what type of overflow?

[Cloudburst2000]

Hi, I am breaking down my 25g tank and rebuilding because it has a nice-sized chip in it courtesy of my nephew. Anyhoo, I've already been talking to glass cages about having them build my new tank. The current tank uses a CPR HOB Aquafuge/skimmer combo, but since I'm re-building, I decided to do a drilled tank and put the sump/fuge underneath in the stand. I plan on having glass cages drill the tank for me too.

Anyhoo, glass cages offers standard overflows where the overflow chamber stretches all the way down to the bottom of the tank and the tank is drilled at the bottom of the tank. However, they also offer horizontal overflows where the overflow only goes down a few inches from the top of the tank (does not stretch all the way to the bottom) and the tank is drilled near the top of the tank. Is one of these types of overflows better than the other? Or does it really even matter? Obviously, with the horizontal overflow, the overflow takes up much less room in the actual tank leaving more room for livestock, but do they work as well as the standard overflows? If they work equally as well, I will probably go with the horizontal overflow. I've never had a drilled tank so I am new to this part of reefing so bear with my 'newbie' questions. Had tanks for a couple years now but always something new to learn

 

[d3rryc]

Two main reasons to go with a horizontal overflow: 1) consumes less tank real estate than a traditional vertical overflow, and 2) does a far better job of skimming the surface of the water, which increases the efficacy of your protein skimmer. My next tank will definitely have a horizontal overflow.

 

[RVANANO]

I personally prefer the overflow at the top to maximize realestate. But some people don't like the shadows they cast. My background is black so that didn't bother me at all. I think it's more personal preference. Although I don't like the idea of holes drilled in the bottom of the tank simply b/c if they ever fail/leak etc, then you have to drain the entire tank. Doesn't happen often but something to think about.

I think when I do my next tank, I will do an externally mounted overflow on the back of the tank.

 

[shaggss]

I think when I do my next tank, I will do an externally mounted overflow on the back of the tank.

+1

do a search for CTC (coast to coast) overflows. incorporate the beananimal overflow and you'll have one sweet tank!

 

[Cloudburst2000]

+1

do a search for CTC (coast to coast) overflows. incorporate the beananimal overflow and you'll have one sweet tank!

That overflow is pretty neat. I like all the failsafes that it has built into it. I won't build it myself. I am MAJORLY clumsy. I've almost killed myself twice changing lightbulbs in the ceiling :hmm5: Once I fell off the stool and took down a two side tables and a chair along with the stool So me drilling glass and building something that holds lots of water is a no-go :lol: I'll have to hire someone to do it for me to avoid any disasters. How much would you pay for someone building this type of overflow and doing all the plumbing for a 25g tall tank? I don't want someone to take me to the cleaners, but I am more than willing to pay what the job is worth. I'm sure I can get one of the local reefers to help me out for the right price. They're good guys And thanks for the suggestion on the overflows!

 

[shaggss]

All the info you need is here.

Being a 25G you might to search for Herbie overflow. Might be more simpler for a 25.

HTH

cheers :beer:

 

[Cloudburst2000]

All the info you need is here.

Being a 25G you might to search for Herbie overflow. Might be more simpler for a 25.

HTH

cheers :beer:

I already read that whole thing. I also looked up the Herbie system. I think I like the CTC overflow better and the three pipes leading from the display to the sump. I totally understand the concept of the overflow. There's just no way I'll build it myself. Me and my clumsiness no mixy for doing stuff like that. I would like to hire someone to build one for me though. I was just curious what you all thought was a fair amount to pay someone for building such an overflow and setting up plumbing to the sump? I'm sure I could hire one of the local reefers that I know to do the job.

 

[Cloudburst2000]

Think I have one of the local reefers on the hook to build my overflow and sump. Hopefully, I can learn something from him. But no way am I using sharp tools! I like my digits where they are, thank you very much :lol: