Need Tank Design Help!! And More

PaulKreider · Dec 15, 2014

Well the time has come and I have found an amazing price I cant pass up for a new 120gallong tank. Since I can get the tank more than $100 cheaper if its not drilled I've decided to go that route. This way I can almost put in the overflow I would like more than the standard corner overflow.

The design for the overflow I want to do is like the Reef Savy "Ghost" overflow, but out of glass. To my understanding I'll have an internal weir box, connected via 2, 1.5inch holes to a larger main drain box on the back. Now in making this back box that sits on the outside of the tank is where I had some questions.

1. Would it be possible to hide the plumbing, for example I wouldn't be able to paint the back glass in that section since the paint would be inside the box.

2. How long should the internal weir be? (Goal is to be very sleek and thin)

3. How many GPH should I shoot for running through the sump? (thinking 120gal tank with 40 breeder sump)

Thanks for any help in advance!

TJ's Reef · Dec 15, 2014

Hey Paul the 'Ghost' style overflow system uses two open top boxes, a low profile weir inside and a outside box with depth and width determined by what size of bulkheads and type of drain used ie: 'Bean Animal' 'Durso' etc... These two boxes are held together and in place with a bulkhead which goes through weir then tank itself then outside box where the nut is applied and tightened. You will need a seal or gasket between each of the three components. I am also building a new tank with a 'Ghost' style overflow, all acrylic though. My weir section is going to be 48" in a 60" long tank. So for painting back, no problem at all as the pieces are separate and only the holes you drill will show through.

Cheers, Todd

P.S. Forgot the last ? I ran approx 800gph through my old 40g sump/fuge and thought it was lacking, as I now run 1050-ish through my 75g sump/fuge and again wish I had more flow.... even with a Koralia Evo 600 in there. BIG FAN of high-flow sumps for a number of reasons.

Thunderfan · Dec 16, 2014

Ghost

This is the one I ordered from a guy on ebay. Supposed to be here this week. Good thing about this guy is he makes them to order so you can get it as long as you want with the holes you want teeth or no teeth. Thinking about getting some corrugated plastic from home Depot and painting it so if I decide to change the color I can. Doing something so you can't see the plumbing for sure.