why "reef ready" have holes drilled on the bottom? (1 Viewer)

[KyleH]

I am curious if anyone can provide insight on why "reef ready" tanks seems to have the fancy columns to provide an overflow of water into holes that are located at the bottom of the tank.

Instead of a full column, wouldn't a similar overflow that is only 2-4" length from the surface with a hold drilled on the side also provide the same function? Is there a benefit to have the holes drilled on the bottom of the tank (besides the obvious of not having the space to give up a 2-4" for an L-elbow attachment)?

Thanks for any information.

-KyleH

 

[trb]

Apparently that is the old fashioned way that most mass produced companies make their tanks. Every mass produced reef ready tank in a LFS I've seen has had the full height overflows and bottoms drilled.

Many of the DIY people and custom tank builders drill the back of the tank and use smaller overflow boxes or a coast to coast overflow along the back of the tank. The only advantage of the internal overflows and drilled bottoms I see is the exterior of the tank is clean on all 4 sides. But if yours is against a wall and you can spare the extra 3-4" for plumbing, I would drill the back and go that route.

 

[RocketSurgeon]

As previously stated:

Drilling the bottom allows for the system to be placed closer to the wall.

mass production has not upgraded to the coast to coast or the larger bulkheads.

I chose to drill my own, utilizing the beananimal design.


http://www.beananimal.com/projects/silent-and-fail-safe-aquarium-overflow-system.aspx

 

[Llama]

Funny enough, the old school way is actually drilling through the back. This is because old school tanks had tempered bottoms and nothing else. My brother is a SW guy from 15 years ago and all his tanks and the FS he worked at were drilled at the back.

I think it's cool to see the changes in this hobby. Coast to coast is the way my next system will be done. I put my current tank so close to the wall that I can't even get a PH on the rear wall. sucks