Initial Tank Planning & Design
I have always really liked the idea of external overflows in aquariums. When partnered with black acrylic, they offer the clean and simple look I am after.
External Overflow Advantages:
(1) Take up no space inside the tank
(2) Looks cleaner inside the tank, no boxes or pipes visible.
External Overflow Disadvantages:
(1) Manufacturing costs are higher. More glass is required and acrylic.
(2) Need additional space behind or next to tank. Tank is unable to sit close to rear or side walls.
The bulkheads I am using are 32mm Slip/Slip and they require a 51mm hole. The hole spacings I have come up with are below. One diameter hole width apart from the front, sides and back of the glass panel. Would these hole spacings be adequate?
I came up with the idea of having a lower drain section, so I wasn't limited by the external overflow's height governing the standpipe's height.
Design # 1
The first design incorporates a full length Coast 2 Coast External Overflow with lowered drain section. View is from behind
Design # 2
The second design is an full width, end overflow with lowered drain section.
View is from the side
So with the two options, I am leaning towards option # 1 as in theory, it should provide more surface skimming.
Any thoughts, suggestions, ideas? ;)
External Overflow Advantages:
(1) Take up no space inside the tank
(2) Looks cleaner inside the tank, no boxes or pipes visible.
External Overflow Disadvantages:
(1) Manufacturing costs are higher. More glass is required and acrylic.
(2) Need additional space behind or next to tank. Tank is unable to sit close to rear or side walls.
The bulkheads I am using are 32mm Slip/Slip and they require a 51mm hole. The hole spacings I have come up with are below. One diameter hole width apart from the front, sides and back of the glass panel. Would these hole spacings be adequate?
I came up with the idea of having a lower drain section, so I wasn't limited by the external overflow's height governing the standpipe's height.
Design # 1
The first design incorporates a full length Coast 2 Coast External Overflow with lowered drain section. View is from behind
Design # 2
The second design is an full width, end overflow with lowered drain section.
View is from the side
So with the two options, I am leaning towards option # 1 as in theory, it should provide more surface skimming.
Any thoughts, suggestions, ideas? ;)