 gallon tank. Yours would probably be a little bigger if you want to do a bean animal style drain, and want all lines in the overflow.

 

[Zac K]

Thanks. That set up does look like a contender.

This is the design I originally thought about using:
It looks quite clean to my eye, not least because the box doesn't take up the side in its entirety.

I guess doing it this way means that you'd have the option to run this as a peninsula, should available space permit this (not holding my breath though). -- I guess part of my issue is not knowning what space I'm going to actually end up with.

That's why I'm thinking it might be best to err on the side of flexibility. A set up that will leave my options open.

Thoughts?

 

[Greybeard]

Just to throw another option at you... Google H2Overflow. Very minimal in-tank footprint. I've got two of them, peninsula style, on my 140g system. Plenty of capacity, absolutely silent.

 

[Zac K]

Thanks. They look really cool, but looks like they require pipes on the outside of the tank. (I know you could hide these if the build was quite specific)

But, I think I'm pretty much committed to having all of my plumbing in the tank...

Also, I bet you can't get that setup over here in NZ. (Maybe at a crazy shipping rate). We're seriously limited compared to overseas.

 

[Greybeard]

Thanks. They look really cool, but looks like they require pipes on the outside of the tank. (I know you could hide these if the build was quite specific)

But, I think I'm pretty much committed to having all of my plumbing in the tank...

Also, I bet you can't get that setup over here in NZ. (Maybe at a crazy shipping rate). We're seriously limited compared to overseas.

Yes, in my specific application, outside pipe is hidden... I don't know about shipping international. Used to be the place to be in this hobby was Germany.