Couple of issues holding my build...HELP! (1 Viewer)

[zeek]

I have one major issue here, my tank was pre-drilled when I got it and I'm trying to figure this out, the hole is right in the middle of the tank, so I'd like to build a "center overflow" or buy one from someone, its a 110g tank so it has to be at ~30" tall overflow, I am in the market for making it myself but I have two mayor questions.

flow size is dependent on the overflow size and the drains, correct? so How big should I make it?

I am thinking 8" by 5" should be enough and fit my drain/return line but that brings next question,

how close can I drill holes appart? this is also box size dependant

And of course I'm attending the acrylic shop meet tomorrow.

Any questions hints or sugestions are apreciated, I will start a build thread with pics soon, promise.

 

[flexrac]

how about closing the center drains and going with a corner overflow short box or a beananimal overflow system. I think you would be happier with that.
sample of short box

 

[trb]

There is a formula for calculating the linear dimensions of an overflow box based on the expected flow, but I would have to find it. Of course the actual amount of water flow is all dependant on your choice of return pump and it's flow at your head height. Your overflow box and the plumbing just have to be large enough to handle what your return pump puts out, but they can be way oversized too.

Any pics of the tank? Is this center overflow in the very center of the bottom, or just centered along the back of the tank? If it is in the very center, most likely you are going to need the overflow to be about 4" wide and 6" long. That will give you 20" of overflow which should be plenty, and enough room inside the box to reach down and install the fittings and standpipe. Of course I would drill an emergency drain also if you only have the one hole right now.

 

[zeek]

I will post pictures tonight, promise.

The tank is going in the middle of a room so it has to be centered, the whole is dead on middle of the tank about 20" from side and 9" from front and back. I just figure pop another hole and slap a box there but want to make sure it will work, whats an emergency drain? And at 6x4 will there be enough room for 1" durso drain and 3/4" return? Some have suggested 1 1/2 drain with 1" return but that seemed much, suggestions?

 

[trb]

An emergency drain is designed to take over just in case the primary drain is clogged or is restricted too much, like with a big snail or fish or algae or something. IMO it is worth it just in case if you have the room. Like the one Felix showed, it has two drains, but each one could probably take the complete overflow if one clogged.

I would just use a 1" bulkhead for the drain and 3/4" return, that should be plenty. I have three 1" bulkheads in my overflow, (drain, emergency & return) and it is about 9" x 6" but the holes are staggered. A 1" bulkhead will require about 3" minimum, and 3/4" needs about 2-3/4" so a 4"x 8" overflow would be the minimum for one drain and one return. You might be able to squeeze the overflow width down to about 3-1/2", but it would be difficult to remove the bulkheads if you ever needed to. Problem with the center overflow is you will find it hard to do your rockscape around it, since I assume your tank is 18" wide? That leaves you with about 6-7" in front and behind the overflow. Might be a good candidate for an artificial rock "wall" surround that slips down over the overflow. Maybe make it look like a few large rocks stacked on top of each other, or like a volcano? LOL!

Here are some pics of mine:

http://i635.photobucket.com/albums/uu77/trbstang/Saltwatertank060.jpg

http://i635.photobucket.com/albums/uu77/trbstang/Saltwatertank061.jpg

Edit: I just thought about it again, and you should have about 2" between the two holes, so considering the bulkheads are 3" and 2-3/4" with the flanges and give you 2" between them, you need about 8" of overflow box to house both of them and have some space on the outer ends.

 

[zeek]

Yes my plan was to make a sleve with flat tonga for a shelves xmas three look lol, with the 3 pipes that tight im guessing your not using a durso? Or I a there enough room? I also planned on longer teeth and some gutter mesh to help with clogging at the overflow baffles instead of fighting with the drain itself.

Also im having a rather large sump with a separate fuge, so I can make up for/if the lack of rock up top.

 

[trb]

Yes, mine is a Durso, the emergency drain is just an open pipe about 1/2" higher than the Durso, so it does not take up much space.

http://i635.photobucket.com/albums/uu77/trbstang/IMG_4533.jpg

 

[zeek]

I see so it only kicks in if the water rises, I like it, thank you so much man!

 

[zeek]

Ok images as promised, I stood the pipes as I "expect" to place them, just need to figure out the size and build the box around it and I need to drill one more hole, maybe two if I decide to do an emergency drain. These pics aren't the best but they will do for now.

It will be a tight fit but I got a plan on how I want to do the rock around it, (copying felix' rock wall )

 

[flexrac]

you can drill one more hole right next to those two holes. with the same amount of spacing.
then you can go back to my build thread and also copy the plumbing. you can still achieve beans style with your tank. the box does not matter as much as the plumbing does. the key to his design is the plumbing.

foam rock wall covering the overflow would look really nice. you can attach powerheads to it as well.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1438807&highlight=foam

 

[zeek]

You mean the three pipes like trb said? I still duno about it man, It will take out a lot more room, I'd need the box 9X6 probably, so I'm unsure about it atm im trying to make it as small as possible probably 7X5 to retain as much aquarium space as possible, Im also debating on making it a peninsula tank and working off the side like you did with a coast to coast.

I need to find someone willing to come drill it for me, I'd pay of course, it's a heavy tank when your alone... and there aren't many people my way to help me load/unload it, not to mention I have to borrow truck to move it, also im in laporte now

 

[flexrac]

it's easy to do, just order the drill bits from glass holes, and if you really don't want to do it your self. i might be able to swing by one weekend and help you.

 

[zeek]

Yeah im starting to like the idea of a coas to coast beananimal overflow on the side and just make it a peninsula tank, would that be big enough? how do you figure out the height, size of the box? and where the wholes should be?

 

[Scott]

Ok Zeek, this is what I would do if it was my tank. Silicone a piece of scrap acrylic (or glass) over the holes and drill new holes on the back for a BeAn style overflow.

As far as designing the overflow you can go to BeAn'sSite to help with that. He gives hole placement approximations for you to help you and advice to determine approximate box size.

Whatever you decide to do, if you wanna bring the tank to me I will drill it for you.