Which tank design do you like better?

[mattdean]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Matt has the right idea there, essentially an internal overflow on the side if you're looking for a full width overflow.

Exactly. just make the whole tank longer and put the overflow inside, top to bottom. I painted the sides black and it looks slick and works flawlessly. Also gives you more water volume. All holes drilled in the bottom and nothing going over the sides or sticking out. It's as clean as it gets. AND, no worries about weak spots. It's as strong as it gets.

[imcosmokramer]

Originally Posted by mattdean

Exactly. just make the whole tank longer and put the overflow inside, top to bottom. I painted the sides black and it looks slick and works flawlessly. Also gives you more water volume. All holes drilled in the bottom and nothing going over the sides or sticking out. It's as clean as it gets. AND, no worries about weak spots. It's as strong as it gets.

interesting. How do you clean the tall overflow box?

[mattdean]

Originally Posted by imcosmokramer

interesting. How do you clean the tall overflow box?

You're supposed to clean the overflow box? Really? WTF?!?!?! LOL!
I just siphon it out every blue moon. I can get my hand in there easily. Actually, I have rock in the overflow box.

I honestly can't imagine having an external box and pips coming up. It just seems crude and unattractive to me.

[imcosmokramer]

Originally Posted by mattdean

You're supposed to clean the overflow box? Really? WTF?!?!?! LOL!
I just siphon it out every blue moon. I can get my hand in there easily. Actually, I have rock in the overflow box.

I honestly can't imagine having an external box and pips coming up. It just seems crude and unattractive to me.

yes, if you have detritus in your overflow (which you do), it's a good idea to siphon it every once in a while.

As for "crude and unattractive"..first that's your opinion which (second) is based on the assumption that it will be visible

This type of overflow is much easier to maintain and troubleshoot if anything goes wrong.


Steve, Yes, I'm sure the box will be an add-on if this id the final design. I just didn't feel like messing with the rendering to reflect that. Yeah, I'm lazy.

[mattdean]

Ok. You do realize I was joking about cleaning the overflow, don't you?

And yes, I'm obviously assuming that It will be seen, hence my opinion-which is all I am offering, I never said it was a universal truth-and I did say it was crude and unattractive to ME. Again, just my opinion.

[imcosmokramer]

Originally Posted by mattdean

Ok. You do realize I was joking about cleaning the overflow, don't you?

And yes, I'm obviously assuming that It will be seen, hence my opinion-which is all I am offering, I never said it was a universal truth-and I did say it was crude and unattractive to ME. Again, just my opinion.

Cool, opinions is all I want. Thank you.

(I do know many people who don't clean their overflows, especially on standard tanks where it's not as accessible; so no, I did not know you were joking)