LaconicReefer
New member
This is a bit of a 'broad strokes' question(s), however, i am seeking expert advice. I have grown SPS for 7 some years so i am not a complete novice. But i'm building what i feel is the most efficient tank- for 100% SPS stock.
the merit of such a long overflow (obviously) is surface-area, itll be skimming the very top of the water column. I am going to be running a Lifereef SVS3 with a DC Jebaeo, a cermedia block and some chaeto in lieu of the conventional fuge, and another DC Jebaeo for a return(s) (simple sump, 3 compartments). the 3 beans will all be 1", the returns 3/4''.
also, i will be using no substrate, just black eggcrate as needed, and about 60-75lbs of TBS liverock. I will be housing a pyschedelic mandarin, as a preventative measure i will be cultivating my own pods.
with all that in mind:
I plan on building a coast to coast length-wise ~48" with the 3 bean animal OF, grandpa-style, and have 2 returns from the sump (a Y fitting splitting the return), one on each end of the over flow. my questions:
1. in your expert opinions, is such a long overflow a bit redundant? i.e. would a center-placed 24" do just as well for all intents and purposes?
2. provided i go with the 48" ctc, would it be a good idea to cut it an inch and half short on each end, so as not to need 2 bulkheads for each return (one through the back of the tank, one through the front pane of the OF) AND- so that the overflow water needn't compete with a physical barrier(s) like that? (or am i splitting hairs?)
3. as far as design and placement are concerned, i hope to have the overflow extend maybe a half inch beyond the 'protruding' street elbows. I dont necessarily want to have a 48" (or 45" if making room for dual returns) OF being 3-4" wide- i would prefer a slimmer profile. perhaps 1.5-1.75" wide, and to compensate (perhaps) for lack of room by making it a bit deeper, say, 3" tall?
Thanks for your consideration and time!
the merit of such a long overflow (obviously) is surface-area, itll be skimming the very top of the water column. I am going to be running a Lifereef SVS3 with a DC Jebaeo, a cermedia block and some chaeto in lieu of the conventional fuge, and another DC Jebaeo for a return(s) (simple sump, 3 compartments). the 3 beans will all be 1", the returns 3/4''.
also, i will be using no substrate, just black eggcrate as needed, and about 60-75lbs of TBS liverock. I will be housing a pyschedelic mandarin, as a preventative measure i will be cultivating my own pods.
with all that in mind:
I plan on building a coast to coast length-wise ~48" with the 3 bean animal OF, grandpa-style, and have 2 returns from the sump (a Y fitting splitting the return), one on each end of the over flow. my questions:
1. in your expert opinions, is such a long overflow a bit redundant? i.e. would a center-placed 24" do just as well for all intents and purposes?
2. provided i go with the 48" ctc, would it be a good idea to cut it an inch and half short on each end, so as not to need 2 bulkheads for each return (one through the back of the tank, one through the front pane of the OF) AND- so that the overflow water needn't compete with a physical barrier(s) like that? (or am i splitting hairs?)
3. as far as design and placement are concerned, i hope to have the overflow extend maybe a half inch beyond the 'protruding' street elbows. I dont necessarily want to have a 48" (or 45" if making room for dual returns) OF being 3-4" wide- i would prefer a slimmer profile. perhaps 1.5-1.75" wide, and to compensate (perhaps) for lack of room by making it a bit deeper, say, 3" tall?
Thanks for your consideration and time!
