Overflow and Return Placement

[Rudy]

I am about to place my order for a 280 gal (72" x 30" x 30"). The tank will serve as a room divider. Therefore it will be viewable from 3 sides (Front, Back, and one end).

Based on this set-up, I am trying to determine the best location for my overflow(s)? It would be great if all of my plumbing could be placed on that one 30" side wall. I am sure this is possible, but would it be to the detriment of my water flow (GPH) as well as the a desired even draw (circulation) throughout the tank? Otherwise, what about an overflow in to opposite corners at opposite ends of the long tank? I would only lose a relatively small amount of viewing area.

My point basically, if I have a tank viewable by three sides. I'd like to keep those sides as clear as possible.

What about the returns as well? Can I somehow position them within the overflow area or through the bottom of the tank so they may be hidden amongst the LR?

I would GREATLY appreciate any design help which any of you are willing to offer.

Thanks,

[Whoyah]

You could go with a tower overflow in the center of the tank and one at the wall end. I am sure you could plumb in the returns out the sides of the tower. I believe Greg's new 400 gallon tank has center tower overflow.

[Rudy]

You could go with a tower overflow in the center of the tank and one at the wall end. I am sure you could plumb in the returns out the sides of the tower. I believe Greg's new 400 gallon tank has center tower overflow.

Very interesting. Can you tell me more or provide more details or a link to where I could otain a schematic drwaing?

Thanks again

[Whoyah]

Here is a link to Greg's thread:

http://www.captivereefing.com/showthread.php?t=3961

I believe that his tank is also 72" long. Based on the picture, I would guess the tower overflow is roughly 12" but I am not sure on the depth. I am sure Greg (graphixx) will be along shortly if you would like more details on his tank. I will surf around a bit and see if I find anything else to help you.

[Whoyah]

Here is a sweet tank with dual towers.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/totm/index.php

[graphixx]

yeah my tank has the center (right in center) overflow and I think it would work great for a room divider. and actually my tank is 360 gallons I was thinking about doing a 3 sided room divider but went with 2 sided.

[Rudy]

Thanks Whoyah and Graphixx. OK, so I am going to try to arrange for either one central overflow or two overflows placed at 1/3 increments of the tank.

What about the returns? I am a bit confused how I arrange the returns to come through the bottom of tank or using the overflow boxes?

I have been a member of another board for many years and just stumbled upon this one and so far have found it to be very helpful with mature posters.

[jojo22]

I think what they are trying to say is have them come through the bottom in the overflow box and then drill holes and route them ot of the box into the tank. If so I would watch not to put them too low to avoid emptying the tank in a power outage.

[Rudy]

If so I would watch not to put them too low to avoid emptying the tank in a power outage.

I see. Good point about the power outage, but I envisioned placing some type of one-way check valve in all the returns to avoid the type of disaster you mentioned.

[jojo22]

Check valves are a good safty measure but please remember they are mechanical devices that can and eventually will fail.

[carpenterwrasse]

2 towers inthe center can do a dual feature as a return and exit for you water the configuration is up to you.

[Rudy]

For my tank dimensions 72" L x 30" W x 30" H what size should these two overflow towers be? Please bear in mind I would like to place the return plumbing within these same towers.

About to order based on this feedback.

Thanks, Keith

[Whoyah]

Rudy,

I would think with a dual tower set-up or a single tower with a overflow on the wall end would be best for flow though options.

Regarding tower size, I would think you might want to go with a rectangle versus a square. If you orientated the tower with the narrow side to the long side of the aquarium it would less visible. On dimensions for the tower, you will need to fit a stand pipe along with a return or two inside of it. I am guessing you are probably going to want to run bigger pipe like 1.25 or 1.5. I would guess you would need 6" at a minimum for the rectangle small side.

If this is a custom tank you are ordering, you should probably discuss the idea with the tank maker. They should have some good input. I would also recommend that you research more and maybe contact some folks who have systems similiar to what you are considering. I am by no means an expert, I am just giving you my thoughts.