[jporlier]

I am going to be ordering my DT soon and I have the option of an Overflow. What are the merits of an overflow and if I have the option should I go with it?

[NATIVEVAMAN]

As far as I am concerned getting a reef ready tank means getting an overflow.You can get an hob overflow but I think they are a poor second choice.Most people who use hob overflows got them because they didnt know about reef ready tanks when they bought there tank.Reef ready tanks preclude such problems as syphon brakes and the need for lift pumps.Depending on how someone might do an hob overflow it may be cheaper to go with reef ready.I cant think of one good reason to go with an hob overflow when you have the choice to make now.

[unclejed]

To answer your question as to the merits of the overflow, the tank water level remains constant with no lowering of the water level. Another real beneficial aspect of the overflow is that the top 2" or so of the tank water are continually moving and with the help of power heads (I like koralia) there are no dead spots and no scum (proteins) that collect at the top hindering good water quallity. The constant "draining" of the tank to the sump (with a protein skimmer hopefully) assures an adequate turn over of the water as it is filtered, both from the live rock in the tank and in the sump (if you chose) or from bio balls. Contrary to belief of some, bio balls can not produce nitrates. If detrius is allowed to hang or amass on/in the bio balls, that creates nitrates. The same can happen with live rock so using fiter media (fiber) in the drip tray eliminates most detrius from reaching the bio balls or live rock. So, the overflow is the way to go as far as assuring one of the best ways to purify your tank water.

[jporlier]

Thanks for the advice... the only problem I have is i don't actually how an overflow works and all of the basics of it. care to clear it up for me?

[Jeremy0322]

This will probably be the easiest way to clear it up. Just read this and you should have a good idea about what is going on.

Google Image Result for http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-01/gt/images/overflow-dynamic-labeled.gif

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Good article Jordan.I agree with Leon,bio balls cant create nitrates.However when you clean them and clean the you must you have to move them.When you move them that brown ooook that comes off them and flows thru the tank is a combination of everything nasty ever collected on them.Its not that bio balls are so bad,its that live rock is so much better.

[jporlier]

Awesome Article... Really clears things up for me on the whole overflow/sump issue. The more information I get on this stuff the more I want my DT. You guys are great and I would be pretty lost without you. The Books I have tell me things, but each one seems to leave a little bit out and kinda leaves me feeling like i am fumbling around in the dark.

[unclejed]

Remember, you are never in the dark, just a little less illuminated.

[gimmito]

I would look into a horizontal overflow as opposed to the typical vertical overflows.
You get a higher amount of dissolved organic compounds.
Not to mention higher skimmer production.

[Jay03GT]

If you are getting a custom tank done I'd look at the external overflows if that is an option. Then you don't loose any room inside your DT.