I dont really like the center overflows, they just seem to be right in the way of everything. A large recatngle in the middle of your tank just doesnt seem right to me. I like the traditional style, but then again i only view my tank from the front.

I would do what they are calling a "coast to coast" overflow. It is being done like crazy in Seattle area on acrylic tanks but I can't see why it wouldent work good on a glass tank. Here is a pic of one in a tank.
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/...tachmentid=478

Steve

I am with Willow and Stir Crazy.

Coast to coast - leaves you all the aquascaping possibilities and unobstructed 3 sided viewing without the potential structural integrity concerns of an external overflow :cool: .

drains placement
 

What do you think about coast to coast, but with the drains drilled in the back rather than the bottom? Have to have space behind the tank, but if you do, that would be really good.

I also think the "spillway" could be improved upon to silence it - instead of a sheer drop, something to break up the flow without ending up as junk trap would be good.

Re: drains placement
 

it would be good with either bottom or back. I have heard them in person they are not loud at all, it all depends on how you have your durso's set up and to what level you are holding the water level inside the coast to coast. personally I would not use teeth on the top as I like the solid overflows better for both quietness and reliability.

Steve

The coast to coast looks interesting, but it looks to me like it would be hella loud. All that water falling over the back, Just seems like a waste of space you dont need an overflow that big.

you didn't read my last post did ya :mrgreen:

actualy having a overflow that big is efficient as it allows a larger surface skimming action. is it needed, not realy but it also provides a track to hide return piping in also if you think about it.

Steve

Like reef-raf mentioned, I would go with centre overflow. I built my overflow and rather than having square corners, I angled them back to the tank at 45 degrees. It has a nicer look then the square corners.

Also during the day, the cleaner shrimp set up a station under it and the tangs visit regularly.

Ah yes i should read more, I like the idea of hiding the pipes in it. But still i think it would be really loud even with a stand pipe of somesort.

I think it would be less loud actually, as the same amount of water is spread out over a greater area. With the dursos in the overflow the water will only fall a couple of inches. With less flow per inch it will probably just run down the other side of the glass and make no noise at all.