Any tips for setting up a 120 gallon reef in a non-reef ready tank?

Im running a 125 non rr its the same u just need a overflow look at ehopps

 

Siphon overflows can be fairly reliable, especially the CPR ones that have the Aqualifter pumps that purge the U pipe of any air bubbles that develop. Heck even the conventional ones work fine, I ran one for 3+ years without incident. The other nice thing about the CPR siphon overflow is that it is very thin and doesn't take up a big foot print in the back wall.


Otherwise, I'd say drill that sucker and do a Calfo Coast to Coast overflow! I've even considered do a coast to coast with a simple "C channel" cut PVC painted black.

 

Tom aquatics has a great overflow. They never lose siphen and start automatically back up after a power outage or water change. I have one on my 29 biocube

 

I run an Eshopps overflow on my 60. It's been running reliably for about 4 years. Never any issues with losing siphon. The thing I do like about overflows is that they don't take up much tank space as RR. I am setting up a 90 RR and I'm surprised at how much space the RR plumbing takes.

 

I did the HOB skimmer and canister for awhile....I suffered that configuration for about a year. But, I converted to a sump and in-sump skimmer. There are just too many advantages of a sump.

If he doesn't want an overflow, he can always drill the back of his tank with a drain and return. Risky cutting glass, but it's done all the time.

 

Drill it!!

 

I agree with others on the overflows. I run an esphopps 800 with a Mag 7 return. Haven't had a single issue. And when the power goes out the box stays full of water and there's not much of a way that it could lose siphon that way. I've tested mine by using my turkey baster and blowing bubbles at the bottom of the siphon tube and it never lost it.

 

I ran a canister filter when I got my fist tank, if not properly maintained can be a nitrate trap...

 

No, when the power goes out a siphon overflow is not broken. It does not rely on water movement to keep it working. Think of a glass full of water with a piece of paper underneath it, you pick it up, the paper stays, no leaks.


FWIW, canister filters are an abomitable source of filtration on a reef tank, or any marine tank. I've ran one personally and they're a disaster. They fill with amphipods, copepods and other small creatures that get lodged in the filter media and die, effectively becoming a nitrate factory.

 

Tagging along on this one because I'm also setting up a 120. I was going to drill it but when I did the polarized light trick I started seeing rainbow like colors so I'm afraid the whole thing is tempered glass.

 

I have 2 large overflow boxes that are rated at 180 gal each i would part with and could bring to springfest

 

http://www.lifereef.com/siphon.html