Question on tank drilling.

[Anonymous]

I have decided to get the 90g all glass reef ready tank for now. As much as I wanted the bigger 36x36x24 I don't think we have the room right now and I will be moving in a year or two anyhow so until the army is done with me in 5 years or so I will stick with this 90. I am getting it ordered and it will be reef ready, but here is the question, where would you have it drilled for returns? I like the corner returns, but I have also seen the returns coming out of the overflow. What are your preferrences and why and what are your recommendations based off of what you have done in the past? Thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

Personally I think I like the overflow in the corners. A 90 only has one though right?

Anyway, I've set up a few tanks with the overflows a few inches from each side and it just seems like that space is wasted. Can't really fit much of anything in there.

That's just me though.

 

[Anonymous]

external overflows and you won't waste any space in the tank.

b

 

[bleedingthought]

I have decided to get the 90g all glass reef ready tank for now. As much as I wanted the bigger 36x36x24 I don't think we have the room right now and I will be moving in a year or two anyhow so until the army is done with me in 5 years or so I will stick with this 90. I am getting it ordered and it will be reef ready, but here is the question, where would you have it drilled for returns? I like the corner returns, but I have also seen the returns coming out of the overflow. What are your preferrences and why and what are your recommendations based off of what you have done in the past? Thanks.

Cube?

P.S. How've you been?

 

[Anonymous]

Hmm, I have always had the returns run up through the overflow.

Now that I think about it, I wonder of I would not have had so much trouble catching small fish from the overflow, and in one case loosing a fish who starved to death in there, if there was NOT a return in the overflow.

Sounds like it would be much easier to get in a net in to scoop out a fish if the overflow came out somewhere else.

 

[Anonymous]

I am constantly pulling my male percula out of the sump. :lol:

 

[bleedingthought]

Hmm, I have always had the returns run up through the overflow.

Now that I think about it, I wonder of I would not have had so much trouble catching small fish from the overflow, and in one case loosing a fish who starved to death in there, if there was NOT a return in the overflow.

Sounds like it would be much easier to get in a net in to scoop out a fish if the overflow came out somewhere else.

Yeah, I had my pigmy angel jump in the overflow once and it was a PAIN to get him out. I have the overflow covered now, which keeps the algae out as well since it doesn't let light through it.

But anyways, I would have 2 overflows, if I could, each with just one drain hole. Or a single-center overflow with two drains. And only one return that is outside of the overflow box. And if I had to redo my stand pipes, I'd probably give the stockman's a try since they are smaller and are apparently just as quiet, although I am happy with the durso.

 

[SnowManSnow]

i have a center overflow with 1.5 return size and 2 inch drain.. no complaints about them both being in there thus far.

b

 

[Anonymous]

The overflow is in the center. I am thinking of drilling the upper corners for returns or a CLS. I guess I will just plumb the initial returns into the overflow box and out of the sides of the overflow. I pick up the tank tomorrow. Need to start builing the stand tonight lol.

 

[Anonymous]

OK tnak came in today and I was a little surprised to find it is not a center drain but a offset to the left type. So 2 questions. 1) Can I build a DIY drain with PVC? and 2) Should I drill it lower in the back corners, say 1/2 way from the bottom, for a closed loop system?

 

[Anonymous]

What do you mean a DIY drain? Is there an overflow box?

I wouldn't drill holes for the returns at all. Severely limiting in your options for the future. I like to have the flow come from the front of the tank and hit the corals, rather than the back and hit the front glass.

 

[Anonymous]

Do you have a canopy? I like to do the plumbing above the tank, and intrude below the water surface as little as possible. Here's what I mean.

This is standard PVC with a locline finish that points at 45 degrees into the water:

And this is all you see in the tank:

If you're fanatical about keeping plumbing out of the tank like I am....

 

[Anonymous]

Currently do not have a hood, but may build a partial just to conceal the piping. I have had to stare at my HOT skimmer and 4 PH and 2 returns for a year and it really takes away from the reef. I am trying my best to make it as unobtrusive as possible. Thanks.