Just wondering what the biggest advantage to having a reef ready tank, to a standard tank with an HOB overflow kit? I know visually it looks better if you have an open top, but if you have a canopy you couldn't really tell, performance wise is their an advantage?
What's The Advantage of Reef Ready Tank?
- Thread starter brianx45
- Start date
fishfreak1242
Advanced Reefer
- Location
- New Rochelle
I don't think there's really a difference in performance, it's just more convenient and looks better. The only performance gain that I can think of is less head loss on your return pump with a reef-ready. An overflow box might also save space than a reef-ready.
the biggest benefit is if you want to go for it.. is a closed loop system... mainly not having to route water to a sump and no powerheads for a better real like flow.
but a drilled tank will never have a lose of siphon problem and your room is flooded issue like an overflow box might if maintained badly. As long as you have 2 overflows or 2 drains in your overflow that is.. just incase of pesky snails.
but a drilled tank will never have a lose of siphon problem and your room is flooded issue like an overflow box might if maintained badly. As long as you have 2 overflows or 2 drains in your overflow that is.. just incase of pesky snails.
- Location
- Staten Island
- Location
- NY
There are a host of reasons to use a reef ready tank as opposed to a hang on back overflow.
1 - The #1 reason as stated above is the occurance of flooding due to failing siphons. This happens most frequently during power outages. Some external HOB overflows are more reliable than others, but none compare to a reef ready drilled tank.
2 - Additional water volume in sump helps to create more stability in your system. More volume = more stability or as commonly stated in the hobby, 'the solution to pollution is dilution'.
3 - A sump is a great place to hide your heater, temperature and pH probes, a place to put your media reactors, and a place to put your protein skimmer.
4 - A sump can also incorporate a refugium to help export nutrients.
5 - Adds to the overall 'clean appearance' of your system.
HTH,
Russ
1 - The #1 reason as stated above is the occurance of flooding due to failing siphons. This happens most frequently during power outages. Some external HOB overflows are more reliable than others, but none compare to a reef ready drilled tank.
2 - Additional water volume in sump helps to create more stability in your system. More volume = more stability or as commonly stated in the hobby, 'the solution to pollution is dilution'.
3 - A sump is a great place to hide your heater, temperature and pH probes, a place to put your media reactors, and a place to put your protein skimmer.
4 - A sump can also incorporate a refugium to help export nutrients.
5 - Adds to the overall 'clean appearance' of your system.
HTH,
Russ
Last edited:
- Location
- NY
If your application is for a reef tank, you'll be very glad you chose this method.
Russ
Brian,
The question shouldn't be between reef ready or HOB. It should be between reef ready (i.e. internal overflow box) or drilled.
The reef ready will have nothing sticking out of the back of the tank (the tank can be up against the wall). The drilled tank has a drain on the back, but uses less internal tank space.
The question shouldn't be between reef ready or HOB. It should be between reef ready (i.e. internal overflow box) or drilled.
The reef ready will have nothing sticking out of the back of the tank (the tank can be up against the wall). The drilled tank has a drain on the back, but uses less internal tank space.
I run an HOB overflow box.
Yes it does lose siphon which is annoying but I've set it up better so now I don't get floods anymore.
IMO if you haven't started your tank yet get it drilled/buy a drilled one. But if your already running a tank and want to add a sump/fuge I wouldn't tear it down to drill it.Just set up the HOB right and get an airlifter pump.
Yes it does lose siphon which is annoying but I've set it up better so now I don't get floods anymore.
IMO if you haven't started your tank yet get it drilled/buy a drilled one. But if your already running a tank and want to add a sump/fuge I wouldn't tear it down to drill it.Just set up the HOB right and get an airlifter pump.
- Location
- Greenpoint Brooklyn, NY
Weighing options is fine, but be careful trying to save yourself some pennies on equipment in the reef hobby by going the cheap way out especially when its equipment that really matters. It will just bite you in the arse later on or make you spend more later. Aren't reef ready tanks like 20-40$ more than a non reef ready one? A good HoB overflow costs about that much. The question should be "reef ready or drilled" not "RR or HoB overflow" like kieth said.
Cheap powerheads can bust and destroy your tank
Overflow boxes can lose siphon and cause your tank to flood
Cheap heaters can explode or overheat your tank
Only things i can think of to skimp on that won't cause your tank harm is lighting and LR/LS. And a skimmer. But they will cause you problems later as your going to spend more money getting a better one.
Cheap powerheads can bust and destroy your tank
Overflow boxes can lose siphon and cause your tank to flood
Cheap heaters can explode or overheat your tank
Only things i can think of to skimp on that won't cause your tank harm is lighting and LR/LS. And a skimmer. But they will cause you problems later as your going to spend more money getting a better one.
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