Looking for advice on overflow and return placement in a 20 long

cody6766 · 10/09/2009, 10:44 PM

My newest project is going to be the slow build of a 20g Long to replace my 14g BioCube. I already have the tank, the sump will be pulled from my 33g, so I just have to build the stand and plumbing.

I"m wanting to drill the tank so I no longer have to deal with the headache of a HOB overflow. My 33g has one and I'll never do it again. I'm thinking drilling the floor of the tank would be the best option for both overflow and return, but I've never done this kind of thing. I'm thinking that 2 corner overflows would be better than one central one, correct? Redundancy is the first thing that comes to mind here.

I'll be using an ocean runner 2500 for my return, so I should have a decent bit of flow from that. I'll supplement with K2 powerheads as needed. I could also go with K1s since i have both laying around. I was thinking of using the return lines (two of them) to blow from the center to the back corners of the tank. Then I could use the koralia powerheads to take care of flow on the front half. That should prevent detritus buildup and dead spots from the rock work.

so, what overflow/return layout would you guys recommend and why?

10/09/2009, 10:44 PM	#1
cody6766 Super Best Friends! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,772	Looking for advice on overflow and return placement in a 20 long My newest project is going to be the slow build of a 20g Long to replace my 14g BioCube. I already have the tank, the sump will be pulled from my 33g, so I just have to build the stand and plumbing. I"m wanting to drill the tank so I no longer have to deal with the headache of a HOB overflow. My 33g has one and I'll never do it again. I'm thinking drilling the floor of the tank would be the best option for both overflow and return, but I've never done this kind of thing. I'm thinking that 2 corner overflows would be better than one central one, correct? Redundancy is the first thing that comes to mind here. I'll be using an ocean runner 2500 for my return, so I should have a decent bit of flow from that. I'll supplement with K2 powerheads as needed. I could also go with K1s since i have both laying around. I was thinking of using the return lines (two of them) to blow from the center to the back corners of the tank. Then I could use the koralia powerheads to take care of flow on the front half. That should prevent detritus buildup and dead spots from the rock work. so, what overflow/return layout would you guys recommend and why? __________________ "The moral is the chosen, not the forced; the understood, not the obeyed. The moral is the rational, and reason accepts no commandments." - John Galt Current Tank Info: Cadlights 60G Arisan II mixed reef with 2x MP40s and 24" ATI