Tank design

[cfsindorf]

Ok, I have decided to take the plunge and have a tank built. Size will be 30x24x24 glass with a water level of about 20 inches. The back will be drilled to support returns and drains and that is where I am just a bit stuck. For return I figured one will do and cover it with a screw in basket that I have seen on some drains. My isssue is with the drains, what would be the best solution to keep them inside the tank? I was thinking about standard over flow and filling it with sponge. Or I have read where somme use gutter guard, size depending on Octo. I do not know species but will go for one of the larger ones.

Pictures speak many words if you can please.

Thanks


Craig

 

[DWhatley]

In my 45 hex I use a sponge that fills the overflow snuggly and that has worked for both mercatoris and briareus. You do need to clean it weekly and I keep several sponge blocks as available swaps rather than leaving it open while I clean the sponges.

 

[snowmaker]

I have found sponges work great in overflows and are not really restrictive to flow at all.
+1 on the frequent cleaning as they will trap detritus which could be detrimental to water quality.
Fairly large and very affordable I have used are the "Imagine" brand foam filter inserts for AquaClear models 300 and 70 power filters in 3 paks.
I'm sure there are more out there as well.