Confused

[reed_5point0]

I have a 46G Bow front Oceanic. I was wondering if it could be drilled. All it has on it is a withe sticker on the bottom glass in red text saying tempered. Is that for all the glass or just the bottom plate? Also if it is drillable how do I begin to set up a sump. I have been looking for info and not much helps other than a few people showing off their system.
What are the chances of my sump overflowing? I am a college student and live in an apt and am in school most of the time. A flood would be devastating. What equipment would you guys recommend for setting a sump up for this tank?

 

[cschweitzer]

If it says tempered, I wouldn't drill it until you get a second opinion on the side walls. You can call the company that made it and ask them. If not, you can always use an overflow box on the back(if you have about 4-6" between the tank and wall. Don't know much about setting them up, so you'll have to wait for more input.

 

[MacnReef]

Side walls are RARELY tempered for many reasons. But just call Oceanic and ask - (214) 320-6050.

Mike

 

[rdmpe]

IMO drilling the side or back and plumbing the sump that way is much less risky than using a hang-on overflow box. However, some people have used the hang on boxes for years with no trouble. There are local glass shops that can drill your tank for approx. $20 to $25 per hole if you bring the tank to their shop. There are also some ORCA members with experience drilling tanks but I don't know exactly who.

You can set up a sump with very little chance of overflow. Things just have to be set up right. We can help you with that as you progress with your setup.

Before drilling your tank, put some thought into how you will set up the drain in the tank. Will you make an overflow box insde the tank? Full height? What do you have in mind?

 

[Goby1kenobe]

Check out Melevs site http://www.melevsreef.com/ . He is a member here if you go to the acrylic and diy page you can find alot of usefull info. Thats where I got all the info for building my sump.

 

[orb]

i bought a 1 inch glass hole cutter and drilled a bunch of 10 and 20 gallons. was a lot easier than i thought. once i started the first tank and found it easy, i did all the ones i had laying around. drill the back of the tank for an overflow as rdmpe said. i wouldn't try to drill tempered glass with the stories i've read-do a search. i don't think the sides would be tempered, but you better call the manufacturer.