Please pick my custom tank design apart

[gilweb]

I am going to have a custom tank made. I would like to at least get the tank design right the first time. I was thinking about going with 2 closed loops to eliminate the need for any power heads. I have a Vortech MP40w in my current tank and I hate the look of it.

This is going to be an inwall build and I only have about 5 feet of room behind the tank so I was thinking of going with a side external overflow to save room behind the tank. Either way i will use an external overflow as I do not like internal overflows.

Please take a look at the first drawing of it and let me know what you would change. It is going to be 72Lx30Wx24H and I would like to use euro bracing.

 

[gilweb]

Sketchup

Sketchup

I did a really quick Sketchup of what I was thinking.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

 

[Reefer Brian]

I have the same dimensions with a corner diagonal overflow on the left side. I like the open back wall. I have CL with a reeflow super dart(4400gpm) with 4 outputs on a OceanMotion 4 way. Pleanty of flow without power heads on the tank. Probably wouldnt need the second CL if you have the right pump from the get go. JMO...

 

[gilweb]

Is your CL on the back or the bottom?

 

[Reefer Brian]

It comes out of the four top corners...with drain in the center of the bottom.

 

[waynem]

I would add a couple of inches in height, but its only a person preference.

 

[Lightsluvr]

Wow...

Wow...

I think you'll regret having the overflow on the end... I know how much plumbing is located at the overflows, and it would become a PIA constantly jacking at the end of the tank, especially if it's up against a wall...

I would rather sacifice 8" in the back for an external overflow across the back, even if there is only five feet behind the tank, like this:

With respect to tank size - if you're going custom anyway, get what you want the first time. I agree with Waynem, go 26" in height, and think seriously about 36" wide. I know - back to that five foot limitation...but wouldn't you rather have generous space in your tank and a tight squeeze in the hidden work area?

Good luck with your build!

LL