Building Internal Overflow - Shape Question?

I am using acrylic to build an internal overflow that will be 4.5" by 30" and go from top to bottom. I was thinking to make it interesting and take back some room in the tank that I would put a wave in the overflow in the center so that the middle 15" would go back towards the tank 3.5". I wil have a 1.5 bulkhead on each end of the overflow with one acting as an emergency\backup.

Question I have is has anyone done this before and where there any issues with it and also comments on the idea itself.

Please do not make comments on whether this type of top to bottom overflow is good or bad or that a california is better, etc. I have done alot of reading and research and have decided that this is how I want my overflow to be setup.

Tanks in advance!

Joe

 

I think its a really cool idea, I think I have a perfect idea heres a picture I came up with.. tell me if Im on target here..

Oh, and California is definitely not better..

 

+K EXACTLY! Thanks for doing a visual.

 

I would love an overflow the lenght of the tank. Sounds like a great idea.

 

You must mean coast to coast of calfo (as in Anthony calfo) style overflow.

It's an interesting design, but I really have to ask why a top to bottom one instead of a coast to coast style? From a function standpoint it's hard to come up with any reason not to do a coast to coast, but if there is a design / location reason you have, then I would love to see why.

 

And if you want the room why not an external overflow unless the tank is glass then your stuck with acrylic on the inside. You could make an external out of glass, more room inside and easier to hook up using one of these

 

Good idea

 

Yep, when I made my 200g tank, I made the overflow external, and centrally located. It saves a TON of room, and is easy to work on if i need to, but I have the luxury of having my tank built in wall.

Kinda like a partial coast to coast, or like a great lakes overflow LOL