New build

[travis32]

Well, I sold my previous tank and stand and am debating replacing it with a Marine Land 300g DD. I dislike how much space overflows take and am thinking of going non drilled tank with a bean animal type of overflow system that's silent or as close as possible to silent.

Any opinions or issues with going this route?

I had a 210 gallon system before, and had overbuilt a few things like the skimmer a diablo skimmer rated for a 500 gallon setup.

At least for the moment, I'm just looking for opinions on the overflow design, reliability, and overall goal of creating a clean sleek design with no overflows and still have the cleaning and maintenance capabilities of a sump.

Comments if others have done this and how you like the design / setup? Anyone built their own bean animal overflows that are easy to start and not worry about fish or snails getting into them?

 

[username in use]

I like both the external and internal overflows for different reasons.

I like the external for the super clean display that it leaves. But from the outside of the tank it is unsightly, so personally I wouldn't do it if the tank wasn't in wall with back of the tank hidden.

I like the internal as you can back the tank right up to the wall and not have it out in the room another 6-8" with that huge gap behind the stand which is just as unsightly, or more so than any internal overflow.

Also, with creative rockwork you can all but completely hide any internal overflows, especially on a deep dimension.

 

[travis32]

Thanks, Yes, it'll be in a cove.... I'm planning to cut out parts of the wall behind the tank to allow for plumbing, etc. But the wall is inset about 40 inches or so. From the rest of the room. So, I was thinking I could have a slim overflow box but long, and run the plumbing with an elbow strait into the wall. Put a black covering over the back glass and it should be fine. But, I see some issues with cleaning and getting to the back glass to get enough leverage to clean it off every so often. But like you said the rock work covers the back anyways.

Hmm... Lots to consider. It's a fall project, so I'm still thinking about the options.

The other option is to cut down part of the wall re frame it off so the tank is half in the room behind the wall and half outside the room.

Not setting it up until August / September at the earliest. So, we'll see.