Help me design my new tank

Ace25

Ace25

www.centralcoastreefclub. com
Oct 3, 2005
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www.centralcoastreefclub.com
Ok, so tomorrow is the big day for me. I am finally ordering a new tank. It will be 57G. 30"Lx22"Dx20"H.

I had originally thought of putting in a center overflow but after looking at my stand, it appears that is not going to work for me. My stand was build with 4x4 posts as the frame. Needlessly overkill, but that is what you get when you ask a construction worker that builds houses to build you a stand. I am not complaining, overkill is always better than under. The 4x4 posts are making it so I can't have a built in overflow without drilling big sections of the 4x4 posts to fit the plumbing. I do not want to do that, and do not mind PVC pipe coming off the back of my tank.

So, now I am left with drilling the back of the tank. That isn't a problem as I haven't ordered it yet and isn't an issue to get it drilled. My question is.. how should I get the tank drilled? I am looking for suggestions.

I am thinking dual overflows drilled in the back about 8" from each corner, dual returns about 3-4" from the corners, as close as possible, as well as a closed loop setup, one center intake and 2 returns midway down the back of the tank.

Since I have never don't this setup myself before, I really do not know if my idea is the most ideal, so I am looking for any and all suggestions/comments on why it may not work like I am thinking it should, or any other comments about the tank. It isn't ordered yet, and since it is custom, I only get one shot at getting it right.. so.. let me have it people.
 
ACE are your going for full reef and just want closed loop...becuase of the increased water flow? Or what is pointing you towards CL?
 
No, not just closed loop. I will have dual overflows that will go to my sump/fuge and the return will also be split/scwd attached to the dual returns. The closed loop is in addition to the overflows to give me an extra 700GPH of flow without the need for powerheads. I will still add 2 koralia3s to the tank as well. That will give me around 50x turnover on the tank. I would like more, and I can do that by adding a bigger return pump/recirc pump later on.
 
Ace: 50x is pretty hefty turnover...hope everything has something to hold onto; I might have it all wrong, but while some rules of thumb say min of 10x, I shoot for approx 25x turnover.

Don't be offended but here is a link that is a good "reminder checklist". All of it you know, but it just helps keep things on track.

I am out of my knowledge base on CL, haven't had one. I know the principles and the technology...but don't have experience with one. I think that the overflows in the corners is a good choice. My 70 g RR has one in the middle and it is efficient, but not practical when aquascaping...forces you to leave a gap in the middle.

If you are going to add CL anyway (I assume you have made your mind up on that) then you could also do an end of tank overflow since the CL would be along your aquarium back "wall" of the tank. Just a thought. I have seen quite a few models of CL systems and will look for them and at least try to post a link for you.

I hope this helps somewhat.
 
I think your a little confused. The dual overflows will simply be a 90degree elbo in the corners with a filter screen on them. Not the traditional "box" overflow you see in the tanks, or HOB overflows. Look up Salty420s tank for an idea what I am talking about. There will be no box in the tank so I will not be losing any space due to overflow boxes, which I like.

On the flow, Amp on here at 150x turnover on his tank. Currently I have 60x turnover, and it is no where near enough. Unfortunately with the pumps I have already it will only give me 50x turnover on the new tank, so I am actually losing 10x turnover. A good external pump runs around $300+, which I have one already for that purpose, an Iwaki japanese motor pump rated at just over 700GPH.
 
Ace: yup...I thought you were speaking of a traditional box overflow.
 
Well, I am going to use all my stuff I have now, just change out the tank and add an external pump for a CL setup. Check out my signature for my tank/sump setup. It is a 20G sump/fuge.

A little later I plan on resetting up my 29G right next to the 57G on its own stand, and use my 10G tank I am using now as a frag tank as a seperate "fuge" to go with the fuge I have in my sump. It is very hard to explain.. 2 tanks next to each other, all connected together. 29G will have an overflow going to the sump and split off to the 10G fuge under it. My 57G will do the same, split into the fuge and sump. I will just add a smaller return pump to go with my Mag7 I already have to give a return back to my 29G tank.
 
Here it a quick and dirty sketchup picture I made to give an idea visually what I am talking about.

2375414177_1b6295f83f_o.jpg
 
Anyone?? 15 hours until I go to order the tank.. ;) I really want any feedback at all, good, bad, whatever. From "looks good to me" to "I would do it this way if it were me...". The tank is going to run me over $300 so I want to make sure I get it right.
 
Looks good to me
 
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