Overflow box or holes?

[Elan L.]

I am hopefully going to start setting up a 75g reef tanks in the next couple of weeks. I have not bought a tanks yet and was wondering if i should get it predrilled or just put in an overflow box. This is going to be my first SW tank and i wasnted to know which one would be best and least expensive for me.

Thanks, Elan

 

[griss]

If you have the option, I would go with a Reef Ready tank as opposed to using a hang on overflow.

 

[Amoore311]

If you mean a HOB overflow then no, I'd go with a Drilled Tank.

Good quality HOB Overflows are reliable, but why bother if you can get the tank drilled.

Also, look into a 90 Gallon instead. They are the same dimensions as the AGA 75 Gallons, just a little taller.... So the footprint for the stand is the same. ^_^d

 

[Tswifty]

If your talking internal to the tank... as far as are holes better than constructing an overflow box... then I recommend constructing an overflow box.

Better surface skimming, less gurgling, and less water to flood your sump if the power goes out.

Here's a pic of one I built for my 90g tank:

 

[Elan L.]

Thanks, i have a small generator in my house so i dont think the flooding is that big of a deal for me. i dont think i would be able to construct an overflow box like that yet because im overloading my parents with all this stuff already.

Would it be easier to DIY sump/refugium or can i buy a frame for it or something so all i need to do is add pump/skimmer/etc? How much would either one cost?

 

[AquamanE]

This is very much a matter of opinion.

I personnaly dont like boxes, powerheads, or anything I can avoid in the tank for aesthetic reasons, some people dont mind. Reef ready tanks have built in overflows and (IMO) look better.

BTW- you are in Miami Beach, take a look at the Florida Marine Aquarium Society Forum on RC as well. There is a very close knit group of local reefers on there.

 

[Elan L.]

Really? thanks!

 

[Tswifty]

It's definitely a matter of opinion... I would rather have the overflow on the outside. As far as internal overflows go, I think the only stock RR tanks that look clean are the oceanic tech tank series that have the low profile built in overflow. However, I have seen some nice custom built corner overflows that take up very little room.

I'd take a coast to coast over a stock RR tank any day... That's just me though

They are just to darn big and protrude out in the tank too far. My box only comes out a few inches, and doesn't extend to the bottom of the tank, which allows more room at the level "most" fish swim.

All joking aside... you won't even notice it if you set it up properly.

 

[AquamanE]

TSwifty- How many inches does your box extend?

 

[Elan L.]

How do i set it up properly? do i build it or buy it? Although i can get a little help building one im only 14 so i cant do anything that complicated.

 

[AquamanE]

14?....buy

 

[XSiVE]

I wish I would have drilled my tank instead of getting a HOB overflow box.. I just dislike the fact that things can easily clog the u-tube or inhibit its flow.. like simple air bubbles. I've come close to catastrophe one too many times with my HOB overflow.

Im upgrading to a 120 and one of my requirements for the new tank was that it was drilled.

 

[AquamanE]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13185904#post13185904 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by XSiVE
I wish I would have drilled my tank instead of getting a HOB overflow box.. I just dislike the fact that things can easily clog the u-tube or inhibit its flow.. like simple air bubbles. I've come close to catastrophe one too many times with my HOB overflow.

Im upgrading to a 120 and one of my requirements for the new tank was that it was drilled.

+++1

 

[Amoore311]

I'd go with "Buy It" as well.

Tswifty has a very nice design. I personally couldn't be bothered with putting that all together though. If you have a black background the overflow wall on AGA tanks pretty much disappears anyways.

 

[AquamanE]

+++1 AGAIN!!

 

[Elan L.]

Buy an overflow or buy a drilled? I think i might go with the drilled. What is the difference in plumbing between box and holes?

 

[fishmaniaczack]

dude i wish my parents would let me get a 75 gallon. im 13 but all they will let me have is 2 ten gallon freshwaters 1 ten gallon clownfish/ seahorse breeder(i switch as one dies) 1 fifty-five gallon fry raising tank were working on and a 300 gallon. and my favorite my 30 gallon reef. i would trade all that for a 75 gallon reef dude. and i live in florida too so ill look at the masf forum, ty for tellin us that aquaman. btw i use a overflow box just because it came with my tank, but i would trade it for a drilled tank anyday, just cuz it uses less room. plz e-mail me pictures of your reef tank when u get it running at: z-wideman@hotmail.com.

 

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13185519#post13185519 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AquamanE
TSwifty- How many inches does your box extend?

I'll have to check when I get home... Only the length of the PVC elbow that connects to the bulkhead.

 

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13185693#post13185693 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Elan L.
How do i set it up properly? do i build it or buy it? Although i can get a little help building one im only 14 so i cant do anything that complicated.

It was actually ridiculously easy to build. I just got the glass pieces cut to size at a glass shop... then all I had to do was silicone the pieces in. Basically as easy as installing baffles in the sump.

 

[Elan L.]

Fishmania, you have like 5 tanks! i have to do all the work by myself. But, my mom likes the fish because she was going to be a marine biologist but funding was cut and she couldnt. but besides that, i have to motivate everyone in the family to do anything!

Anyway, I think i will go with the drilled, can anyone help me figure out the pluming? I want a refugium too, so do i have to do anything different? Some easy sump plans would be nice aswell. Thanks in advance.