Adding Int. Overflows to Acrylic Tank

[wadeatl]

I am purchasing a used Tenecor 180 Aquarium that is not RR. I placed an order for two corner overflows (7x9") and 1.5" bulkheads with standpipes from wetdryfilter.com. As I was talking over the dimensions with Christian I started having terrible visions of how I was going install the overflows and access the stand pipe with the acrylic top on the aquarium. I am hoping that someone has done this before or has ideas. I am starting to wonder if I wouldnt be better off using a large center overflow with two bulkheads so I will have access to the overflow from the top of the aquarium. By the way this if for a FOWLR.

Thanks for your help,

Wade

[kevinpo]

Wade,
Is it because of the lip on the tank that you will not be able to access the standpipe? How big is the lip in the corner of the tank?

Regards,
Kevin

[Zephrant]

Wade- That is a common problem. New RR tanks have extra corner bracing that surrounds the overflow area, so the overflow area can be open. On the other hand, some times they just route out a big hole in the bracing apparently regardless for the structural damage they do.

In general, I recommend never cutting internal bracing. It is there for a reason, and while the tank might hold with it reduced or removed, I sure would not trust it in my front room.

I think your center overflow idea is great. Another idea is to do a "coast to coast" overflow, with the plumbing coming out the back of the tank. In that case, you have a smaller 4" or 6" deep and tall overflow, that goes the whole length of the tank across the back. It bulkheads through the back of the tank and you can use the Stockman mod on the outside of the tank for quietness.

The wetdryfilter overflows look great, but the pictures do show 1/4" slots every 1". If that is still how they are made, you may not get as much water flow as you desire. I recommend that you request 1/4" slots every 1/2", and at least 1.25" long. That will give you at least 600GPH per foot of slots.

HTH-

Zeph