Tank selection questions for the somewhat experienced noob

[b4tn]

I have decided to get back into the hobby. I broke down and sold my 75 gallon reef about 10 years ago. It had about 100lbs of live rock with about a 4" play-sand bed. I used a HOB overflow with a homemade 15 gallon sump and used Ehiem pumps for both return and intake flow. My skimmer was AquaC HOB skimmer and the hood was custom built with MH lights. I wish I never sold it but had to move to Germany.

I am very frugal and hate to waste money on something I can enjoy building for cheaper that store bought and am a natural DIY'er. Someday I may build my own acrylic tank but for now I am going to get a budget glass tank. I have decided that I am going to go with another 75 gallon DT and convert a 15 Gallon freshwater tank I currently have into a sump and I will be building my own stand. This time around I will probably get an INT skimmer to sit in the sump and probably go with LED lighting. My problem.... I am stuck on step one and am having a hard time deciding! I cant decide on a tank and overflow design. So here are my options with pros and cons and hopefully you all can help me decide.

1. Deep Blue Professional Reef Reef Ready $249.00
Pros:
Dont have to worry about siphon break
Dont have to worry about breakage from drilling
Looks nice, less clutter.

Cons:
Only rated for 600GPH (prefer 800)
Takes away from DT space
Hear reviews that the over flow gate is noisy
Possibility of dead spots for in-tank flow.

2. Aqueon 75 gallon $129.00 or Marineland 75 Gallon $198.00 standard tanks with HOB overflow
Pros:
Flow options are pretty much unlimited
Less in tank space
No tank mods needed

Cons:
Siphon break (I would use a float switch for the pumps and siphon holes)
Noisy
More clutter on tank

Usually if I list out all the pros and cons I can come to an easy decision but in this case I cant find any glaring cons for one or the other. Price wise both would be about the same after purchasing a HOB overflow. I am really leaning towards the Deep Blue but I am concerned with the lack of flow. Any input to my overly long post

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[d2mini]

I wouldn't do the HOB overflow.
Since you mention you are frugal, I would look into sourcing a basic tank, new or used.
Then do some research on "Ghost Overflow".
Build (or have one made) one of these that goes almost the entire length of the tank. They are very thin compared to traditional overflows so it won't take up much space.
And I would make it a toothless overflow for maximum surface skimming.
Drill the back glass for your plumbing... 3 holes for the Bean Animal style plumbing.
You will have more flow than you could ever need and you will never have to worry about a flood.

If I was in your situation, that's what I would do.

 

[dbl]

Agreed...I actually had a non-drilled tank but ended up buying a new tank and drilled it. Everything I read scared me away from the HOB overflow. You can always supplement flow with power heads and get all the flow you could desire. Good luck with your decision.

 

[reefwiser]

I would go the Deep Blue route. Getting a tank already set up for an overflow is a great time saver, After years of DIY fish projects I have learned to only do DIY on things that I can not buy at a reasonable price. I have made tanks up to 2000 gallons and 10" diameter skimmers but the last tank I have purchased is a Innovative Marine Fusion 40. As I have limited space for a tank in my Patio Home and just don't have time to do it all right now.

 

[The Kahnasaur]

I have HOB overflows on both of my tanks and would still definitely prefer in tank overflows. I have aqualifters on them to prevent suction break, but I just hate the look of them as I don't have a cabinet to hide them.

 

[b4tn]

I wouldn't do the HOB overflow.
Since you mention you are frugal, I would look into sourcing a basic tank, new or used.
Then do some research on "Ghost Overflow".
Build (or have one made) one of these that goes almost the entire length of the tank. They are very thin compared to traditional overflows so it won't take up much space.
And I would make it a toothless overflow for maximum surface skimming.
Drill the back glass for your plumbing... 3 holes for the Bean Animal style plumbing.
You will have more flow than you could ever need and you will never have to worry about a flood.

If I was in your situation, that's what I would do.

I think you just made my decision. I really like the look and operation of the ghost overflow. Looks like the cheaper Aqueon tank is not tempered on the sides so I dont mind drilling. On a plus note I found several ebay options for these typeof overflows. Like this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/191281654428