Tank Advice - Upgrade Time!

[TRITON1]

I just got into saltwater and I want to upgrade my 29g mini reef to a 75g. I like the dimensions of the 75g and I have lights that will fit with it. Anyway, I cant deceide if I should get one with a built in overflow (Megaflow by AllGlass I think) or not (and just get an exernal overflow box). If I get the built in one, does anyone have a diagram of how to set it up (plumbing, return pumps, ect) I plan on using the old 29g as the sump (or a rubbermaid container) I am a little confuse how you control the flow rate so that the sump does not overflow and so water is constantly being drawn through the tank. I have read alot about closed loops too, how do you accomplish that? Thanks in advance for the help.

[Reefland]

Hi TRITON1,

Try this article for starters. I have a 75 gallon with the overflow from AGA so I can help you with any specific questions that the article does not answer for you.
http://www.reefland.com/rho/2006/05/overflows_sumps.php

[TRITON1]

Thanks for the help Scott. I will read the article ASAP then ask you any questions that I have. My LFS has 75g AGA with the overflow for $154.99. That is the cheapest prices I have found thus far. Does it sound fair to you?

[golfish]

Take a look at the standard 120 (48x24x24) When it comes to lighting there's really not much difference. INO, the standard ( I know Charlie, that's not the best word to use here;) ) 120 has to be one of the best tanks made.

You know, I never thought I would say this but I might go back to a HOB overflow on my current tank. Think about it, If you get a good one that's setup right it takes up less room in the tank and makes for a cleaner look. If you really want to do it right go with an external overflow that's cut on top off the back glass\acrylic. Basically you turn the back panel into the overflow and silicon or glue the overflow box to the back of the tank. It would be real easy to do on an acrylic tank but you'd probably have to have a glass tank cut before its built.

[Reefland]

$155 for a Reef Ready is a good price. You should also look at getting the stand for the tank since it increases the AGA warranty. I would agree with golfish, if you can go for the 120, do it. The tank is the only thing that will cost more as the lighting and other equipment needs would be the same for a 75 or 120.

[TRITON1]

Thanks for the help, I will look into it. Scott, since you have a 75g reef ready already - what kind of pump do you use as your return line for the sump (brand and gph) Any regrets about getting the built in overflow?

[Reefland]

No regrets at all. golfish makes a good point that it does take up some space, but it is minimal for the simplicity it adds. We use a durso standpipe in our overflow that is 1.25" and a Mag 7 for our return pump through a 3/4" return line.

[reefologist]

The pro outweigh the cons, my vote is for reef ready or drill the tank. Overflow boxes can lose siphon, and that is just one example.
good luck, happyreefkeeping.

[The R/C Man]

I second the reef ready tank. It is one less potential problem to deal with. My 25 gallon has a HOB CPR overflow. It works well but requires a vacuum pump to continuously pull out the trapped air to prevent a siphon break or loss of flow. It has happened a couple that the vacuum pump was clogged. Luckily I was around to catch it before it became a problem. My new acrylic tank has the overflows attached to the back of the tank to keep that clean look and still have the piece of mind using durso pipes......

[golfish]

Yeah, those CPR overflows are the reason HOB overflows have a bad rap. I had a U tube overflow that I used on my systems for 10+ years that never failed once. Reef ready tanks are a little more user fiendly and seems to be what most people use. I guess I'm just the odd man out. I do like the idea of cutting the top of the back panel and and having that flow to a box mounted on the back of the tank, its a much cleaner look because there's no overflow box in the tank.


My last two custom tanks had built in overflows. The problem I have is that after a while I didn't like em, first tank had two corner overflows (what a waste of space) the last tank has a single center overflow off the back glass about 6" (what the hec was I thinking )

[The R/C Man]

You must have been lucky with your tube siphon. Mine always grew algae because the tube was clear, and it collected tiny air bubbles on it which reduced water flow. So it wouldn't fail just loose flow over time until I cleaned it out. I am sure if I let it go long enough it would have failed. One thing I did not like about it was having to restart the siphon by sticking an air line into the tube and sucking hard enough to get all the air out. What a PIA. I guess it all boils down to personal preference. If I was starting from scratch with a glass tank I would either opt for the internal overflows or have a glass shop cut slots in the back for external overflows.

[golfish]

You must have been lucky with your tube siphon.

I like to think it was that I knew how to use it rather then luck

[The R/C Man]

[golfish]

did I step on your big toe