Building Custom tank #2 - design questions

Troll · 10/05/2006, 11:14 AM

My first one (a 186) sprung a leak in a seam 2 weeks ago in which I lost most of my livestock and lots of water damage.

Tank was 2.5 years old glass (60x24x30) and manufacturer only offering a small discount to build a new tank (which is a separate issue all together). I won't flame them yet until negotiations are complete.

Couple of design questions that I'd like some opinions on now that I'm going with 60x30x30 with external overflows and closed loop.....

1) Durso or no Durso in the external overflow. Planning on 4 drains..I can go with dual 10"-12" durso's in a large overflow box, or no durso and a shorter (5-6"?) overflow box.....any thoughts? I know Durso's supposidly makes less noise, but wondered people's thoughts on tanks this size. I could put an acrylic lid or foam over the overflow box to cut down on some noise if I don't use dursos.

2) Sea swirl placement - currently had 2 in the center of the tank (in eurobracing). considering to move them to the 2 rear corners of the tank both so they are less obviously visable and also less in the way for maintenence. Assume it will also create a larger flow pattern across the 5' length. Couldn't have this setup before since I had internal overflow in old tank. Assume this is a no brainer but welcome feedback

3) Closed loop outflow - currently have 1 larger bulkhead for outflow with 4 inflows....was considering 2 smaller rear outflows instead of just 1 larger one....assuming this would decrease the suction (which trapped baby fish, etc.) in the past but worried that increased maintenence of 2 screens makes it not worth it.

4) Can you guys believe that the estimates I'm getting for this tank are more than double my original tank bought in March, 2004?

Thanks for your help.

Troll · 10/06/2006, 08:38 AM

Little help please....durso or no durso?

Wryknow · 10/06/2006, 10:52 AM

Durso all the way. I would also recommend having more out flows if possibel if you are going to use a CL system, and perhaps consider using an OM 4 way for wave motion.

z28pwr · 10/06/2006, 03:47 PM

I would go with some Tunze Streams instead of doing a closed loop, you will create less heat, use less electricity and will be able to move them around the tank. Even if you can only afford one now, that is probably better.

djrecklessk · 10/13/2006, 01:36 AM

I just setup my 350 gal tank and I have to say no durso. Some gave me advice that I would need it, but to be honest, once I put on the acrylic lid it was silent. My tank dimensions are 90"x 30" x 30". Its really close to what you're looking for.

Also the reason why it cost so much from your previous tank is the height. I believe you need thicker arcylic when you go higher. If I were you I'd stick with 24", althought I got 30", I regret it because of the labor envolved in cleaning an setup. It is a pain to have such a high tank. I must admit it does look better, but knowing what I know now, I would compromise. Just my 2 cent

10/05/2006, 11:14 AM	#1
Troll Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 251	Building Custom tank #2 - design questions My first one (a 186) sprung a leak in a seam 2 weeks ago in which I lost most of my livestock and lots of water damage. Tank was 2.5 years old glass (60x24x30) and manufacturer only offering a small discount to build a new tank (which is a separate issue all together). I won't flame them yet until negotiations are complete. Couple of design questions that I'd like some opinions on now that I'm going with 60x30x30 with external overflows and closed loop..... 1) Durso or no Durso in the external overflow. Planning on 4 drains..I can go with dual 10"-12" durso's in a large overflow box, or no durso and a shorter (5-6"?) overflow box.....any thoughts? I know Durso's supposidly makes less noise, but wondered people's thoughts on tanks this size. I could put an acrylic lid or foam over the overflow box to cut down on some noise if I don't use dursos. 2) Sea swirl placement - currently had 2 in the center of the tank (in eurobracing). considering to move them to the 2 rear corners of the tank both so they are less obviously visable and also less in the way for maintenence. Assume it will also create a larger flow pattern across the 5' length. Couldn't have this setup before since I had internal overflow in old tank. Assume this is a no brainer but welcome feedback 3) Closed loop outflow - currently have 1 larger bulkhead for outflow with 4 inflows....was considering 2 smaller rear outflows instead of just 1 larger one....assuming this would decrease the suction (which trapped baby fish, etc.) in the past but worried that increased maintenence of 2 screens makes it not worth it. 4) Can you guys believe that the estimates I'm getting for this tank are more than double my original tank bought in March, 2004? Thanks for your help. __________________ . Current Tank Info: 235g display...375 g total system

10/06/2006, 10:52 AM	#3
Wryknow Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,203	Durso all the way. I would also recommend having more out flows if possibel if you are going to use a CL system, and perhaps consider using an OM 4 way for wave motion. __________________ You cannot use reason to change the opinion of a person that did not use reason to form their opinion in the first place. Current Tank Info: 65 G RR, w/ 50 G sump/refugium, DIY LED lighting, AquaMaxx CO-1 skimmer, Tunze 1073.050 return

10/06/2006, 08:38 AM	#2
Troll Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 251	Little help please....durso or no durso? __________________ . Current Tank Info: 235g display...375 g total system

10/06/2006, 03:47 PM	#4
z28pwr Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 236	I would go with some Tunze Streams instead of doing a closed loop, you will create less heat, use less electricity and will be able to move them around the tank. Even if you can only afford one now, that is probably better.

10/13/2006, 01:36 AM	#5
djrecklessk Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 71	I just setup my 350 gal tank and I have to say no durso. Some gave me advice that I would need it, but to be honest, once I put on the acrylic lid it was silent. My tank dimensions are 90"x 30" x 30". Its really close to what you're looking for. Also the reason why it cost so much from your previous tank is the height. I believe you need thicker arcylic when you go higher. If I were you I'd stick with 24", althought I got 30", I regret it because of the labor envolved in cleaning an setup. It is a pain to have such a high tank. I must admit it does look better, but knowing what I know now, I would compromise. Just my 2 cent