To Drill or not to Drill, That is the question!

[Maverick]

So I just bought my new 90 Gal.  Going salt water reef. (Deuce Bigalow Style) Can someone inform me on the advantages and disadvantages of each and the costs involved.  And if I were to drill, can it be done in Ottawa?  Thanx

[porcupinepuffer]

There's actually all kinds of people who do it. Many average reef enthusiasts are doing it for others for a good price... I'm going to assume your bottom glass panel is tempered, which will mean no drilling can be done there. But you'll want to drill in some overflows for a sump/refugium. Getting it drilled for a closed loop would be ideal too, especially if it will be an in wall tank, you can hide a lot of the plumbing easily that way.

[Maverick]

Ok, my tank is on a stand, it won't be in the wall.  The sump is the resevoir underneath the tank if i'm not mistaken.  ( Still new to this)  I guess i could drill it from the back. 

[bitterman]

I do Fresh water, but I say drill. Overflows can also be used, but more prone to a flood.

This is my 65 Corner tank and it is drilled.

http://ovas.ca/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=586

Bruce

[groupie02]

I've put 9 holes in my 65g 

2 for overflows (like the one in bitterman's awesome plumbing picture), one for the return from the sump. I've also drilled 2 holes for intakes into my closed loop and 4 for returns via an OceanMotions 4-way squirt. The result looks like



and the plumbing part kinda looks like

.

It's actually pretty easy to drill your tank yourself but I know a few folks who'll do it for a small price.

[Maverick]

Very impressive.  So ur holes suck water to the sump and reject back out through 2 other holes right?  I assume the rest of the holes produce sme sort of current.  Please correct me if i'm wrong.  By the way, i'd like my tank drilled by someone who knows what to do. 

[groupie02]

Close... but no cigar!

The top two holes are my overflows, just like in bitterman's picture. Two - in order to prevent a flood if one gets plugged with something. They go to my sump where I have my skimmer, heater and my return pump which sends the water back through the middle hole on the back.

The two bottom holes are intakes for my closed loop and the four remaining holes are used for return on the closed loop. The OM Squirt takes 1 intake (from my closed loop pump) and feeds 1.5 of 4 holes at a time (blocking the other 2.5). This gives you changing flow in your tank.

Here's what I had to plan things out:


If I had to redo it, I would put the sump return a little higher in case of a power went and my ball valve failed to block the pipe. As it stands, I may end up with a little bit of water on the floor... until I fix my emergency overflow on my sump.

[Maverick]

ok, I have a basic idea of whats going on, the closed loop confuses me a bit.  It just cycles the water right?  The closed loop does not run through the sump right, it just cycles through a pump and back in for movement.  IDK THATS ALOT OF HOLES!! LOL
Will I require more holes since my tank is bigger??? Or did you go for the ultimate set-up.  Ur tank looks a little beefed-up to me.  NICE though!!

[Alchemist]

Doesn't that many holes weaken the glass?

I've seen a closed loop done with some plumbing instead of drilled holes...basically a rectangular frame of pipe fed from the pump that fits inside the top of the tank just inside the lip with 4 exhausts into the tank to direct flow.

[xenon]

Doesn't that many holes weaken the glass?

I've seen a closed loop done with some plumbing instead of drilled holes...basically a rectangular frame of pipe fed from the pump that fits inside the top of the tank just inside the lip with 4 exhausts into the tank to direct flow.

It's definately a personal choice. There are overflow boxes that never break siphon so there are no more risks of flooding. If you do a closed loop I would definately drill two holes for suction and return over the top.

Here is a picture of my closed loop setup.

[SuperT]

I'm currently using an overflow (lifereef) and it doesn't take anything away from the tank and it works well, but looking at xenons' nice neat plumbing its definitely worth the extra few dollars to drill.

Terry

[Maverick]

ok, i've made the decision not to drill.  i feel i can get everything going sooner with the overflow and for less money.  Anyways, look out for my posts in the personals section, i'll be needing much appreciated help finding the sump and oveflow and setting it up.  thanx for everyones help.  I received a few referals for when I do decide to drill.  I'll keep u in mind.  Thanx

[shaka zulu]

I am also getting my 90 Gal set up and am thinking of drilling. My question is what diameter to go with? I can get either 1" or 1 1/2" fittings. I have a 600gph pump that I will place in a  sump below and want to maximize flow obviously. Any recommendations as to plumbing diameter? Anyone with actual experience?

[groupie02]

In order to use 1.5" bulkheads, you need 2.5" holes. That's what most folks I know use (but not everyone) - and what I drilled into Maverick's 90gal.

Pool returns work great as bulkheads and are about $10 in pool stores as opposed to $30 at fish stores... but they are white and some folks don't like that. I really couldn't care less as they will eventually be covered in coraline.

[Maverick]

Would like to thank Pierre for doing a great job.  Holes are straight and look great.  I recommend Pierre to drill holes for you, he's very carefull

[porcupinepuffer]

What exactly did you have it drilled for? and how many holes?

[sniggir]

you get your tank drilled for overflows..and also you can drill for your return aswell...or a closed loop..

[Maverick]

i drilled 2 holes for flow to my sump in the back