New 20L build! I have some ????

[dustint21]

I just bought a drilled 20L and I would like to drill more holes for a closed loop. I dont want a big overflow box taking up alot of room in the little tank. What other options do I have? The owner before me just had a 90 degree elbow for an overflow, what are the downsides to that setup? Here are some pics to help explain.
This is the overflow.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSCI0120.jpg
This is the return.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSCI0119.jpg
full view front and back.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSCI0121.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSCI0122.jpg
This is My 90g RR and I have always hated the overflow box! It just takes up so much room. It makes it hard to aquascape and it is ugly!
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSCI0118.jpg
Thank you for the help!
Dustin

[dustint21]

anyone?

[prof]

I am not sure what more you could do. Drilling more holes will add more clutter to the inside of the tank. You probably can't drill the bottom of the tank. The problem with not using an internal is that you will have to screen the intake with something. The smaller the screen the more often it will clog. If you leave it open you can setup an external overflow/standpipe but you run the risk of crabs and snails crawling into the overflow and, bingo, it clogs.

There are lots of creative ways to solve some of these problems but you will have to decide how much equipment will be visible in the tank.

That being said, one of my most successful tanks was a 20l (not drilled) running a CPR BakPak and a powerhead for flow.

Good luck,
Dave