Please help New to Saltwater and building new tank/stand everything

[ReefNewDude]

Ooops here is the link to the Eclips L by Eshopps http://www.eshopps.com/products/over...xes/eclipse-l/

[lpsouth1978]

Originally Posted by ReefNewDude

Ok this is what I found for a Bean Animal overflow. The large is rated for 100 - 150 gallon tanks.

Are these Eclipse overflows by EShopps any good? I like it because it seems to be low profile and I'm seriously considering mounting it on the left side rather than the back any suggestions?
Thanks!

I used the Eshopps Eclipse Medium on my 40b. The Large is simply too big for my tank, so I only have a herbie on mine. I have pictures of the tank with the holes drilled on my home computer and can post them tonight for you. I am really happy with the overflow. Synergy reefs ghost overflow is really nice too and designed for a bean animal.

[lpsouth1978]

P.S. - I purchased my overflow on Amazon.

[ReefNewDude]

ok awesome look forward to seeing the pics later. Thanks for the info!

[ReefNewDude]

Do you in the long run think then it's a better idea to buy a standard 125 gallon tank and drill it to put in my own vs. buying a reef ready tank?

THanks!

[saveafish]

Look into exotic marine or modular marine. They have great videos on how to install

[saveafish]

Originally Posted by ReefNewDude

Do you in the long run think then it's a better idea to buy a standard 125 gallon tank and drill it to put in my own vs. buying a reef ready tank?

THanks!

Drilling your own gives you play as to where to put the flow box. Plus takes a lot less space.

[lpsouth1978]

Originally Posted by ReefNewDude

Do you in the long run think then it's a better idea to buy a standard 125 gallon tank and drill it to put in my own vs. buying a reef ready tank?

THanks!

ABSOLUTELY! There are SOOOOO many advantages to drilling a tank over buying a RR model.

[ReefNewDude]

Ok so here is what I finally decided to do after hearing from you all and researching online.

I've decided to go with the Aquarium Master. Apparently their new tanks do use the cross support bar and glass. I'm going with the 135 standard aquarium that measures 72" long x 18" deep x 24" tall. I was going to go with the 120 gallon model but it was only 48" long x 24 x24" and I want the fish to have room to swim back and forth.

If you think the 120 would be best, please let me know cause I'm going tomorrow morning to get it. The 135 gallon is being sold for $279 + tax so $300 here.

The front, back and bottom of the tank are tempered and ONLY the sides are not. So my plan is to drill the left side of the tank that is 18" wide. Is this ok? I really need to know if this will be ok or will it limit me on the box that I can place. I'm looking to drill a bean animal overflow. I guess the returns would have to go on the same side? That way nobody see it it from the entrance when they come in. Is it ok that both the overflow and return are on the same side and close?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[lpsouth1978]

Originally Posted by ReefNewDude

Ok so here is what I finally decided to do after hearing from you all and researching online.

I've decided to go with the Aquarium Master. Apparently their new tanks do use the cross support bar and glass. I'm going with the 135 standard aquarium that measures 72" long x 18" deep x 24" tall. I was going to go with the 120 gallon model but it was only 48" long x 24 x24" and I want the fish to have room to swim back and forth.

If you think the 120 would be best, please let me know cause I'm going tomorrow morning to get it. The 135 gallon is being sold for $279 + tax so $300 here.

The front, back and bottom of the tank are tempered and ONLY the sides are not. So my plan is to drill the left side of the tank that is 18" wide. Is this ok? I really need to know if this will be ok or will it limit me on the box that I can place. I'm looking to drill a bean animal overflow. I guess the returns would have to go on the same side? That way nobody see it it from the entrance when they come in. Is it ok that both the overflow and return are on the same side and close?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I personally prefer the longer tank. Drilling the side and having the returns on that same side is perfectly acceptable. You will be using wave makers and powerheads to move water in the system and keep debris in the water column so it can be swept into your sump, skimmer, and filter socks. Research peninsula tanks and you will see that this is quite common.

$300 for a new 135 is a great price too. It sounds like you have a solid plan.

[lpsouth1978]

Here are the Pics I promised. I hope they help.

[ReefNewDude]

Wow those Peninsula tanks are cool but $$$ so I'm building mine for like 1/10th lol.

Ok so here's the other argument and not sure if it's talked about on here but between 3 LFS I went to they say this about Aquarium Master:

LFS #1 : Has been around 20 years plus and Sells Aquarium Master and has for years and says they are great tanks for the money better than Aqueon which he says is a good tank as well and carries.

LFS #2 : Says both Aqueon and Aquarium Masters are great!

LFS #3: Says he carries Aqueon cause he doesn't trust Aquarium Masters. He says instead of using clear silicone they use the Black and it will leak after 6-8 years guaranteed!!!??? Has anyone else heard of this? Clear being better than black? This LFS has been around at least 20 years too.

So as you can see how I would be conflicted even though I decided on the Aquarium Master Tank I have this nag nag nag saying the black silicone is bad blah blah blah lol.

IS THIS TRUE??

Thanks!

[saveafish]

Originally Posted by ReefNewDude

Wow those Peninsula tanks are cool but $$$ so I'm building mine for like 1/10th lol.

Ok so here's the other argument and not sure if it's talked about on here but between 3 LFS I went to they say this about Aquarium Master:

LFS #1 : Has been around 20 years plus and Sells Aquarium Master and has for years and says they are great tanks for the money better than Aqueon which he says is a good tank as well and carries.

LFS #2 : Says both Aqueon and Aquarium Masters are great!

LFS #3: Says he carries Aqueon cause he doesn't trust Aquarium Masters. He says instead of using clear silicone they use the Black and it will leak after 6-8 years guaranteed!!!??? Has anyone else heard of this? Clear being better than black? This LFS has been around at least 20 years too.

So as you can see how I would be conflicted even though I decided on the Aquarium Master Tank I have this nag nag nag saying the black silicone is bad blah blah blah lol.

IS THIS TRUE??

Thanks!

LFS 1 aquecon are the cheapest tanks made. He sounds he knows better.

LFS 2 Can't put aquecon in the same boat as others. Cheap tanks. Great for smaller tanks for ATO or sumps but once over 40b naaa.

LFS 3 NO. Sounds like he loves his mark up and selling cheaper tankers made for profit. Be careful with that one. Black silly con holds just as well as clear. Look ar a lot of bigger tanks that are rimless and they use black. The high end tanks use black as well. He is filling you with Bull Poopy.

[saveafish]

Originally Posted by ReefNewDude

Ok so here is what I finally decided to do after hearing from you all and researching online.

I've decided to go with the Aquarium Master. Apparently their new tanks do use the cross support bar and glass. I'm going with the 135 standard aquarium that measures 72" long x 18" deep x 24" tall. I was going to go with the 120 gallon model but it was only 48" long x 24 x24" and I want the fish to have room to swim back and forth.

If you think the 120 would be best, please let me know cause I'm going tomorrow morning to get it. The 135 gallon is being sold for $279 + tax so $300 here.

The front, back and bottom of the tank are tempered and ONLY the sides are not. So my plan is to drill the left side of the tank that is 18" wide. Is this ok? I really need to know if this will be ok or will it limit me on the box that I can place. I'm looking to drill a bean animal overflow. I guess the returns would have to go on the same side? That way nobody see it it from the entrance when they come in. Is it ok that both the overflow and return are on the same side and close?



Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Longer the tank the wider the tank the better. Several reasons gives more surface area for gas exchange. More sq ft for rock placements and rock work.. Fish mostly swim laterally.
Deeper tanks are for creating different depth zones for some fish and for low light corals. Your first one go simple longer better go for real estate not gallons
135 for $300 is a good deal,

Drilling the sides are great. I seen where you said peninsula are nice. Well there you go you can make it into one.

[lpsouth1978]

Originally Posted by saveafish

LFS 1 aquecon are the cheapest tanks made. He sounds he knows better.

LFS 2 Can't put aquecon in the same boat as others. Cheap tanks. Great for smaller tanks for ATO or sumps but once over 40b naaa.

LFS 3 NO. Sounds like he loves his mark up and selling cheaper tankers made for profit. Be careful with that one. Black silly con holds just as well as clear. Look ar a lot of bigger tanks that are rimless and they use black. The high end tanks use black as well. He is filling you with Bull Poopy.

I agree with this completely. Black silicone is used regularly and on some very high end tanks. It is the same as clear silicone but with color. I like the look of black silicone too, I think it looks more refined. Lol

I am not familiar with Aquarium Masters so I cant comment on the quality, but agree about Aqueon. They are some of the lowest quality tanks, and I would also avoid a large tank from them. I have a 55 gallon Aqueon and might consider a 75g, but no larger. Just my opinion.

[ReefNewDude]

Ok you guys are great! Thanks for all the info and I feel so much better now choosing the Aquarium Masters

I was contacted this morning by the guy in the below offerup ad and he wants to sell the tank and cabinet along with everything else for $250. It's acrylic though and even though it's nice and clear I think glass is the way to go.

Here is the ad: https://offerup.com/item/detail/515991450/

[ReefNewDude]

Ok so as my mind overflows with new info and knowledge I keep coming up with questions so I apologize .....

Regarding side drilled holes for overflows here are my overflow box choices and I'd like to use the Bean Animal overflow method.

1.) Eshopps Eclipse Large @ 16" that does 1000 gph

2.) Shadow Overflow 16" which is 2500 gph

3.) Ghost Overflow @ 18" which does 2000 gph

I guess my next question is since I'm only drilling on one side of the tank and I have an 18" width to work for can I still wo with the 18" Ghost overflow or only the 16" boxes? My other question is where do I put the returns if the boxes are in the way or how would I pipe them in and how large do those holes need to be?

Thanks!

[ReefNewDude]

Oh there is also this Overflow which looks awesome but won't work cause the shortest they have is 24"

https://www.exoticmarinesystems.com/...4-overflow-kit

[lpsouth1978]

Originally Posted by ReefNewDude

Ok so as my mind overflows with new info and knowledge I keep coming up with questions so I apologize .....

Regarding side drilled holes for overflows here are my overflow box choices and I'd like to use the Bean Animal overflow method.

1.) Eshopps Eclipse Large @ 16" that does 1000 gph

2.) Shadow Overflow 16" which is 2500 gph

3.) Ghost Overflow @ 18" which does 2000 gph

I guess my next question is since I'm only drilling on one side of the tank and I have an 18" width to work for can I still wo with the 18" Ghost overflow or only the 16" boxes? My other question is where do I put the returns if the boxes are in the way or how would I pipe them in and how large do those holes need to be?

Thanks!

Because you also need to have the return on that end of the tank, I would go with one of the 16" versions. You want to leave a MINIMUM 1'" between the edge of the glass and your hole for the return, 2" would be prefered, but it doesn't sound like that would be an option.

It sounds like a better option might be to custom build an overflow box. You can do this with either glass or acrylic. You should be able to find a TON of info on building an oveflow box. Its pretty straight forward really. I would build it about 12-13" to leave room for the return. The overflow would just need to be two sides and a bottom, which would then be siliconed to the tank. You would drill the three drain holes in the tank behind the overflow, and the return line to the side, up high to reduce the water siphones through it when power goes out. I recommend 1" for the drains and 3/4" for the return. Just make sure the box is large enough for you to fit all three drains in and is easy for you to access.

[ReefNewDude]

Ok so I only need 1 return? I thought I needed 2? Also what size pipe for both the overflow and Return? I want to maximize return flow rate so would 1" pipe be to big or can I do 1.5"?

Will the return sit above the overflo box line meaning will I drill the hole higher up or at the same level as the overflow holes?

Thanks!

[ReefNewDude]

Woops just return about return lines somehow I missed that and read to fast lol.

[ReefNewDude]

Is 1 return ok? Also to me it doesn't make much sense for cleaned return water being pumped right back in next to the overflow box. It seems like that return water would get sucked right back in? Is this a valid concern?

Thanks,

[saveafish]

Originally Posted by ReefNewDude

Ok so I only need 1 return? I thought I needed 2? Also what size pipe for both the overflow and Return? I want to maximize return flow rate so would 1" pipe be to big or can I do 1.5"?

Will the return sit above the overflo box line meaning will I drill the hole higher up or at the same level as the overflow holes?

Thanks!

You just need one box for your return or trash water. 1 nozzle as you spit or fill nozzle. Over flow is usually just called overflow. It refers to the water leaving the tank. Return is the fill back in your tank line. It can get confusing because they both return. Some options on that is loc-line https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/pumps.../loc-line.html

You can go over the side with them too so you don't have to drill another hole for it.

[saveafish]

Originally Posted by ReefNewDude

1" pipe be to big or can I do 1.5"?

Thanks!

1" is more than enough. You can run about 1600 gallon per hr on it or about 20 gallons a minute.

[saveafish]

Originally Posted by ReefNewDude

Is 1 return ok? Also to me it doesn't make much sense for cleaned return water being pumped right back in next to the overflow box. It seems like that return water would get sucked right back in? Is this a valid concern?

Thanks,

One is more than enough. With your clean water coming into the tank it pushes water to the other end sending the trash water to the over flow. Like a whirlpool.. It wont go out and come right back to the over flow like you think.