Overflow/Return in a 180gal aquarium

I am going to preface this by saying "excuse the ignorance." It has been about 18 years since I did anything with salt tanks, or tanks in general for that matter.

I am being given an older 180gal acrylic tank that is currently set up to have an external overflow. I do not want an external overflow and would prefer to install two acrylic panels on an angle in each back corner and drill the tank for an overflow. Ideally I would also like to have the returns from the sump go back through this space to avoid excessive piping/tubing all over the back of the tank.

I have scanned thread after thread for some such setup and cant seem to come across anything in detail describing how to do this. I understand that the return should not be too far below water level to avoid backflow in the event of a power outtage, but that is about it.

I know most of you will want a ton of info about what size sump, pumps, lighting, heating, fuge, skimmer.... etc. I have but I do not have it yet so I cannot provide this information.

Any info, links, diagrams, etc would be helpful.

Thanks in advance for the info and also for tolerating my ignorance.

 

One of these Durso Standpipes will take out approximately 600 gph so you can size your return pump off of it. The larger you make the standpipe before the bulkhead the more water it will force out. 1" bulkhead to 1 1/2" standpipe...etc.

 

To 3Reef!!! ​

Salutations! Glad to see you found way here!

Congrats on tank and finding your way back to the hobby.

The world of SW Reef keeping has changed much in last 18 years.

Good luck on project, you will be much happier with then using your current overflow box.

Keep us up to date on progress.

Rgds

The Tao of Marine Aquaria
Tips for Our Hobby and Life

© 1997 Adam H. Whitlock
Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/25/00
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Thanks Otty! I will definately incorporate this into the tank. Any recommendations for the return?

Thanks again.... my first post and already I can see my tank is better off and I haven't even set it up yet!!

 

First of all, Welcome To 3Reef!! You have found the best site in the world for getting a wealth of information from a bunch of people who, unlike LFS folks, will answer your questions with no bias, BS, or ulterior motives!

When I saw 180 gals, I immediately thought of Otty. He's been a strong proponent of the 180 gal tank since I found my way here to 3Reef. One nice thing about acrylic is it's a bit easier to drill than is glass. I can see in my mind the two angled pieces you plan to glue at a 45 degree angle to the back and sides, run vertically in each rear corner. That's a great plan! As Otty says, put the Durso standpipe in the space behind the pieces, and run the return pipes vertically and adjacent to, the standpipes; so that they're each shooting return into the tank and away from the rear corners. You'll be fine!

Again, welcome!

 

I like using Loc-Line because it it adjustable and it nice to be able to move stuff around for flow.
Modular Pipe - Lockline: Premium Aquatics