90 Gallon aquarium setup issues, stuck

Hello guys,

My friend purchased a used 90 gallon setup with stand, lights, sump, protein skimmer and the tank its self. I provided the pictures below. As you could see there is one hole on each side of the tank(reflections might make it seem like there is more than one, but there's only one on each end). The smaller hole is 1 inch and 1/2 and the larger hole is 1 inch and 3/4.

We took the aquarium to a nearby LFS because we wanted to get a built in overflow system, but were told that its only possible to built a built-in when the tank is being put together. So, he was explaining to us our best bet is to run two overflow systems on both sides.

We are a bit confused on how this would end up working. Also, We were hoping for a built-in because we wanted a equipment free tank, so if there still is a possible please let me know. We are anxious to get this tank going, but are kind of stuck now. I have had multiple aquariums, but have never dealt with a sump working an overflow. All information will be appreciated.

Thank you

 

You can order glass, and make your own. I'm currently in the process for my 90 gallon tank (see my build thread in signature).

Here's a picture of what one side of mine looks like as of now (will be painting it before it's attached):

I'm building 2 corner overflows (meaning you've gotta buy 4 peices of glass/acrylic). If you go with acrylic you can get black, however it won't bond well to the glass tank.

 

Alright, so say if I decided to plug those two holes. And I try to do a built in overflow in the middle of the aquarium(no overflow box), would that be possible?

 

I'm assuming you could (if you can plug them correctly. No experience with that personally). I'd possibly go with a glass-holes kits that comes with an overflow box where you drill the back of your tank.

I think I am confused what exactly you mean by built in overflow, as compared to an overflow box. Do you mean like where you have all your filtration occuring inside the back part of the tank so you're not overflowing to a sump? (Like one of the all in one systems?)

 

Sorry for the confusion, I wanted a setup like this below. I'm trying to avoid overflow box. I do want a sump as well. For a setup the way I want I'm assuming I need to plug up the two holes. I went to my LFS and they told me for something like this it needs to be built within the tank. Also the glass on the tank is thicker than normal, I will try to get a measurement of it.

 

I'm confused, you say you don't want an overflow box, and then put a pic of a tank up with an overflow box????

do you mean you want 1 and not 2, or do you want a hang on back non drilled overflow?

You can plug the holes 2 ways, easiest but most dangerous, some silicon and 2 pieces of glass, 1 for each hole. or you can get some bulkheads and screa those together, but that will prob show in your tank.

Personally I'd do exactly as zechecnia is doing, IMO, best option and will look the best. You can paint the inside of the glass black to hide your pipes if you want

 

I know you want to avoid a overflow box but you can put a smaller internal one that would be high in the tank. Then you could use the holes on the bottom as your supply lines back to the tank or cap them and drill new ones. I did it will my 150gl and was please with the results its better than trying to make your own walls that can fail or leak and cause more problems in my opinion and a long skinny box isn't much different that one near the top instead. here is a link of the one I got and they also sell the drill bit for glass as well Complete Overflow Kits - Glass-Holes.com dope aquarium stuff

here is a few pics I didn't get a good one of the inside of the tank before I stocked it but think you can get an idea and I showed what the plumbing looks like from the back. I got the largest model thought about going with two smaller ones but please with the results no complaints. Just another option and make sure you have glass that can be drilled.

 

thats a good idea!

 

Because of the possibility of failure, I'd definitely go with some sort of overflow that is high within the overflow box (like a durso overflow).

The possibility of failure was a big reason I actually decided to go with an overflow box instead of just bare pipes. Several people in my local reefclub have had issues with bulkheads eventually giving out and starting to leak. I'd rather have a chance my overflow boxes will allow to fix it then guaranteeing that I'd have to empty the tank to fix it. Just food for thought!

If you do end up plugging them and going with a center overflow, be sure you've still got two pipes leaving your tank.