Looking to Upgrade- ?'s on Large Tanks

[gofor100]

go with acrylic you wont be disappointed

Thanks for the suggestion... but I've already committed to glass. If I were thinking of having no sandbed, then acrylyic would definitely be a consideration, but I've personally experienced the damage one particle of sand in a magnetic algae cleaner can do on an acrylic tank (even though this is still a possibility on glass, it definitely happens less frequently, at least in my experience).

 

[gofor100]

A 5"x72" overflow is quite large. Ive had both glass and acrylic tanks and would strongly recommend glass if it's a viable option.

I agree... but isn't that the concept of having a "coast-to-coast" overflow? I was just thinking of the same concept, but instead of having an external overflow (since it seems this would be difficult and a little harder to manufacture), why not have it as an internal overflow?

Obviously, I could revert to what I was originally going to do (which I think is pretty standard), and have two off-centered overflows that are substantially smaller (open to suggestions on what the dimensions should be).

 

[serpentman]

A question I just thought of is what would be the main difference between an external overflow (which seems like some tank manufacturers won't do) and just asking a tank manufacturer to build an internal overlow box running along the whole backside of the tank, and then take that into consideration when figuring out how wide/deep you want your tank? For example, I'm looking for at least 30 inches from the front to back of the tank, so if my overflow is going to be about 5 inches (front to back), then I could just ask for a 35" wide tank with an overflow running across the back?

Does this make any sense... if it doesn't, why not?

I believe this would be the safer (albeit more expensive) route. Unless you do a pennisula style tank and put the overflows on one or both of the ends, I think this would cannibalize too much potentially usable space.

I think the reason some manufacturers shy away from glass external overflows is they are structurally heavier. Because they are adhered by silicone, I guess there is a potential for failure. However, if done, right, I think its minimal.

I agree... but isn't that the concept of having a "coast-to-coast" overflow? I was just thinking of the same concept, but instead of having an external overflow (since it seems this would be difficult and a little harder to manufacture), why not have it as an internal overflow?

Obviously, I could revert to what I was originally going to do (which I think is pretty standard), and have two off-centered overflows that are substantially smaller (open to suggestions on what the dimensions should be).

That is the concept. I think the key is to balance function with space. I would consider two 18-20" overflows off center on a 72" tank.

 

[gofor100]

I believe this would be the safer (albeit more expensive) route. Unless you do a pennisula style tank and put the overflows on one or both of the ends, I think this would cannibalize too much potentially usable space.

Agreed... this tank will be up against a wall so the overflow will be on the back side of the tank. Probably going to go with the two off-centered overflows of roughly 18"L X ?"W. What would you suggest the depth/width of the overflows be... 5 or 6 inches?

 

[serpentman]

That's a good question. Honestly, I'm not sure of the answer. I would think 5" would be sufficient. However, you may want to post in the DIY forum as they may be able to shed some light.

 

[gofor100]

Hey Serpentman... what are the dimensions of your corner overflows?

I was also thinking of having the overflow boxes "trapezoid-shaped" rather than the typical "box-shape"... do you think it really matters?