Internal or External Overflow

[renman303]

Just wondering since I'm upgrading my 55 gal to a 215...my 55 has the typical external overflow on a "show" aquarium. I was considering the internal overflow but I hear a lot of people don't like how much tank space it takes up?

Other than the aesthetics of not seeing plumbing, is there really any advantage to the internal overflow system? It seems like the cost tacking on $300+ dollars is not worth the loss in tank space? I can get a Brick style show tank from DSA for $1100 or it's $1400 for internal overflow.

Granted, even an external overflow must have an internal component in the tank but, you are not having to use a 8"x12" box because of drilling through the bottom and allowing 2"-3" from the edge.

I was going to have my overflow off of the entire left side of the tank as you face it. Putting a Tunze on the far right to push the wave into the overflow.

Here is a link to the external that I was thinking of using: LifeReef External Overflow

Anyway....just looking for some thoughts on this.

Getting my 72x24 stand this weekend. Next....who to build the tank....Thinking DSA as they are literally 1/2 the price of AGE.

[+ACampbell]

I love my external overflow. In my case it actually gives me space to have the Tunzes in there as well as more room for corals.

[TheSponge]

With internal you don't have to worry about it losing siphon and flooding your tank. But the internal could get clogged and if you only have one drain pipe than your in the same boat. I think internals look a little cleaner because they hide all the plumming. I actually really like the Calfo overflow idea because it gives you the space inside the tank but also give you that clean look of an internal overflow.

[+ACampbell]

Calflow is the way to go!

[renman303]

Andrew,

Sorry I mistakenly referred to you as James....

I spoke with John this morning at Kingfish and we are going to do a full 215 with the entire left side as an external overflow so that you can actually hear the tidal surges. I love the sound of that! So, that is referred to as a "Calfo"?

Dave

[+ACampbell]

No problem dave. Happens all the time.

Here the diagram on my tank with the calflow

You can see some good FTS in my blog or the gallery. Will give you an idea of how it looks in person.

[renman303]

Andrew, that looks great!

I'm going to have the left side of the aquarium cut down about 1.5" and meshed in to keep the fish in. The Tunze will push the wave over the left side. Not sure how well that will work, but it sounds cool !!!!

DAve

[Entropy]

The main advantage of the internal is that it will flow more water than an external of the same size and it will never lose syphon. The main advantage of the Calfo overflow is that it takes up much less space but still will flow like a standard internal. Andrew's tank was actually the first one I have seen with the overflow on the outside. Up until then all of the Calfo's I had seen were on the inside. I would still consider your overflow an internal Andrew since it does not use a syphon to keep it going, which is the best of both overflow types IMO. Notching the back of the glass for the overflow would scare the heck out of me though.

[renman303]

My tank will have the same effect that Andrew's has. They tell me at Kingfish that they will cut the overflow with a waterjet. So, it's very precise and smooth.

Dave

[renman303]

I've posted some new info and pics about the start of my build on Photobucket. See my blog, Renman303's Blog.

Dave