Which tank design do you like better?

[e46er]

I like #1
In #2 If your return is under water like that you will need to also figure out a way to stop the syphon when the pump shuts off

[imcosmokramer]

Originally Posted by e46er

I like #1
In #2 If your return is under water like that you will need to also figure out a way to stop the syphon when the pump shuts off

I would use a lockline to move it to the surface. It will be higher than the water level (or right at it)

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by imcosmokramer

Do you mean extend them, but not all the way to the ends? I'm going to have a tee and an elbow in there for each of the three drains, so I have to make sure there is enough room.

Pretty much yeah, if you stick with a notch you'll need at least 2 inches on each side so it can be cut properly. If you want to extend the box the full length then skip the notch and lower the height of the entire side pane but keep the overflow box separate and not part of the front pane. Alternatively you could also just extend the length of the tank and go with an internal overflow box on the side.

Also when I say front and sides, I calling the pane with overflow the side and 5x2 pane the front.

[StirCrazy]

I am going to throw a problem in here. design 1 has two inside 90 degree corners in the back pain, which are inherent stress points in cut glass. so in-fact tank 1 could actually be weaker on the back.

as for looks tank 2 will look much cleaner from the front and a coast to coast overflow is nice for a few reasons, better surface skimming and also because of the extra length it has more volume. the only issue I have is how are you doing your returns in number 2

my vote is for design 2

Steve

[mattdean]

#2 for me. All you have to do is have your everflow notch for the returns and use lock line. that's what I did. My returns are drilled in the bottom and they come up, then bend into the tank under water. I even have acrylic on top to finish off the look.

Here's a pic.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by mattdean

Matt has the right idea there, essentially an internal overflow on the side if you're looking for a full width overflow.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by Lampshade

I like #2 better. Technically it should be stronger since you don't have a corner cut into the glass that will be a stress point(even though there's very little stress with 1" of water). Lots of people with #1 though that works great for them.

Love the size of both though, very wide. Will make a great reef.

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

I am going to throw a problem in here. design 1 has two inside 90 degree corners in the back pain, which are inherent stress points in cut glass. so in-fact tank 1 could actually be weaker on the back.

as for looks tank 2 will look much cleaner from the front and a coast to coast overflow is nice for a few reasons, better surface skimming and also because of the extra length it has more volume. the only issue I have is how are you doing your returns in number 2

my vote is for design 2

Steve

Design 1 is stronger guys, this is the problem with design 2


The notched side in design 1 is not only supported by the overflow but it's signficantly shorter in length than the front... You know whole Mc/I deal, M being FxL....

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Design 1 is stronger guys, this is the problem with design 2


The notched side in design 1 is not only supported by the overflow but it's signficantly shorter in length than the front... You know whole Mc/I deal, M being FxL....

sorry didn't see that the sides were all one piece, I assumed it would be the normal of a box add on. I would recomend number 2 still with the modification that the over flow be added to the tank. just get the end of a normal designed tank made 1/2" shorter than the other end and sides, then build a box oneto the end to make your over flow box.

Steve