Let's get started!

[NoSchwag]

I would recommend one in the center like joefish's, but I don't have a 58 so you might not want to take my word for it.

I know I wish I had one big one in the middle of my 120 instead of in the corners. It might make aquascaping more difficult, but IMO it would make it perfect for detritus removal.

80 lbs is a ton in a 58, I have about 80 in my 120.

[Wiskey]

Oh, I thought the bulkheads on the far left and far right were the drain bulkheads, but yes I am suggesting a full overflow box and the holes to drain from it located near the bottom of the back pane of glass. I also reccomend having at least 2 large drain holes, each easily capable of keeping up with your return pump, that way if a snail gets in one, the other can take the flow.

Whiskey

[Texas Bob]

Anyone know where to purchase a pre-made overflow box like Joe's? Wow, this is coming together! Haven't ordered the rock, but if 80 is too much then how about 60 lbs most all of them being softball size so I can fit them with some fiberglass rods?

-Bob

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally Posted by Texas Bob

Anyone know where to purchase a pre-made overflow box like Joe's? Wow, this is coming together! Haven't ordered the rock, but if 80 is too much then how about 60 lbs most all of them being softball size so I can fit them with some fiberglass rods?

-Bob

I think AGA makes them.

60 lbs should be good but make sure you get some large pieces. If your taking hirocks. The baseball/softball size is REAL small.

[Texas Bob]

Right big pieces for the base. I found out about a local plastics shop near by and will either attain the black acrylic or have them make me 2 full length 6x6 corner overflows. Lot of stuff happening this next week. Wish it would hurry up and come! - Bob

[Weatherman]

Originally Posted by Texas Bob

The pcx-55 shows a 1200 gph flow rate and if this would be a return pump then if I'v read right I'll need an equally rated pump for the skimmer to keep from draining the sump. Anyone concur on this statement?

Penductors, or eductors, will produce enough backpressure to reduce the flow through a PCX-55 to about 700-800 gph. Their benefit, of course, is to take that 700-800 gph and turn it into 3500-4000 gph flow in the tank.
(I have to admit I have a hard time imagining 4000 gph flow in a 58 gallon tank. It's going to be like a washing machine in there.)

For a skimmer and pump setup, I'd go with something like an Iwaki 40-RLT with a Precision Marine Bullet 2.

[Texas Bob]

So it seems it's agree'd that (2) drains into the sump from the display are better than one. So I mocked up some poster board for potential overflows. Which would be more functional and asthetic? (2) 6x6 corners or (1) 6x14x6 center with the (2) bulheads 5" apart side of hole to side of hole?
- Bob

[Wiskey]

Originally Posted by Texas Bob

So it seems it's agree'd that (2) drains into the sump from the display are better than one. So I mocked up some poster board for potential overflows. Which would be more functional and asthetic? (2) 6x6 corners or (1) 6x14x6 center with the (2) bulheads 5" apart side of hole to side of hole?
- Bob

This is a question I too am grapling with as I think about my tank upgrade.

The single overflow in the middle alows you to have a 2 small islands aquascape, maybe connected by a lower ridge, or a sortof "cove" aquascape slanting around the box.

While the duel overflows alows you to have a single large island aquascape in the centre, with a few low rocks scattered out to the ends.

Which aquascape do you like more?
Whiskey

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally Posted by Texas Bob

So it seems it's agree'd that (2) drains into the sump from the display are better than one. So I mocked up some poster board for potential overflows. Which would be more functional and asthetic? (2) 6x6 corners or (1) 6x14x6 center with the (2) bulheads 5" apart side of hole to side of hole?
- Bob

I would throw it in the middle. Based on your return placement Just a thought with all these mods your doing to the tank, how much more would a 58 RR be?

[Texas Bob]

I met with the plastics dealer and they are building me the overflow out of a single piece of 1/4" black acrylic. To save $50/hr I'll be cutting the slots at the top of the box. Should be ready next week. - Bob

[Texas Bob]

I didn't think about this until after I placed the order for the overflow, but in regards to sealing the acrylic to the glass tank I found this thread and although this is placed on the outside of the tank I assume (we know what that does) it sould work on the interior.

- Bob

[Texas Bob]

Ok so I picked up the overflow yesterday from the plastics shop. It measures 14"x4.25"x20" (LWH). Before anyone says anything I know I still need to cut my slots. By doing this myself I saved $50 in labor!

My diamond tipped drill bits are being shipped. I bought a 70mm for the 1.5" BH, 45mm for the 1" BH, and 42mm for the 3/4" BH.

I'll pick up some cutting lube, a blade for the circular saw to cut my slots, some epoxy to seal the oveflow to the tank, silcone for the BHs, and black paint for the back today. This time next week it should look totally different!

- Bob

[Texas Bob]

Was looking at getting the MRC MR-1 today. It's rated for up to 175 gal which is plenty for my 58g. Yet doing some measurements in the sump it looks like this skimmer would take up over 1/3 of the sump. Any other suggestions on skimmers that will work inside my stand?

- Bob

[gman0526]

Anything in a Beckett style will have a big footprint... Any chance that you might hook it out of the stand? I can see where you might not want it outside from a cosmetical point of view.

There's always Euro/Deltecs to go in-sump with needlewheel impellers.

[Texas Bob]

So it's my spring break and I was able to get moving on this. So I used Geoff's method of 3/4" insulator as a template. I am ghetto and didn't have any C-clamps so I used postal box tape to secure the sides. (not shown).

Here is my mother-in-law and myself drilling. My condo has no faucet out back, the front had it's lever removed by maintainence for winter I guess, and my hose taped (that's right taped ) didn't put out enough pressure to make it past the nozzle I couldn't remove. So I had her use my two 5 gal buckets I use for getting RO water from the LFS. Once againg...ghetto!

End result was nice clean holes. Just let the weight of the drill do most of the work. I really wasn't pushing down on it, more like watching it so it was straight down. The template really made it so the bit didn't wonder. Can't say enough for those cheap diamond coated bits. Worked like a charm. Oh, and that's snow behind me.