Sump newbie overflow recommendations

[quikv6]

Hey all,

I am close to pulling the trigger on getting an acrylic tank built. (96x36x27). It will most likely be my first sump foray. Here are my options that work for the space

1) Back wall single center internal overflow box/weir.
2) Dual back wall (not end corners) internal boxs/weirs.
3) Skip the sump altogether, and filter w/FX6s as I am doing now on my 240. I have extra FX6s.

While I hate the bumped out look of internal boxes, it is all the space will allow for. I also feel like if I don't dive into sumps and get this tank drilled, I will regret it. I have plenty of FX6s, so I am considering keeping the tank a virgin, and continuing with canisters. Looking for opinions, especially related to having two back wall boxes verses a single, longer center box. I'd imagine doing a Herbie setup, most likely.

Sorry for the amateur-hour question. It's hard to make the most educated decision while lacking the sump experience to do so. It's alot of money, and I don't want to overlook anything. Thanks folks.

 

[jjohnwm]

...Skip the sump altogether, and filter w/FX6s as I am doing now on my 240.

NNNOOOOOOOO! Ooops...did I type that out loud?

...I also feel like if I don't dive into sumps and get this tank drilled, I will regret it.

I'm not sure you would regret it, since not doing it will force you to remain in the benighted world of non-sump-users. It's hard to know what you don't know.

I am absolutely certain that when you set up the sump and get it running right, you will wake up every day and thank your stars that you did so. My own "big" tank is the size of yours, and I cannot bear to contemplate the increased labour and the decreased efficiency of using canisters rather than sumps to filter it. And I used canisters extensively back in the mid-years of my hobby involvement. I remember being impressed by how much better they were than most other filters I had monkeyed with up to that point. I also remember the revelation of finding out how much more of a quantum leap it was to move into the world of sumps.

I won't comment on the details of overflow placement, etc. as my DIY stuff is far simpler than any of the complicated "named" overflows like Herbie, Bean Animal, etc...so it won't relate to your set-up. But those are just details. Suffice to say that any decent sump system will make you smile every time you think back to canisters.

 

[tlindsey]

Back wall single center internal overflow box/weir.

I have one on a 180 gallon. As long as water level in aquarium doesn't get too low where air gets in the U-tube.
I agree with jjohnwm you won't regret doing a sump.

 

[quikv6]

I appreciate the replies, guys. Especially the forward ones that smack some sense into me.

So provided I do go with a sump (As I was leaning towards), is there any benefit to pick a single mid-wall internal box over a dual back wall set up? Is it just aesthetics? If so, I dont like either bump out, as it takes away from the smooth look from the side panel.

I'm looking to do a very basic setup. Nothing fancy. If I do a center....I was thinking 4 holes (2 drain, 2 return,), and the dual would be 3 holes each (2 drain, 1 return)

Since I don't know what I don't know, admittedly...all input and schooling is appreciated.