new 135 gal tank

[gsumner2]

Hi, I started my first reef tank in Oct - 65 gal with 20 gal refugium. I've already realized I want a bigger tank - after learning so much, I want to make sure I get it right this time. My tank is viewable from three sides and sets between the kitchen and small family room. I just barely have room for a 72"x18x24" new tank. And I have a few questions:

1. Does anyone have the new starfire clear glass - if so, do you think it's worth the extra money?

2. I'm thinking of putting my overflow box in the center - approx. 8"x3" with two outlets and 2 returns - would this work well?

3. Right now I have a beautiful Town & Country White stand 48x18x30 QUESTION: Does anyone out there think it could be beefed up to hold the new tank --72x18x24 ??

I have someone who could add a solid hardwood plank 72x18x1 to the top and support the extra 12 inches on each end with a pillar type wood leg. Then I planned to set the new glass tank on a piece of blue drywall cut to its size and then cover that up with a wood trim piece to hide that and the tank frame.

4. Does anyone know if the floor joists should be given extra support (in the crawl space) with a 135 gallon tank?

Thanks for your response!:mixed:

 

[BlueCorn]

[moved]

 

[slowradio]

sounds like you're planning on going all out...great choice! that being so, i'd flop down the extra cash and get a built in overflow. hob overflows work, but i get so sick of worrying about syphons.

 

[gsumner2]

Yeah, it will be a built in overflow - I just have to decide where it's best to put it! It could go down at one end but for better circulation, I thought a middle of the tank overflow might be best.

 

[jdm01]

I would go with two corner drills myself. I would also replace the stand with one made for the tank.

 

[gsumner2]

Thanks, John, for the advice. I have a corner overflow now in the left hand corner of the 55 gal. but it is so unsightly and takes up so much space. The standpipe is approx. 1 and 1/4 " and the bulkhead is 1and1/2" the overflow measures 8" from each back corner. Is there a reason why you wouldn't go with a center overflow - since the returns will both be pointed in opposite directions?
Also, since the carpender would make sure the ammended stand is perfectly level/stable, is there a reason you wouldn't remodel it? Just curious. Town & Country doesn't make a 72" white model with pebbled glass in the doors, which I really like. Most of the 72" stands I've looked at online and in the LFS are really dark and UGLY and the really nice ones online would cost $1000 or more! It might cost $2 to 3 hundred to modify my current one. Those are my reasons for wanted to do so. Please comment.