Overflow: Built-in or Hang on

[scooter8416]

I'm upgradeing my tank to a 90, should i get one with a built in overflow, or use my hang on still.
What plumbing does the built-in require?
Thanks Shawn.

 

[scooter8416]

bumb bumb^

 

[fishies]

If this helps, when I upgraded I choose against the built in only because I felt it would block tank viewing from one corner. So instead I had an overflow built into the back of the tank. It's just the box in the upper corner with a hose running down the back, nothing bulky. I'm not sure how the plumbing is different for a built in, I based my decision purely on appearance.

 

[stacyt]

IMO you would be better of with the built in. I like them simply because they are easier to work with. No priming to get them started, and you don't have to worry about them loosing syphon. If you order the tank with the built in then it should come with the neccessary plumbing.

 

[mlm]

Do not make they same mistake as many others here. Get a built in overflow. Less trouble and more reliable. You will never come home to a flood in your house. Trust this advice from someone who lived the nightmare. Its not fun to wake up in the morning to find out the power went out during the night and you now have water all over your living room floor.

 

[rhomer]

I've had a hang on for a year now, no problems. Technically speaking they both work fine. The question is more on asthetics, which do you like the look of more.

 

[marinemarty]

I prefer a built in...... my 2 cents
Martin

 

[overanalyzer]

If you do a built in you can do it in the center of the tank as well as in one corner. That way you don't lose a corner to viewing. Plus it will give you a place to mount some powerheads in the back.

 

[nacl-h2o]

IMHO. Built in is always better if you have the option. Overflows are what you use when you didn't have the forthought to have the tank drilled before you started.

 

[scooter8416]

going to go with the built in overflow, corner one.
this will be a new tank going in the wall, rest of it will hang out in extra bed room.
i'll post some pics when i start this.
a few more questions: tank size, can go with a 90 or 75.
witch one?
what are the benfits of each opposed to the other?
how much more would the 90 cost to run than a 75?
thanks for all the help
shawn

 

[rhomer]

It all depends on what you want to do. If you want a lot of coral, that is light dependent you will need to think of your lights.
If you go with a 90 and want lots of coral you would be better off putting in 2 400 watt mh bulbs. If you go with a 75 you could get away with 250's or 175's. The only difference in the size of the tank is 4 inches of heighth. 400 watt metal halide bulbs and ballasts are 50% to 100% more expensive than 175 watt and 250 watt ballasts and bulbs.
The other cost concern is live rock. At a minimum you will want 1lb of rock to 1 gallon of water, so you could figure an additional 15 lbs of rock at 5 dollars per pound 75 dollars more.
Most heaters and skimmers you could use the same for the 75 & 90.
Overall your talking 300-500 dollars different. (this is just a swag)

 

[mlm]

I would go with the 90 and the 400 watt MH. If you look around you can find the ballast for almost the same price and the bulbs are the same price. You will also appriciate the extra room and it looks more natural with the extra 4 inches in height.