bhcaaron

I understand the basic meaning of "overflow"... duh! It catches water that over-flows! BUT!, what is the basic need for them? I have gone to a few sites that will include them if you're asking for a reef tank. Would it not be better to not fill the tank to the very edge? I am wanting sump and refugium. Would this not take care of the overflow issues? I guess I just don't understand the need to incorporate empty spaces for water to flow into when you accidentaly put too much in. I know I must be missing something. Really, I just don't like the look of them... so, as STUPID as I will sound.. what are they for?

Mike

The primary benefits are to remove the proteins which tend to be in the upper regions of the tank and you don't have to get as powerful of an aquarium pump to pull the water out of the tank for your circulation system from the tank to the sump and back. Gravity is doing some of the work for you with an overflow.

Also - you're doing a great job researching all these issues beforehand. You don't know how many headaches and how much money you're saving yourself.

bhcaaron

hehehe THANKS! If only I had more money I'd have it all NOW! I would like to remodel my room first, though, to make everything look nicer for postings of pics and invites of friends. But, I'm SOOO thinking of using the credit card and just getting it all NOW NOW NOW!!! lol I can't though UGH!

bhcaaron

I guess my question is, Do I need them? I don't want to get away from using them if they are a must or if they will somehow help my fishies out more. I just don't like the look of them, I really, really don't. Is there anything that can be done in their stead?

bhcaaron

OK, so I just went to see the 145G tank. Guess what? It has one corner OVERFLOW. That is the first time I've seen one. Now it makes sense

Did anyone ever see Blast From the Past? Great movie, if you did, I feel like when Adam FINALLY understands baseball lol ahahahahaha

And, btw, I know 145G is big, but, it really doesn't seem that big. God I wish I had the money to go even bigger!

Mike

Nope, they're definitely not needed. But they are nice to have and you can hide it with live rock and such.

bhcaaron

Thanks Mike! I actually had the chance to go see the 145G this weekend. I left a deposit for it already. It has one overflow to its back right corner (your right when looking at the tank - not that it matters lol -) Now that I've seen one... I get it! lol ahahahahaha