Which tank?

[Rickyrooz]

I am debating on four different tank options. The peninsular and dual external overflow tanks are both 72"x40"x22". The two tanks with the internal island overflow are 84"x42"x22". If I pick the peninsular look I will have four viewable sides, I will use Tunze Turbelle 2 streams in the Tunze rock to hide them and run the cords down the overflow so they are hidden. For the external overflow tanks I will use Vortech pumps. On the peninsular tank they will be where the black overflow panel is. For the tank with the dual external overflows they will be placed on the sides of the glass. The walk around tank will have to be rimless while the peninsular and dual overflow tank will be eurobraced. I am worried that the tank with one internal island overflow will not be sufficient to skim the 84"x42" water surface and in the corners I will get the dirty film on the top of the water, this is why I included a tank with two internal overflows. I like the having four viewable sides but this will cost much more than the other two styles since the tank is larger and going to be rimless. My favorite choice is the tank with the dual external overflows but I'm afraid I won't be able to clean the back glass panel, work on the overflows, or move corals in the back center of the tank as I am only 5' 10". I am open or suggestions as nothing is set in stone.

Front view

Back view

Top view

 

[fote03]

either external overflow tanks

 

[Paul_N]

With those dimensions I would do the peninsula tank. Dual overflows on the outside rear would be the one if you were placing against the wall but like you said with those dimensions you would have a heck of a time reaching the back.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Buddy my 250g is 72" x 32" x 24" high. I am about 6'1 and on top of my step ladder I can't reach the bottom back of my tank at all. I probably could with one of those long grabbers, but a 40" that would be tough.

That being said I would go with that tank LOL! I actually use a magnet on the back glass and get the rest with a long reaching scraper. The snails also help! LOL! I originally had my new tank with 2 external overflows, but just went with one long one instead. There are two drains in the overflow. Here are a few pics of mine pre-setup.

 

[Rickyrooz]

Wow, very nice Rev! Who built your tank? What lighting are you using?


If I went with the tank with the dual overflows it would be placed against a wall. The walk around would allow me more access. I was going to steal Ed's design except I would place mangroves inside the overflow instead of placing a rock on top of it.

 

[Braves Fan]

I am just wondering here, as one of your choices is sort of what I was contemplating for my new tank. The one with the dual over flows on the back, I was thinking of a tank like that but with just one over flow on the back. What is the reason you would want two instead of just one?

 

[Rickyrooz]

One large overflow was not recommended by Coast 2 Coast Aquariums because it would be too heavy. Also, ReefBum has dual overflows and his tank looks sweet. I think I am going to have Miracles build my tank.

 

[Braves Fan]

I didn't think about the weight issue with just one over flow box on the back of the tank, although I have seen tanks with one large OF box on the back of the tank. I guess I would go with the one on the side of the tank then. I just wouldn't want over flow boxes inside my dream tank cutting down coral and fish swimming space. You have to consider this also, if you aren't running a CL system you will have to get water flow going around those intank over flows. Two OF boxes means more plumbing, maybe more pumps and maybe more heat. I like to keep it as simple as I can.