Hiding Plumbing On 75 Gallon Reef

[Key Of David]

Is it possible for me to have a 75 gallon reef tank standing in the middle of a room and look decent? I was thinking of putting one behind my sofa and having it sit up high enough so that it is viewable while sitting on the sofa. This would also make it viewable from all four sides as it will serve as a room divider with the sofa. I thought about a reef ready tank with built in overflow but you would see the back of the overflow from one side right? I've heard of tanks with bulkheads in the bottom and no overflow box and this sounds ok but what would I be able to do about a protein skimmer? What are the placement/hiding possibilities with the plumbing?

I plan on building my own stand and canopy so that opens lots of possibilities but the tank needs to be predrilled.

[Ninong]

One way to set up a tank that is viewable from all four sides is to place the overflow compartment in the center of the tank. Another way is to place the overflow compartment in the middle of one of the long walls. Although this second option means that the back of the overflow compartment is up against one of the walls of the tank, it also means that circulation is easier to set up and placement of live rock is simpler than in the tank with the overflow in the dead center of the tank.

A 75-gal tank is probably a bit on the small side for something like that but I'm sure it could be done as long as the tank is custom built. One of the problems you will face is that once you allow for space between the live rock structure and all four walls, there is not much space left in the center of the tank for the rock.

Don't forget to plan ahead for how you want to deal with electrical cords from the lighting, ventilation fans and powerheads or SeaSwirls, etc.

I have seen several very well executed examples of tanks used as islands in a room or as room dividers, but all were custom built and much larger than what you are planning. Without having at least one end of the tank that can be used as the "business end," you really have a challenge on your hands but it can be done. It's just a lot more work and a lot more expensive. I'm not so sure it would be worth the effort for a 75.

[percman]

make sure you get sockets in the floor

[Reefland]

If you got a standard 75 with corner overflow, you could use a solid piece of black sticky material (like a huge piece of tape) and over the overflow compartment. I have see this done before and it looks just fine.

[Key Of David]

Thanks for all the help in helping me see the possibilities guys. This is a great forum.