Drilling a Rimless??

[MarksReef]

I have the Glass-Holes overflow kit and it comes with the wood cut out to use with the hole-saw.
Should I line the fixture up to the top of the aquarium? 93G Rimless.
Would that leave enough room on the top surface of the water to not splash or do you shim it down a little to lower the water level?

 

[James77]

You would want it down some from the top of the tank, maybe 3/4" to 1". Also, level it to the earth(level the overflow independently), not the top of the tank. Any imperfections in the levelness of the tank or stand would carry over to the overflow.

 

[reefwiser]

Did you watch this video.
http://reefercentral.com/install.html

 

[MarksReef]

Thanks for the tips and link to the video. I will watch it when I get to my computer.
First time drilling and it will be 4 holes (2 returns too) on a brand new tank.
I hear all I have to do is take my time lol.
I'll also have to figure out the placement of the returns.

 

[James77]

Yes, take your time...but don't worry to death about it. I have drilled a couple dozen holes and never had a problem. I even deliberately drilled a junk 10g tank with no water/coolant and completely carelessly just to see what would happen. It worked fine, the hole was not pretty....but you almost have to try to have something go wrong.

Watch a few videos on it so you know what to expect. The sound it makes is horrendous

 

[MarksReef]

Lol thanks. I will watch a few you tubes and then let r rip.
I'll post my build thread when it's done.

 

[reefwiser]

I have everything to drill my tank but it is way too cold now to do it. I will wait till I can do it outside. I am in no hurry,.

 

[sirreal63]

I did the GH overflow, it is super easy. One tip, drill from the inside of the tank, this keeps the sealing surface from any splinters or chip outs that may occur as the bit emerges from the other side. Having a few splinters on the outside is no big deal but having them on the inside may prevent a good seal on the bulkhead. Go slow, cutting a hole in glass is really grinding a hole in glass, so take your time, if you try to use too much pressure you increase the chances of a mistake and try to keep the bit level so it exits the glass evenly. When you are nearing the end of the cut, lighter pressure is needed to keep from pushing the bit through and causing splinters or chip outs.

 

[MarksReef]

Sirreal63, Did you do the rimless? I'm looking for other suggestions from rimless drillers as to the depth of the water from the top or top of G-H's box to the top of the aquarium.
I don't want to stick my arm in and have it overflow or want it too low for viewing pleasure.
Or any tips as to placement of the returns.
It's better to ask now then after I drill ...

 

[sirreal63]

Mine is EuroBraced except where the overflow is located, the hole is about 3.5-4" below the top of the rim. I am using the 700gph unit and the top of the lid to the top of the glass is about 3/8". It works for me and remember the amount of flow will also determine the water height, the more flow the higher the water will rise. I would have preferred the water level a little lower and would require it if the tank were rimless.

Maybe a pic will help, I would go lower if I were you, rimless tanks tend to be messy if the water level is too high, it sloshes out and makes a mess.

 

[MarksReef]

Thanks, that does help.
I went with the 1500 because of the 2 holes instead of one and thought If I want more threw it it wouldn't have to go higher and take it from a wider area.
I hope my theory is correct.
You didn't do the returns?

 

[sirreal63]

My return is over the top, it gives flexibility. The Silence is a great option.