A.G.E. Overflow/Return Config?

[mapn4reef]

You old-timer reefers will love all my questions to come...

I've been out of the hobby for 12 years, man things have come a long way...

So for the first post...I'm in the process of getting specs for an A.G.E. tank, 36x24x24 rimless, Starphire on front and sides, black silicon...

I need some suggestions on best OF/Return config... I'm thinking two OFs (internal, maybe a short box similar to the small ones glass-holes.com makes), one in each corner, and have the return hole in the center.

Or, should I ditch the custom tank (semi-custom, as they told me this dimension rimless is going to be one of their "standard" tanks available) and go with a Oceanic 58 gal Ultimate (Starphire front), standard mega-flow center... Either case it takes 3-4 weeks to get it...a black 58 gal Ultimate is a special order item, but not the wood finishes...hmm, go figure.

Anyway, I'd like to get your feedback on this.

Thanks.

 

[dots]

I would go semi-standard, and take thier recommendations on the configurations.

Full tilt custom is for when you know EXACTLY what you want and it isn't available, usually because you are trying to force form and function to coexist.

Since you have been out of the mix, start back slow and give yourself some room to grow with that "next" tank.

 

[Whys]

Your overflow plan doesn't sound bad to me. There are advantages to two drains.

I have a full height center overflow and did go with a fully custom tank from 4fishtank. I also did months of research here and elsewhere before deciding on what I wanted. I prefer the full height center overflow because it blends into the background better; both black. It takes a little doing to wrap the rockwork around it nicely, but I really enjoy the results.

On the down side, such a deep overflow gave me some concern while trying to eliminate flatworms from my system. There was no way for me to know how many were hiding at the bottom or remove them by sight. This could be an issue in other situations as well.

At that size of tank, starphire might not be so important. I considered it, but the vendor actually recommended against it because the glass is only 5/16ths and they didn't think I would see enough difference to justify the cost. I did go with a "clearer" grade of glass however that isn't as clear as starphire but is clearer than regular glass.

+1 on glass-holes. Nearly everyone seems to like them.

 

[mapn4reef]

Thanks guys for the input. I was thinking the same thing about letting them recommend the plumbing config. I may just have the front glass Starphire if the glass up-charge is that significant per panel... I'm already planning my true custom in my mind, probably for our next house, either build it or do a remodel on the front end.