Need help on a budgeting standpoint.

BigBlueTang

BigBlueTang

Active member
Hey guys.
I have had a ton of fun this year just skimming through posts from reefers, and have one last question. (That was not true, I'm sure I'll have a million more) I am drilling my tank this weekend, and I'm not 100% sure on what to do about the overflow box/ drilling it. I have watched literally every video on YouTube on drilling tanks, , and I'm not too sure about it. My LFS said they would do it for 40$ and I'm not sure if I will take them up on that offer. I will be having a BA overflow, and what would you guys reccomended? 40$? Or probably 20$ in equipment+added stress of me drilling.

Also, I have been looking at overflow boxes for quite some time. Personally, (no offense to you c2c overflow guys out there, your tanks look awesome) I don't like the look of a coast to coast overflow, and I was just wondering if there was another option compared to me buying a ridiculously overpriced acrylic overflow box from BRS? I just turned 15, so funds really aren't my best friend right now :)

I would love suggestions! My tank is a stock 75, 48x18x18 and I have a 20l sump.
 
I don't think you will get a much better price on an overflow box honestly, with drilling the key is patience, but your LFS will have experience, that in itself may be worth the cost in itself.

Drilling isn't hard, but it will cost you a lot more than $40 if you mess up.
 
First, congratulations on getting your tank going!
There are times DIY is the path to go. The 'fun' factor or the satisfaction of seeing your own handiwork saving you money is great.
This is not one of those times.
Unless you are 100% confident in your skill, pay the $40. You will have a stressful job done by someone with experience and save yourself from possibly having to buy a new tank.
 
The drill bits for cutting holes in glass will cost you the same or more than the LFS quoted. Let the people who've done it before do it for you, especially at such a good price.

A glass shop will likely cut the pieces to make an internal overflow box for you, which doesn't have to be coast-to-coast, it can be whatever length you want so long as it's big enough to allow for pvc fittings inside it. You could make it 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, etc.

Good luck, post some pics when you're all set up.
 
I would agree with everyone above I have drilled many tanks bout would pay someone 40.00 to drill it if i had that option. there its 50.00 per hole last time i checked.

As far as the overflow boxes Check out my Diy boxes.. I would say total cost of 50.00 But you need some basic tools. Maybe get a family member to cut the pieces for your or the place you buy the plastic and use plastic solvent adhesive.
 
One thing I have learned over the decades is to weigh how much my time is worth (how long for me to do job, tools to buy,stress involved) Vs. some one else doing the job.

I would suggest letting the LFS do it and see if you can watch them. This way you will see how it is done and get a bit of experience at doing this job again. Good luck on your whatever choice you make.
 
You might also check out your local Reef Central forum and see if there is a reefer nearby who will help you drill your tank. I've drilled several tanks for fellow reefers in the area, but there is always some risk in drilling.
 
gone fishin said:
One thing I have learned over the decades is to weigh how much my time is worth (how long for me to do job, tools to buy,stress involved) Vs. some one else doing the job.

I would suggest letting the LFS do it and see if you can watch them. This way you will see how it is done and get a bit of experience at doing this job again. Good luck on your whatever choice you make.
Click to expand...

This is way too true. I am a Carpenter by trade but went to school for construction management by Career choice. I mostly renovate old homes but we do everything. So i have the tools to do almost everything. But still larger Electrical plumbing and mechanical stuff on our Jobs I will still Subcontract it out. My time is better spent doing the things i can be more productive at.
With that said On my own home that is 88 years old. I do not really value my free time spent on it into projects i do. Such as we re-wired the whole house redone most of the hvac duct work and so on. it took my much longer then having a pro do it. But its still right .
So my thing is. if its something of your own and its free time your doing it. Im not sure putting your time into the equation really matters .Of course i totally agree with you on buying tools to use for a 1 time thing. My Garage is full of them...
As someone else said above about getting another reefer to help drill the tank The OP Above may be able to get the same help with building the over flow boxes as well.. If he were in my area i would certainly try to help
 
The drill bits are not expensive at all, but a new tank is. I'd pay the lfs (and I'm super cheap). Might want to have a chat with them about what'll happen if they mess up and shatter it, and be there to watch so you know they get it in the right spot. I'm thinking for $40 they might not guarantee the work, even the best make mistakes.

For your box, Im lucky to have an acrylics shop nearby that makes trophies and such. I made friends and learned how to glue pieces together there and they let me take whatever I wanted out of he scrap bin. Worked out pretty good.
 
Oh my goodness thank you guys so much for all of your help!!!!

Based on your responses, I am guessing just buying the 60$ overflow box from BRS is worth it?

I am probably going to get the LFS to drill it.

If its not any trouble, could some of you guys post what your overflow boxes look inside the tank, and on the back of the tank?? Something like what ericarenee did?

Thank you guys so much!
 
BigBlueTang said:
Oh my goodness thank you guys so much for all of your help!!!!

Based on your responses, I am guessing just buying the 60$ overflow box from BRS is worth it?

I am probably going to get the LFS to drill it.

If its not any trouble, could some of you guys post what your overflow boxes look inside the tank, and on the back of the tank?? Something like what ericarenee did?

Thank you guys so much!
Click to expand...

Mine are above in post 7 above .. my internal one is 1x6x30 inches. the external is Much larger and dump into two inch pvc to carry the water to basement sump.
 
The knowledge to put the hole of the right size where it is needed...
The knowledge not to drill into tempered glass, and drill where it will not stress the tank? ---Good things.
And them assuming the financial responsibility if they goof? Priceless.
 
Need help on a budgeting standpoint.

Yeah I think thats the way I will go :) thank you guys!
If any of you have drilled your tank, could you guys post pics of your tank?
Thanks!
 
Here are a few,

Here are a few,

About to take this tank down and turn it into my QT in a few weeks, so it is...not pretty lol
 

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