custom acrylic tank

[untamed]

Also...if there are holes in the back wall of the tank inside the overflow boxes...then I don't see any need for the overflow boxes to be full length to the bottom of the tank. The main reason for an overflow box to go right to the tank bottom would be if the holes were drilled in the tank bottom.

Shortening the internal overflow boxes would create a sheltered area underneath that could house sponges or other critters that don't like light. Fish would also probably like to hang out under there.

Now...for the "out there" idea... If you created a full-to-the-bottom overflow box, with the holes in the back wall as already designed.... you could open one side of the overflow box at the bottom. This would create a sheltered area inside the overflow box. If you are lucky, this could be used as a fish trap. Fish go in..block the hole...net the fish from the top.

I do wish I had incorporated some sort of fish capture mechanism in my tank design. I would probably still have my white cheek Tang if I had done that.

[purplepolypeater]

untamed you seem to have some neat ideas could you sketch up something showing what you are talking about maybe what would you do with the return pump if not in the middle.

[brizzo]

Originally Posted by purplepolypeater

untamed you seem to have some neat ideas could you sketch up something showing what you are talking about maybe what would you do with the return pump if not in the middle.

If your return line is coming from your sump, and not a closed loop, remember that the tank will drain down to that point, or even lower if you have loc-line (creates a siphon from your tank to sump). You can use a check valve to avoid that, but people say they can be faulty and require monthly inspection.

If you go with a center external overflow, your return can go in corner near the top, drill a small holes in the loc-line to prevent a siphon from starting. Works like a charm

You could also go up and over the back for a return, but more elbows means more head loss (marginal).

[untamed]

Originally Posted by nazerine

You could also go up and over the back for a return, but more elbows means more head loss (marginal).

Yup....that's what I would do rather than have that hole in the center of the back wall.