How many overflows for a 120g?

albertan22 · 11/03/2008, 03:35 PM

So, as I've said in a couple other threads, I'm planning and pricing out a 120 gallon reef tank. The tank dimensions will be 48X24X24.

I was wondering what everyone's opinions are on the number of overflows in a tank this size? The price difference between 1 and 2 overflows is about $215. Is it really that much better to have one in each corner? The tank will be positioned in the corner of the room and would look better if I didn't have an overflow in one of the 2 viewable sides, so this is the way I'm leaning, but I figured I'd see what everyone else thought on the matter.

billdogg · 11/03/2008, 03:48 PM

i like to have at least two for redundancy but there is no reason you cant put them both on the one side

buccard · 11/03/2008, 03:55 PM

Based on the number of articles I have read on RC and others,I would say two would be a better bet just for more even water flow. I have one on my 90 gallon and the drain max GPH is 600 gallons per hour...I would like more flow than that so I have to supplement with Powerheads. My overflow is in the middle not the corner. My drain is 1 inch and return is 3/4 so if you have a 120 gallon I would think you want to make sure your drain and return are larger if you go with one overflow.

If you are going with a reef tank I would go with two...better to have it and not need it than vice versa, unless you want to add a siphon style drain later-not very attractive IMO.

Lets see what more experienced members have to say....

albertan22 · 11/03/2008, 08:57 PM

Bump

WaterKeeper · 11/03/2008, 09:17 PM

Two here, with each sized to handle the full tank's flow. If one fails, then the other will handle it.

lesleybird · 11/03/2008, 10:30 PM

Hi, Why don't you just get one large one in the center of the back of the tank? I would think that it would be enough for a 4 foot tank. Just googled Oceanic aquariums and they have a 120 gallon in their tech series that has one in the middle of the back that looks good. Lesley

11/03/2008, 03:35 PM	#1
albertan22 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 83	How many overflows for a 120g? So, as I've said in a couple other threads, I'm planning and pricing out a 120 gallon reef tank. The tank dimensions will be 48X24X24. I was wondering what everyone's opinions are on the number of overflows in a tank this size? The price difference between 1 and 2 overflows is about $215. Is it really that much better to have one in each corner? The tank will be positioned in the corner of the room and would look better if I didn't have an overflow in one of the 2 viewable sides, so this is the way I'm leaning, but I figured I'd see what everyone else thought on the matter.

11/03/2008, 03:48 PM	#2
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	i like to have at least two for redundancy but there is no reason you cant put them both on the one side __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

11/03/2008, 03:55 PM	#3
buccard Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lakeland, Florida Posts: 970	Based on the number of articles I have read on RC and others,I would say two would be a better bet just for more even water flow. I have one on my 90 gallon and the drain max GPH is 600 gallons per hour...I would like more flow than that so I have to supplement with Powerheads. My overflow is in the middle not the corner. My drain is 1 inch and return is 3/4 so if you have a 120 gallon I would think you want to make sure your drain and return are larger if you go with one overflow. If you are going with a reef tank I would go with two...better to have it and not need it than vice versa, unless you want to add a siphon style drain later-not very attractive IMO. Lets see what more experienced members have to say.... __________________ Roger Save a fish, click on the red house. Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon-mixed reef

11/03/2008, 09:17 PM	#5
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	Two here, with each sized to handle the full tank's flow. If one fails, then the other will handle it. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

11/03/2008, 10:30 PM	#6
lesleybird Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 392	Hi, Why don't you just get one large one in the center of the back of the tank? I would think that it would be enough for a 4 foot tank. Just googled Oceanic aquariums and they have a 120 gallon in their tech series that has one in the middle of the back that looks good. Lesley Last edited by lesleybird; 11/03/2008 at 10:49 PM.

11/03/2008, 08:57 PM	#4
albertan22 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 83	Bump