unsure of a few things before starting

[Lunchbox514]

So after doing several years of casual research I finally pulled the trigger and got a 40 gal breeder tank at petco with their tank sale. I also picked up a 20 long to turn into the sump. I will be attempting at making a custom stand as well. First off main question, I get home after buying the tank to find out the Aqueon 40 gal tank may be made of tempered glass and thus wouldn't be able to drill a hole for the overflow which is what i preferred to do. Is it worth the hassle of trying to find a non-tempered glass tank to drill versus a hang on overflow box? Secondly is a 20 long too small for a sump? Was reading that a 29 gal would be a better bet. My main concern is that with the sump under the tank and the 29 being almost 19 inches tall that there wouldn't be much room in the stand to make adjustments in the sump. I am a shorter person only 5'6" so I don't want to make the stand too tall to accommodate a 29 gal to where its difficult to get into the display tank. These are just a few questions I have. I will follow up with the rest after getting answers first.

 

[billdogg]

The 20 will be fine as a sump for your 40. IMHO, probably better than the 29 for the very reason you brought up.

Yes, the 40 might be tempered. You can easily check using a laptop or ipad with a white screen and a pair of polarized sunglasses. You can see examples of how to do it on youtube.

 

[mcgyvr]

Yep.. Do the polarized sunglesses test..

IF its tempered make the 40b the sump and then get another non-tempered 40b..

HOB overflows can be used just make sure that you plan it so that the return pump section in the sump is small enough that the pump runs dry before the display tank overflows..
While a drilled tank is superior in many ways HOB overflows "can" be used..
IMO I wouldn't ever do one again but they can be used and ok for some..