The ideal tank - Aquarium Advice

Fireworks · 05-16-2008, 11:09 AM

I may be in the market for a new tank soon as we might be moving this summer. I would like to switch from my current 150gal 48x30x24 to a 72x24x24. My question is what would be the ideal tank as far as material (glass or acrylic) overflow style and bracing (euro or standard) This will be a reef tank with my current sump and all equipment. If you could pick the ultimate tank, what would it be? Thanks.

pitt420dude · 05-16-2008, 12:11 PM

I'd stick wtih glass, after having both, I prefer glass b/c it can't scratch and is easier to clean. Can't help with overflow style or bracing though.

Innovator · 05-16-2008, 12:43 PM

Glass does indeed scratch, just not as easily. I prefer acrylic for large aquaria due to its light weight, clarity (starfire glass is an option), and easier to customize. Buffering scratches isn't exactly rocket science either

I would look into the external overflow, often termed "coast to coast" along with a closed loop design which would leave your tank void of any visual obstructions including powerheads.

**melosu58** · 05-16-2008, 02:31 PM

I`m a glass person but that`s just my preference.

**Ziggy953** · 05-16-2008, 04:55 PM

I agree with Innovator, glass can scratch and they are usually permanent. Acrylic is the way to go with large tanks. The "coast-to-coast" overflow is awesome and really frees up space in the tank plus you get maximum suface skimming. If I were putting in a large tank over 210g I would go with acrylic.

**roka64** · 05-16-2008, 05:17 PM

Here is an easy to read article on the coast to coast:
BeanAnimal's Bar and Grill - Silent and Fail-Safe Overflow System

Innovator · 05-16-2008, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roka64

Here is an easy to read article on the coast to coast:
BeanAnimal's Bar and Grill - Silent and Fail-Safe Overflow System

Just a note that BeanAnimal's is an internal coast to coast...

CatatonicBug · 05-16-2008, 06:01 PM

That is a really cool setup! Neat engineering. I'd love to see one actually running.

**roka64** · 05-16-2008, 06:08 PM

Oh, I didn't know anything about them so thanks for letting me know the difference! Pretty cool stuff. Do you have a link on an external one?

cmor1701d · 05-17-2008, 12:32 PM

Try Reef Central Online Community - overflow box

Or
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...e/CalfoTop.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...BackofTank.jpg

Another showing how thin the layer of water going over the weir is.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...uartertest.jpg

New idea for my next tank

05-16-2008, 11:09 AM	#1
Fireworks Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Toronto Ont. Canada Posts: 90 Images: 4	The ideal tank I may be in the market for a new tank soon as we might be moving this summer. I would like to switch from my current 150gal 48x30x24 to a 72x24x24. My question is what would be the ideal tank as far as material (glass or acrylic) overflow style and bracing (euro or standard) This will be a reef tank with my current sump and all equipment. If you could pick the ultimate tank, what would it be? Thanks.

05-16-2008, 12:11 PM	#2
pitt420dude Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pittsburgh! Home of the 5 Time Superbowl Champs! Posts: 949 Images: 11	I'd stick wtih glass, after having both, I prefer glass b/c it can't scratch and is easier to clean. Can't help with overflow style or bracing though. __________________ Thank you so much for all your help. I'm now going green. LOOK! A NEW LEAF!!!!!

05-16-2008, 06:01 PM	#8
CatatonicBug Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Saint Louis, MO Posts: 506 Images: 6	That is a really cool setup! Neat engineering. I'd love to see one actually running. __________________ Remember - in Aquaria, nothing good happens fast. Starting a new tank? Click here for instructions. 47g tall FW, 10g planted, 2.5g planted office tank

05-17-2008, 12:32 PM	#10
cmor1701d Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Belle Mead, NJ Posts: 3,920 Images: 43	Try Reef Central Online Community - overflow box Or http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...e/CalfoTop.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...BackofTank.jpg Another showing how thin the layer of water going over the weir is. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...uartertest.jpg New idea for my next tank __________________ Click here to Vote for Aquarium Advice on AquaRank . Vote EVERY day! Click Here for a list of commonly used acronyms and abbreviations. ____ Cmor

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05-16-2008, 12:43 PM	#3
Innovator Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,578	Glass does indeed scratch, just not as easily. I prefer acrylic for large aquaria due to its light weight, clarity (starfire glass is an option), and easier to customize. Buffering scratches isn't exactly rocket science either I would look into the external overflow, often termed "coast to coast" along with a closed loop design which would leave your tank void of any visual obstructions including powerheads.