Concern about 190 gallon tank

[marietrg]

I ordered a custom built 48x30x30 glass aquarium recently. According to my calculations, the tank is roughly 190 gallons. Here is what I received:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=131489&d=1289154037

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=131490&d=1289154044

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=131497&d=1289161571

When I went to pick it up I was caught off guard by the size of the overflow. I noticed that the overflow seemed too big and out of proportion for the tank. I calculated that the surface area of the tank was 1440 square inches. I also calculated that the surface area of the overflow was 12x11 or 132 square inches accounting roughly 9% of the total surface area of the tank.

I wrote the vendor, here is what they said:

We're concerned with total gallonage and turns.

An overflow and 2 holes handles 1500 g/h.That is only 8 turns/hour.
We don't design reef tanks with less than 10 turns/ hour.
That is why you have 3 holes inside the overflow. 3 holes make for a larger overflow box.

I'm a little anxious because I'm struggling to come up with a good aquascape design. I'm satisfied with the size of the tank but I don't like the overflow. Would appreciate any feedback.

Should I be concerned or am I overreacting? I'm wondering if I should try to ask for an exchange or if I should concentrate on coming up with a workable aquascape. Is this decent craftsmanship on the part of the vendor?

[d-man]

looks a little overwhelming. Here's your problem, you already are a little put off by it and this will only continue especially if you cant figure out a good aquascape. Its going to be a tough decision regardless. I think for the amount of money you spent, it should be done to your liking. Plus the turnover doesnt need to be huge, as long as you have great flow in the tank to keep detritious suspended.

gl,
derek

[zoohoot]

Definitely seems big. Did you review a design/drawing with dimensions before finalizing the order?

[marietrg]

Thanks for the replies. No I didn't review any kind of drawing. I just gave them the dimensions. I assumed they would construct an appropriate center overflow.

Here is something I didn't mention. The aquarium is going to be visible from all 4 sides. I did request a center overflow.

I'm trying to figure out objectively whether it was a design error on my part, a craftsmanship error on their part or if I'm worried over nothing. Maybe once I get some sand and some rocks things will look much better.

[T Diddy]

what is the diameter of the holes? The footprint of the overflow could have been a little smaller, but it sounds like you got exactly what you asked for. I'm assuming the overflow is glass covered in black acrylic? You could always do a foam/ rock rubble design directly on the overflow, and stack additional rock on the left and right sides of it. I think it is gonna be a sweet tank. you should start a thread

[Toddrtrex]

This is the part that bothers me;
"An overflow and 2 holes handles 1500 g/h.That is only 8 turns/hour.
We don't design reef tanks with less than 10 turns/ hour."

IMO, that is way too fast/much -- 3-5 times is more then enough. I prefer slower flow through the sump, allows for more contact time. Plus, with higher flow through the sump there is a great chance of getting micro-bubbles.

[sirreal63]

I agree 100% with Todd, that is way too much flow. Unfortunately their designs and your assumption that the overflow would be smaller ends up being a no win situation. There was no breach of contract here, I am sorry to say. :-(

Get creative with the aquascape and it will be fine. The overflow in my Oceanic 58 takes up a large percentage of the tank, fortunately is not right in the middle of the tank.

[strike2867]

It's actually an interesting design. It looks like it is dead center of the tank. This should create good movement across the surface. From what I read and heard from a trusted LFS 10x turnover is preferable. If you were planning to put it on a wall, it creates a large part that you can't even see. Otherwise if you could do some kind of rock structure all the way around, it might look nice. If you're putting in Tangs, it would allow them to take wide turns at speed around it.

[scubasteve06]

I agree with Todd and sirreal no breach of contract BUT the tank builder should not be concerned with turnover and what you end up doing with the tank. That is what you pay them for. If you wanted to put raw sludge in the tank and have it bubbling at a slow boil with no water movement at all that is your business, not theirs. On the other hand by you not telling them how big the overflow should have been just a flow rate there was nothing for them to go on, other than what they think is right, which in this case isn't right IMO because the customer is always right. That's what we pay people to do things for us for.

I would bring this to their attention, but be as nice as possible about it and see what they can do. If they are a reputable company they won't want a dissatisfied customer posting on the boards about a bad experience with them, especially a place that gets as much traffic as RC. If they refuse I would then mention this last part of my post to them, again as nicely as possible.

Good luck:)