InsideJoke
New member
Its time to start moving along with my 25g cube build and I'm planning out the sump and plumbing section. I'm pretty nervous about drilling the tank and I'm looking for opinions on drilling it or doing a minimal in tank set up.
To drill or not to drill...
- Thread starter InsideJoke
- Start date
mikencarol
Damn My Avatar Buggs Me
HOB skimmer
HOB skimmer
Alan...I don't know how you feel about the looks of them..but on my seahorse tanks...44 gal and 29 gal...I use CPR Bac Pac skimmers and they keep the tanks really clean...I overfeed I know but these things keep me out of trouble...I don't think many people use them...I bought them off the RC Used Equip Forum...but I'm really sold on them for small systems...I'm even using one on a 10 gal sump for baby seahorses and it keeps the water crystal clear......just a thought...????
HOB skimmer
Alan...I don't know how you feel about the looks of them..but on my seahorse tanks...44 gal and 29 gal...I use CPR Bac Pac skimmers and they keep the tanks really clean...I overfeed I know but these things keep me out of trouble...I don't think many people use them...I bought them off the RC Used Equip Forum...but I'm really sold on them for small systems...I'm even using one on a 10 gal sump for baby seahorses and it keeps the water crystal clear......just a thought...????
I ran a HOB overflow for quite a while and will never go back to one after having a drilled tank. They're not bad options, but if you have the chance to drill I definitely would. I bought my stuff from glass holes and, after watching their how to video, had no trouble drilling my 40br. It's really easy if you have a drill and a garden hose. A HOB overflow isn't a bad thing, but it's more like plan B instead of plan A in my mind.
Kevin_Bullis
sps freak!
If you do drill get your supplies through glass-holes, they are pretty cheap with there hole saw bits, and love there stuff. Also I woudl suggest testing your drilling skills on a cheapo 10 gallon if you are nervous at breaking the tank it's what I am doing.
InsideJoke
New member
I think I remember hearing that story at the meeting about closed loops.
Its either the tank gets drilled or I put everything in the tank. Its a rimless tank and I dont want to have an HOB overflow.
So its either drilled for a tiny sump to hide the little bit of equipment or do a nice simple set up.
Its either the tank gets drilled or I put everything in the tank. Its a rimless tank and I dont want to have an HOB overflow.
So its either drilled for a tiny sump to hide the little bit of equipment or do a nice simple set up.
csarkar001
New member
once you drill, you'll never go back ...
InsideJoke
New member
I would like to drill. But Im pretty nervous about it. The only thing that the sump is pretty much going to be used for is a heater, ATO and to filtration/reactors.
cjilge
New member
just do it! its much easier than you think. I drilled my sump a few months ago. just go slow and use lots of water. a friend gave me a good sugestion when I drilled mine. Take some play dough and make a dam around the hole saw and fill it with water it will help keep it from walking and help hold water in place. It worked pretty well. good luck!
InsideJoke
New member
I'm going to be drilling. Looks like I'll be picking up both the overflow and return kit. Someone on another forum has them together for 50 bucks shipped.
Mylilreef
New member
if you have the opportunity to do it now before setting everything up, i would do it NOW and not second guess myself. i just had my 150 drilled and am pumped about not having all that clutter in the display. just wish i would have started out that way with the current running tank. live and learn i guess. always should-a, could-a, would-a.
InsideJoke
New member
I just got my overflow and return kit in the other day and was wondering if anyone would be willing to give me a hand drilling it.
Random thought, on smaller tanks would it be possible to cut a slit for the overflow(horizontal at the water line) and attach an 'overflow' at the back side of the tank?
I think this could look really nice and keep smaller tanks very clutter free, since the overflow is essentially built into the back glass face. Although I'm guessing a horizontal cut like that would weaken the structure somewhat..
I think this could look really nice and keep smaller tanks very clutter free, since the overflow is essentially built into the back glass face. Although I'm guessing a horizontal cut like that would weaken the structure somewhat..
Mylilreef
New member
that would be a REALLY clean look.i would guess it could work in theory. i would definitly want much thicker material, maybe double the thickness for that back panel to add a little rigidity. although it really wouldn't be much differance than a rimless tank. hmmm.......
better finish the current project first. the other half would probably smother me with a pillow in my sleep. :smile:
better finish the current project first. the other half would probably smother me with a pillow in my sleep. :smile:
InsideJoke
New member
Well, I started drilling today, First hole went fine, and the second one cracked on me.
Any body know any glass shops that do good work that can put in a new pane and drill it for me?
Any body know any glass shops that do good work that can put in a new pane and drill it for me?
Last edited:
InsideJoke
New member
I'm actually not even worried about drilling it. I found a piece of equipment that I'm going to be picking up that will serve the purpose for this without the scare of drilling and might look even cleaner than drilling it.
