Setting up new aquarium

rodneyri

the LFS suggested today that i get a tank with two holes in the back of the tank for the syphon and return plumbing rather than an overflow system and holes in the base.

is there any advantage of either, which is preferred?

Pasfur

The purpose of the overflow is to capture as much organic waste as possible. Have you ever noticed the oil like texture on the surface of the water in a saltwater aquarium? This is very high in organics, so if it can be removed from the aquarium the efficiency of the filter system is maximized.

In other words, you want an overflow.

rodneyri

thanks, so the larger the weir the better, and also quieter?

im having the tank built, am thinking of a 12" wide weir across the middle of a48" tank.

onefish2fish

48inches long by 12inches wide?
i believe that is a standard 55 gallon?

i recommend going with a standard 75 gallon. it is still 48inches long but it is wider. a wider tank makes it eaier to aquascape with your live rocks. the tank you mention will work, i just find it easier with a wider tank.

rodneyri

no, my tank will be 48 x 24 x 30 (LxWxH), my overflow will be 12 wide...i want to put in a fairly wide over flow to have room for the 2 down pipes and 1 return also to reduce the noise from the over flow, and from what Pasfur is saying it will maximise filtration also.

onefish2fish

oh im sorry, i misunderstood that as your tank size.

nice dementions, 150gal? look into standpipes as well, this minimizes noise

and im sorry if this was mentioned but what lights and how deep do you plan on having your sand?

rodneyri

yup going to put in 2 standpipes, one as a secondary. 150G.

im planning on using T5HO with whites and actinic blue, also moon lights - the octopus horizon 4000 model.

the sand bed will be 3~4" deep in the tank and in the refugium.

SKAustin

Yes, there is a big difference. with the holes at the top rear of the tank, you are able to install a "Coast to Coast" overflow system, also commonly referred to as a "Calfo Overflo" (care to give a guess on the mind behind this innovation?)

The coast to coast is by far the best overflow option. The Calfo overflow has far superior surface skimming efficiency, is far quieter than conventional overflow systems, and is much more aesthetically pleasing. The only downfall to these overflow systems is that they are not practical in long, narrow tanks.

rodneyri

very interesting, been doign a bit of reading on these setups and might be the best bet for myself, living in apartment with the tank in the living room not too far from the lounge and tv.

im not sure why in the calfo designs one of the down pipes has an airline attached, is this really necessary?

rodneyri

Ordered my tank today, its a 48x24x30 (l x w x h) with a coast to coast over flow on the back across the full length of the aquarium, three holes being drilled for the plumbing.

Also ordered the sump, 36x16x16, baffles design not sorted yet...but what do you think of this one illustrated.

Tanks is about 140G
Sump is about 38G

aims of this setup
1. Maximise refug section - 9.8% volume of main tank
2. Allow for flood - 24.8litre flood capacity ( calculated 12.9l flood from tank overflow, surface and plumbing) so should be ok

any feedback is welcome, as the tank will be biult over the next few weeks and i have to let them know the specs for the baffles in the sump

Attached Images

Aquarium Design.jpg (110.6 KB, 21 views)