Can a biocube be drilled safely?

[ExFOWLR]

I am close to purchasing a BC29 from a local RC'er to downsize my 75g. I have been searching the forums and haven't really found any biocubes that are drilled for overflow drains. I only found one that said not to do it because his eventually cracked the glass and had a big mess. The biocube is the perfect size I'm looking for and a lot of mods are available but if an external sump can't be done that limits the skimmer options severely. I wouldn't go the external overflow route either as I believe those are just an accident waiting to happen, I don't care what the mfgr's claim.
Also because I am not sure of the construction are the biocubes made of glass, arcrylic, both? What is the back panel made of?
Thanks in advance, John

 

[psychobilly]

Havent done mine but look on you tube I saw a video of a guy drilling his

 

[BowieReefer84]

I wouldn't recomend drilling it. I had one for a couple years. It is glass, and not very thick at that.

Even if it doesn't crack your really don't want a sump in the stock stand. They are mdf board, and the moisture will hurt them imo. I kept my ato resovoir and two part supplements outside the stand on each side.

It's only 29gal. Put a tunze nano skimmer (with the intank skimmer cup) in the back center chamber, and keep up with water changes. Should be fine.

 

[ExFOWLR]

What about maybe laminating another peice of glass on the back with silicone before drilling, effectively increasing the thickness of the glass. I don't know if that would be a good idea or not but thought I might put ot out there. I see very mixed reviews for all of the biocube skimmers including the Tunze.
What is the mdf board covered with, is it somewhat waterproof or likely to soak up moisture?Any other thoughts are welcome.