Need opinions on this acrylic cube

[spikehs]

I'm looking for advice on hole placement if you guys dont mind.

The system is going to be powered by a canister filter to provide all flow (kinda like ninjafish's tank)

I'll have the drain in the bottom of the overflow (as usual) but I'm trying to decide where best to put the return. The way I see it I have two options.

1. On the back, about midway up
2. On the bottom, in the middle, then angle the return a couple of ways to provide some good flow.

Thoughts? I think I'm leaning towards #2, that way we wont see any tubes on the outside of the tank (I'm going to get a second hole drilled in the overflow to provide a dry chamber for the light/heater cords)

Thanks!

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by spikehs

Cool graphs! How'd you do those up? If i'me reading it correctly the 16x16x14 should (in theory) only deflect 1mm?

It's a finite element analysis (FEA), I designed a template which works with the software and does a simple analysis based on basic tank design for whatever size I desire. I can also add bracing and various other features if needed. Front to back or side to side you may see up to two mm total but it bows out less at the top so it'll probably be close to about 1mm total. Basically you won't really notice it. You may notice a little difficulty in macro photography in the red area but that's it.

I'd vote for option #2, you can build a center structure of rock to cover the return outputs.