any not using the traditional overflow?

[cmacld]

I have found myself in a bind. I have a 180 gallon tank that i was planning on doing a coast to coast overflow on. However, i really dont want to loose any space in the tank, and would also like to reduce shadowed areas in the back of the tank.. Sooo. with that said, i was thinking of just doing 2 one inch bulkheads on the rear panel of the tank. Has anyone else out there done this? Im afraid that i may be loosing some filtration benifits of skimming the surface. but i have had may tanks in the past with the hang on back filter, and they seem to do well aslo. Sorry this is such a long post. Any input would be greatly appriciated !!! thanks for your input in advance. Cheers.

 

[d.can82]

Look into doing an external overflow maybe? Basically this would mean cutting out a section of the back of the tank just low enough to surface skim the water into a siliconed on EXTERNAL overlfow box that then carries the water down to the sump. I'll see if I can dig up a link.

 

[cmacld]

i had also thought about that, but i had heard some horror stories of tanks as big as 180 cracking. But i would love to see what link you have. thanks

 

[d.can82]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=502320&highlight=horizontal+overflow
and
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=619976

Maybe that will give you some design ideas/inspiration.
HTP

 

[cmacld]

Thanks for the links dan, i have acually been a part of a few of these threads. I am still weary of cutting an overflow into my glass 180. i dont have a link to it but i was reading a thread where a guy tried to do it and ended up with a cracked back panel to his 180. just a little scared i guess. Has anyone out there done this to there 180?

 

[d.can82]

Lol, well sorry the links weren't more helpful. I understand the trepidation of drilling/cutting a tank, and I'm sure its only amplified as the size of the tank increases. I think an internal coast to coast overflow would be the easiest route to go, just drilling out the holes for the bulkheads and silicone the glass in, but I also get that you loose space in the tank that way. If it helps I only lost a 4x4 section in my 40 breeder by doing this and wouldn't have it any other way. IMO, the benefits of this type of overflow mixed with the surface skimming ability way outweighs the lost space. With the space available on a 180, this would be even less pronounced.
In the end, its just a matter of what you're willing to risk/loose to accommodate your design.

 

[sporty]

These are very nice links and thought provoking .thank you.

 

[zapata41]

instead of doing an overflow box, just drill your two bulks on the corners, then take a length of say 1" or 1 1/4" pvc and cut slots all the way down it,

 

[cmacld]

Dan, thanks for hanging in here with me. I agree, i would like to cut the overflows out of my back glass. I guess im just looking for some reassurance that it is possible to put that much strain on the glass. The coast to coast will probably be the way i go. it was the was the way i have been planing on doing this untill i saw the thread with the external overflow.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c171/cmacld/180gallonoverflowdesigrevised.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

here was the original plan, with the exception of a closed loop intake. I think this is the route that i will be going, as i really dont want to chance my rear panel holding preasure. I guess the more i think about it i would really like the benifits of the overflow vs. not. Thanks for your help!

 

[d.can82]

My pleasure, glad to contribute. Here's a link to my thread with pics of my own coast to coast internal overflow and a bit of step by step. If I could do it (I despise silicone), then most can.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=844636

Good luck and keep us posted!