Convert corner flow to Coast to Coast?

[sleepydoc]

I have a Marineland 120 corner flow that I have been running as a Herbie since I set it up in the Dining room. I will be moving it to the basement in a few months and building a new stand to make it a peninsula setup.

1. I'm trying to figure out how I should plumb the new setup. The options I can think of are:
2. Leave it as is except run the return line up the end of the tank instead of the 'back,' which will now be visible
3. Drill additional holes to convert it to a herbie
4. Remove the corner flow baffle and convert the tank to a coast to coast across the end/short side of the tank, not the long side)

Having the corner overflow visible is not a huge deal for me, since the overflow side will not be viewed very often. Also, having the corner flow visible means the Herbie would be easier to keep adjusted and maintain.

For what it's worth, I've removed the cover plate on the overflow so there are no teeth, it's simply a 6" or so straight flow over the baffle

Which would be best?

 

[uncleof6]

What is best, is whatever method results in the longest effective length of the overflow. This gives the best performance in terms of surface skimming/surface renewal, which is the function of an overflow.

That said, having an overflow on the end of the tank, is not exactly efficient in terms of the needs of the system, as the relatively short length of the overflow, prolongs the process of skimming/surface renewal, since you are pulling from the opposite side of the tank, rather than across the much narrower width. So, you will not be pulling as high a concentration of organics out of the system, with more getting mixed back down into the tank. This does directly affect the conditions in the tank. Not much you can do about it, with a peninsula tank, but it is something to keep in mind.

 

[sleepydoc]

That's kind of what I was mulling over in my head - would it be worth the modest increase in surface skimming to go through the hassle (and potential risk) of drilling the end panel and removing the corner baffle. With a peninsula, you have to make sure you provide good end to end circulation either way.

Another thought I had as I'm typing this is to leave the corner baffle in place with the two standpipes as the full siphon and trickle standpipes, then drill 2 holes in the end panel for the return and emergency (dry) pipes. Of course then I might as well just do the whole conversion.

 

[uncleof6]

In just a few words: do the full conversion.

If you are concerned about punching the holes, take it and have someone do it for you. The cost is not that high...

 

[sleepydoc]

I'm assuming the best way to convert from a corner flow to a coast to coast is to just drill 4 new holes for the weir and plug the original ones. The other option I can think of is to use them for the return and the emergency/dry stand pipe with the siphon and the wet standpipe in the weir.

Does anyone happen to know if there's enough clearance under a Marineland 120 rimmed tank to put some inverted bulkheads to plug the original corner flow holes?

 

[SGT_York]

I believe there is, but if there isn't just make your stand to provide for it. small cut out in the plywood top if any.

Just another thought. If you did plug it with a bulkhead, make sure you can get into it to tighten it if need be.

 

[sleepydoc]

I was planning on putting it on a stand with a granite top. I could drill holes in the granite if necessary, just would prefer not to. If I plug them with bulkheads, the thread & nut will be up, so it should be accessible to tighten. Of course, then it will be sticking up into the tank, so I might be better off drilling a hole to have them nut-side down or using them anyway.

 

[GroktheCube]

I modified my 120 corner flow with a larger box and run it as a Herbie. It was easy, but not as good as a full c2c conversion.

Here's the thread I made showing how I did it:http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2261223