Back to the hobby - advice requested

[Nemo's Buddy]

I asked this question on the DIY section and I believe I may have posted in error on that section. I will be setting up a new tank in a wall that is 14.5" thick. I could go with a standard size such as a 55 that is 13" but I would really like as much depth as possible. Do you think that 1.5" is worth doing a custom size tank (maybe build my own) or keep it simple and go with the readily accessible sizes?

Thanks for your advice and please excuse the multiple posts. If a custom size is preferable, I'll go back there and see what I can learn about the best way to design and build.

Mike

[Original Fin]

Hi Nemo,

Is it going to be a reef of fish only, and are you planning a sump? If so, we'll need to know what type of overflow you are planning. Many 55's are tempered all the way around, and most are at least bottom tempered, so you won't be able to drill the tank. Unless you have one that you know is not tempered, you'll have to go with a Hang On Back overflow to a sump, or at the very least a HOB skimmer. Either of these items will put you over your 14.5" limitation to stay flush.

If it's going to be a FO with no sump, you still need to work out the additional space needed for plumbing a canister filter.

Also, IMO, if you are going to o through the expense of a custom, I would want a much deeper tank than 13-15". This is really limiting when it comes to aquascaping, especially for a reef. I wouldn't consider anything less than 18" knowing what I know now, and ideally I'd do a DD or a cube next time.

[Nemo's Buddy]

I will be using a sump that will be about 14' away from the tank. This depth is what I have to work with so it is what it is. I agree with you and would much prefer to have a deeper tank but I just don't have a place for it. This will be viewable from both side so if I don't have a bottom drain, I could have a hang an overflow on the end.

I will have LR and fish as well as anemones - I can't have a tank without my clowns. I may do some coral as well but I'm not focusing on them.

I am leaning towards building a tank with either a corner overflow or one on the end full width which seems like it would be easier to build. I'll also need to look into some of the methods for keeping the gurgling noises down.

If I can figure out how to post pictures, I'll show you what I am working with. Thanks very much for your response and please don't hesitate to keep helping me with ideas. I really want to think through this carefully and get it as close to right the first time as I can.

Mike

[Chasman]

Nemo's Buddy

I replied to your other thread but with some clever carpentry you could go with a 90 which is 18" wide, 24" tall, or a 75 which is the same length (48") and only 20" tall and drill the end you need the overflow on. The side glass on a 75 or 90 from Aqueon is not tempered. I just bought a 50 I plan on drilling quite a few holes in. I bet you could make an 18" wide tank look good in there.

The glass is always half full.

Chasman

[Original Fin]

Mike,

Sump in the basement or something like that? Nice. I would love to do an inwall tank myself, so I look forward to watching your progress. When you start breaking ground, please consider starting a build thread and take lots of pics along the way.
One thing I hear over and over again with inwall builds is that you can't underestimate the importance of having lot's of overhead access.

The more "coast line" you're able to dedicate to an overflow weir, the smaller the cascade is, the quieter it will be, and the higher the flow potential. Avoiding the comb in favor of a smooth edge will make it significantly quieter, and also skim the surface much more effectively.
If you are looking for a quiet and simple way to plumb a standard overflow, these DIY methods may be do-able:

Hofer Gurglebuster (I use this)
Stockman Standpipe
Durso standpipe
Herbie Overflow

If you are looking for dead silent but a little more challenging to build:

Calfo or Coast to Coast Overflow
Beananimal overflow

I'm not sure how much info we have on these in our DIY section, but a Google search will get you there for sure. I really hate to direct people offsite though. Just make sure you come back!

-Adam

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

+1 on starting a build thread. Its always nice to watch people progress. The more pics the better. A lotta good people here on reefland!