Already working on upgraded tank and looking for advise (1 Viewer)

[trb]

Well, we've decided to upgrade our tank size already. My son wants more fish than the damsels, clown and eel we have now. So I just got a 68 gal tank, the same 36x18 footprint as the 40 breeder we have now, (so my wife doesn't scream!) and I am setting up a 29 gal sump with skimmer, etc. below it.

Plans are to get a few more fish and have a few simple corals, anenomes, and other items for color. No hardcore reef tank, but I would like a few neat items.

I think I will put in an DIY internal overflow and drill the bottom for the bulkheads. I'm planning on a main rock pile in the center, probably 12-18" tall x 30" long. It will be viewable on all sides since the tank will be situated about 1.5 feet away from a wall.

Would a center overflow be good, or should I just put it in the back or a corner? Is there a good source for bulkheads? The guys at Ocean Atlantis (that made the tank) can drill it for $15 a hole, or I can try and drill them myself, they said all sides are OK to drill.

I'm doing this on a strict budget, but I figure I should take advantage of starting out with an empty tank and maybe drill more holes for future use. I've read about the closed loop systems, and that sounds like a possible idea. Any good ideas (especially with pictures) on how to set a closed loop up?

Thanks!

Thomas

 

[flexrac]

city pets carry bulk heads, let the pro's drill the tank. that way they can replace it if they break it.
I would do a corner overflow with the return in the overflow box as well, then cut a hole in the overflow box and attach a loc-line for the return via bulk head. oh yeah drill the bottom and do a durso setup.