Any practical reasons for blacked out overflow side?

[Smprc]

Hello everyone,

I am ordering a custom tank. Size is 72 x 24 x 24. Overflow will be on one of the 24 x 24 sides and external. At first I was NOT going to black the side, however I am rethinking this. I know its a personal decision but I'd like some feedback. I'm on the fence.

Thanks!

 

[prsnlty]

Yes it keeps coraline algae and other algae from growing on your return pump ;)

 

[prsnlty]

I wish I did this on my skimmer section as well... now I have to soak it in vinegar every couple of months to get rid of it. It allows you longer time in between cleanings if you keep them blocked out from your sump lighting

 

[Smprc]

Hold up a second, I'm confused! The blackout I'm talking about will be for one of the sides of the tank, which will hold the external Shadow Overflow. The overflow has 3 pvc pipes that run down into the stand and sump. However, I will have 2 additional return lines running up that same side. At first i was just going to leave it clear glass, how i'm thinking of blacking it out.

However, I understood the sump situation and that's a great note i'll remember that when I build the sump out.

 

[prsnlty]

Hold up a second, I'm confused! The blackout I'm talking about will be for one of the sides of the tank, which will hold the external Shadow Overflow. The overflow has 3 pvc pipes that run down into the stand and sump. However, I will have 2 additional return lines running up that same side. At first i was just going to leave it clear glass, how i'm thinking of blacking it out.

However, I understood the sump situation and that's a great note i'll remember that when I build the sump out.

Oooooohhhhhhh lol sorry [emoji12] yes I would black the back glass out. It just looks better than seeing the plumbing through it. Plus any part of the overflow box that has water may also be a place for algae to grow if it will have any kind of light reaching it. Haha I guess I have sumps on the brain today!

 

[JBradford]

I blacked out the sides up my tank where the overflow is to now see a mess. Really cleans it up in my opinion.