Overflow placement for custom tank

[Tuffloud1]

I have a couple options for the overflow on my in-wall build.

Tank will be visible through front and right side.

I’ve decided to have the overflow on the left side of the back wall due to accessibility.

I’m having Modular Marine make a custom overflow with 3600 gph.

First option is a 36 inch long skimmer box with teeth on 1 side and the second option is an 18 inch long skimmer box with teeth on front and back of skimmer box.

Both options give the same amount of flow but the longer skimmer box gives a broader skimming area.

I’m torn because it’s better surface skimming vs. smaller, less obnoxious skimmer box.

Looking for opinions, thanks!

 

[ZoWhat]

Given this setup is all about aesthetics....I'd tuck that overflow in the far left back corner

IMO, IME....
Skimming power has more to do with the size of the drain bulkheads and the size of the return pump

I'd personally work with the expert designing the tank to put TWO 1-inch drain line bulkheads instead of 3/4-inch.

I'd DEFINITELY would put a ReeFlo Gold Barracuda pump into play ..... and on the return lines put a ball-valve so you can adjust overall flow. Meaning if the Barracuda was pumping too much water, you could adjust it by backing down the flow via ballvalves.

DO NOT concern yourself with how big the mouth of the overflow is at the waterline. Focus on how big the drain line bulkhead(s) are (1-inch vs 3/4-inch) and how powerful your return pump is.

Just my 2cents.




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[Tuffloud1]

Given this setup is all about aesthetics....I'd tuck that overflow in the far left back corner

IMO, IME....
Skimming power has more to do with the size of the drain bulkheads and the size of the return pump

I'd personally work with the expert designing the tank to put TWO 1-inch drain line bulkheads instead of 3/4-inch.

I'd DEFINITELY would put a ReeFlo Gold Barracuda pump into play ..... and on the return lines put a ball-valve so you can adjust overall flow. Meaning if the Barracuda was pumping too much water, you could adjust it by backing down the flow via ballvalves.

DO NOT concern yourself with how big the mouth of the overflow is at the waterline. Focus on how big the drain line bulkhead(s) are (1-inch vs 3/4-inch) and how powerful your return pump is.

Just my 2cents.




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Thanks for your input. This makes a lot of sense and I was leaning in that direction.

I know many people get caught up on having a huge skimming area like a coast 2 coast, but it seems that you can always adjust flow/power heads to direct “surface scum” if you have a smaller skim box.

 

[Tuffloud1]

Overflow will have three 1.5” bulkhead drains.

 

[ZoWhat]

Overflow will have three 1.5” bulkhead drains.

3 one-and-a-halfers? NOW WERE TALKING!!! lol

Tuck that overflow badboy deep in the corner and let that pump suck that surface water down those 3 drains like a HURRICANE

Those 3 drains should, like a Champ, suck all surface film away (1/8th of inch of water surface) as QUICKLY as possible down the drains thru brute force.

I'm confident you got a Winner in that setup.



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[jtl]

I once built a peninsula tank and I made the non viewing side a little shorter than the other 3 sides and put an overflow box on the outside of the tank. The result was no box in the tank, worked like a charm and looked great. Sort of like a negative edge swimming pool.