Where do you guys prefer your overflows?

Michael43 · Jul 21, 2016

In the next week I'll be finalizing my new aquarium build. Last thing I really haven't completely decided on is, where is the best place to put the overflows? I'm thinking the back corners because I feel will be most efficient in skimming the surface as well as best place to put the returns. Not too happy to see it from the side tho since one viewing angle will be from the left side. I guess other options are larger single center one(but I'm not completely happy with that on my current reefer which has it) or 2 in the back offset a bit from the sides stratteling the center of the rear of the tank, but I feel that way may waste the most space. The tank will be 84x24x30" tall if that helps. Thanks everyone

Joeganja · Jul 22, 2016

One on each side. Center ones are horrible because your going to have to center your tank around it. Stick with ones on each corner. Or!! You can do a corner one and the on the other side do a full overflow on the side

TheEngineer · Jul 22, 2016

I prefer center overflows. They're easy to hide and it allows you to place supplemental pumps on the back wall on the sides.

An interesting thing I learned on vacation, is about how ocean water breaks are designed to slow down waves. They have three channels to them: two on the outside for inflow and one in the center for outflow. I don't quite understand the physics of what is happening, but the flow coming in from the two outer channels slows down the incoming flow rate from the ocean. Water then rapidly returns to the ocean via the center channel.

If you extend that concept to a reef tank, having a return on both outer edges and the drain in the center seems to follow that model.

DaveMorris · Jul 22, 2016

Do a Calfo overflow down the center. My tank is 48" long and I have a 24" overflow centered on the back wall. The entire overflow is outside of the tank. This way the overflows aren't in the tank at all. Much cleaner.

Waters · Jul 22, 2016

I also prefer in the center....my tank can be viewed from three sides so the overflow not being in the corners maximizes viewing areas.

Breadman03 · Jul 22, 2016

I went coast to coast. If doing a Ghost or similar overflow, I would center it.

mtfish · Jul 22, 2016

I went with center overflow but had the aquarium builder cut a notch on the back pane so there was only a plate on the inside of the tank with external box. That way I can look down three sides with virtually no obstructions to the view.