Is this a bad idea?

[sonofgaladriel]

I think your idea will work just fine but will disrupt the viewing of the tank much more than a center drain

Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Have you seen a zero edge aquarium? The water becomes virtually invisible as it clings and runs down the sides, and the viewing is quite nice. This overflow idea of mine will only be on one side and only the middle 1/4 of the back pane as it is. The main 3 viewing sides will be completely normal and unobstructed.

 

[sonofgaladriel]

I'm by no means an expert on plumbing, but I do have something else you might want to consider:

What about trying to modify your original design so that your drain extends via PVC pipe to the surface? Cover it in LR (perhaps epoxy or build a "bonsai" look around it) in order to hide it and then go with the original design? That way you have the surface skimmed and have minimal interference with the tank's viewing angle.

Or, move the overflow piping into one of the corners and extend it again to the surface. Again, this minimizes the clutter you're trying to avoid and should let you get away with something close to your original design.

Good luck!

Thanks for the reply. I have already considered those alternatives. If this current idea of mine doesn't work as hoped, then I will be installing a drain pipe and a single return in one of the back corners as you recommended.

 

[hebygb]

Having owned a ZeroEdge I will say this... Yes the viewing is clear on a ZE, however the entire perimeter is required to achieve that effect as well as ample surface skimming and turnover. Assuming you are seeking to handle all drainage in this narrow strip, you will not achieve the same transparent look. Also, with the thicker cascade you will have some potential splashing in your trough. This can be mitigated be a layer of wide cell foam (like that used in humidifiers). Water goes through the foam but it prevents the splashes from getting out.

As for salt creep and algae... yes there will be some, but daily wipes will solve. I would just say that you shouldnt count on the fourth side as an optimal viewing side... it will just be unique.

Last... I have a tank of similar size (24 x 24 x 14) with an external overflow on back. It is a wonderful size. and perfect for growing corals. Kind of like a small tidepool or cove.

 

[sonofgaladriel]

Thanks for the input and suggestions Hebygb. I understand that the overflow side will not be totally 'unobstructed' viewing, but at least there will be no distracting boxes or plumbing and light/images (albeit somewhat fuzzy) will still be viewable through the cascading water. I'm also thinking that the cascading overflow will add a 'waterfall' effect and I'm hoping a somewhat soothing nature to the tank in addition to the inhabitants.
In the least it will be unique and fun.
Most of the viewing will actually be from the left and ride side as that is where my reading lounge chairs sit. The tank will sit rather low, just at eye level when I'm sitting there reading or watching TV. So, when my eyes need the ocassional break from reading, or during all those pesky commercials, the tank will take center stage.
I'll post some pics as soon as I get it fabricated and in place.

 

[JasonBJones]

Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Have you seen a zero edge aquarium? The water becomes virtually invisible as it clings and runs down the sides, and the viewing is quite nice. This overflow idea of mine will only be on one side and only the middle 1/4 of the back pane as it is. The main 3 viewing sides will be completely normal and unobstructed.

Didnt mean it as a vote of no confidence. I think it will work out just fine doing it this way. I agree the zero edge look pretty good when you look through them, but the water is also flowing over a much larger surface area so there is much less water coming down any one spot. When you look at how much water flows over and overflow, I would think it would be more than enough to disrupt the viewing of that area- as hebygb said.

I think it is a cool design and will be very different then most other tanks. I just thought your main goal was to not obstruct the viewing of the tank and I think you can accomplish that better in other ways. But doing it this way will not create any light disruptions like a center overflow will and will allow you to see very clearly across the three sides.

I look forward to seeing you implement this.

 

[sonofgaladriel]

JasonBJones- My thank you for the vote of confidence was sincere as I appreciated your comment that this idea would work. Now that I re-read my response to you, I can see how it could be read with a negative connotation. Not intended.
Regards.