Questions about closed loops and stuff

[aaron]

Sorry for the hundreds of posts lately, I am trying to work out my new tank and i have a million questions so I dont end up with a lot of mistakes. I appreciate everyone's advice.
I intend to buy a 36 gal BF tank and get it drilled for an overflow and closed loop. My question is where are the best places to drill the holes? is it best to put the overflow hole in the back corner through the bottom? And where should the intake for the closed loop go? I'm scared it will turn into a fish shredder if its just in the back of the tank somewhere, and I am trying to keep plumbing in the actually tank to a minimum.
Any advice, even horror stories about what not to do would be great!

 

[House of Laughter]

Aaron,

Bset to ask questions now than pay later - ask away. You will find the one good thing about this site, is that there are many perspectives and many good ones.

As for the whole location, if you are drilling it yourself, you should NOT put one in the bottom unless you know for sure that the bottom is not tempered. Most makers use tempered glass for the bottom which can shatter with drill vibrations.

I just drilled a new AGA 50g long myself (quite proud of myself) and plan to drill another 20g long this week. As for the actual location of the overflow, that is a preference depending on rock formation, other ideas like closed loop etc. So, you can put it wherever you want. Most smaller tanks like that have them in the corners. I would vote for that myself. and consider not making it the whole height of the tank.

As for closed loops, it is always possible they will be a fish shredder.

Hope this helps.

House

 

[aaron]

Thanks for the advice jim, I wasnt planning on doing the drilling myself as bowfront tanks are a little too pricey for me to risk cracking it. But out of interest what did you use to drill the tank?
When you say dont make the overflow the whole height what do you mean? make it in the corner from the top to half way down, then stop it?
I want this tank to be the prefect 36gal Bow, so I am trying to keep as much equipment out of the tank as possible, I figured the closed loop to a seaswirl would hopefully eliminate the need for any powerheads in the tank.

 

[plankton]

Re: the closed loop , if you drill two intake holes to feed the one output the suction of the intakes is greatly reduced . No shredded fish

 

[yessongs]

Left to Right Closed loop return using a SCWD,Return from fuge with a Y, Closed loop intake (PVC elbow with strainer), DIY acrylic overflow box, other closed loop return also on the SCWD.

 

[spykes]

aaron there's a store by me called aquarium gallery, i know the owners maybe if you buy the tank there and they give you a great price, probably they will. they can drill for you... everything they have there is custom made. uhm it's on AVE U and east 14 BTW

 

[aaron]

Great thanks for all the advice, I feel like i'm really getting somewhere. I'll check out aquarium gallery.
Yessongs, what size tank is that? and what sized pumps are you using? Also, the overflow box, I need one for another tank. Usually I would make it out of glass in the corner of the tank. so is yours a complete box or just three sides? how did you stick it to the glass? better yet if you could just describe it to me.
cheers, Aaron

 

[spykes]

Aaron ask for Sam, and tell him David sent you from manhattan reefs. he will kno and probably hook you up right. if not call me im 2 blocks away from this dude

 

[aaron]

Hey spykes, have you got their number?

 

[yessongs]

The pump is a QuietOne 3000 tank is 25g the box is 4 sides 1 Bulk head 2 washers, and a durso out the back of the tank.

 

[aaron]

Yessongs, do you think you could post a picture of the durso out the back?

I'm having real trouble finding anyone in Brooklyn willing to drill a bowfront tank, and so far the prices on custom tanks are out of my price range.

 

[yessongs]

aaron, i can post a pic but it looks like this. www.barraquatic.com/overflows.php

 

[yessongs]

Also Coney Island Glass on 5th Ave in Bklyn drills glass tanks for $5 or $10.

 

[aaron]

Ok that's great my only last question is: whats that part at the top of the T on the outside of the tank (It kind of looks like a nipple or something) And whats the piece of black tubing for?

 

[yessongs]

I don't have that box, i made mine a year before a seen that site.
The top of the Tee is an air hole, dont know what the black tubing is. My Tee goes into the BH one end has a cap for air the other go into sump.