designing a new tank.

[Highside]

Well since glass cages is of no help on tank design, I thought I would ask you guys.

First question: On a glass tank, What do you do about the overflow? Does it have to be clear glass or do they have black glass? I would just hate to have to look at the inners of the overflow all the time.

Second: Is there a rule of thumb on overflow size and drain hole size?

Third: Do you think it is a good idea to have the return coming up through the overflow for a more tidy look?

 

[pitbullpooch]

if you get a tank from glasscages they do have black covers to cover the clear glass or if you get a reef ready tank from anywhere else they normally always have black covers.


heres a link to figure out what size overflow you need and bulkhead size depending on how much flow you have going thru your overflows. normally you only want 5 times flow going thru your sump so for an example if you get a 100 gallon tank you should go for 500 gallons an hour through your sump.

http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/drain.php

alot of people do have theres coming out of the overflow but its up to you. ive always had mine coming back up over the sides of the tank but thats because i drilled my own tanks so i didnt want to drill to many holes. good luck and feal free to ask more questions,

mike

 

[Highside]

Thats great info mike, thanks.

Does anyone have any other suggestions from past experience?

I am dying to get a 36x36x20 with a center overflow that can be viewed from 360 deg. I just don't have the place to put it until we build a new house. It will probably have to be a 36x18x20 for the next two years.

 

[DMBillies]

If you're buying new (and RR) I'd say you definitely want to send the return in the overflow. Some people are starting to do external overflows (they stick off the back) and that will avoid having the big overflow in the tank... so you might think about looking into that. I don't have any experience with them, but I love the look and it seems like a good idea.

 

[Rendos]

I have an external overflow on my 120 and love it.

Also...mine has a closed loop. Here is a picture of the back of the tank.

 

[Highside]

I like the external overflow, that is going to be a definant.