Plumbing analysis paralysis

forestsofkelp · Aug 21, 2020

I have a mental roadblock here. Any advice welcome. I have space to build "dream tank"; I was hoping to build clean, with no visible hardware/plumbing in the tank except maybe a power head if I cant hide it. The tank is going in a corner.

Sound and access are my primary concerns. My "working area" is 66x30x24. Possible configurations are:

1. 60x30x24 with internal overflow and returns: this is the most "space efficient", but then I have internal plumbing, which I have never had, and I am concerned about accessing it, cleaning it, how its going to look etc.
2. 60x30x24, peninsula and external overflow: cost a little more, but all the plumbing is going be in a 6in space between the left side of the tank and the wall, externally. Might also be difficult to access and I am not sure I like the aesthetic of one side being offset from the wall.
3. 60x24x24 with rear external overflow: I still have access problems (I can only access from the right side) but the overflow is external
4. 60x30x24 with an external overflow in the drywall. The space would be tight, I am not sure how much access I would have. My wife would be unhappy. But it would be what I want...

nereefpat · Aug 21, 2020

By "external," do you mean a hang on tank overflow box with a siphon tube? In 2020 I would not set up a tank that way. There is still an overflow box in the tank also. The only reason to do this, is if you can not drill the tank.

The internal overflows, like Eclipse for example, only stick 1.25" into the display.

Ippyroy · Aug 21, 2020

I would go with the external overflow, no deadspots from internal overflow. Just my .02

nereefpat · Aug 21, 2020

Oh, if "internal" means reef ready type setup, then I agree. I wouldn't do that. It takes up too much room in the display.

forestsofkelp · Aug 21, 2020

nereefpat said:
Oh, if "internal" means reef ready type setup, then I agree. I wouldn't do that. It takes up too much room in the display.

Yes, internal is reef ready, external is a modular marine. I’ve been keeping reeds for a while, just never anything big. Only had one tank with a sump and it had U overflow.

thx