How much freeboard?

Hello all,

I guess this is really a follow on question to my water circulation question.

I'm designing a 500L (132G) system. My tank dimensions will be 105cm x 60cm x 80cm deep (thats 41.3" x 23.6" x 31.5" deep). I'm designing this so the viewable depth is 80cm, but I want some freeboard (dry glass out of the water) to handle water circulation (waves). I'm planing on adding 10cm (4") but would like a second opinion on this. I don't want water flowing over the sides from water cirulation and waves. I've done that in a freshwater before.

So, would 10cm (4") be too much, not enough, other?

Thanks,
Steve

 

I've always wanted to replicate the tide-pool in a captive reef, so I'm intensely interested in the veteran's answer to this one. Let's have it!

spiral

 

Side note: considering that most hobbyists don't even account for the waves caused by intense water-flow in the aquarium, I'd say 4" is plenty , and if you're going for a traditional look, it's a bit excessive.

spiral