Drilling Tank

[itobin]

Hi,

ok, im going to drill my tank.

I was going to drill at the back, I was thinking of a 2 x 35mm holes which will allow for 22mm pipes into and out of the sump. Is 22mm ok?

Where would I drill, just below the hood line?

Im going to use plastic glass to create dividers and silocone them into place in the sump.

thanks

Ian

 

[-Nemo-]

Do you know how thick your glass is?
That makes the difference for how the holes should be placed. If they are too close together or too close to an edge, it can shatter the glass.
As per the size of the hole, it depends on what you want to do. More/Bigger holes = more flow. What size tank is this and are you planning on having corals and/or SPS corals?

 

[itobin]

Hi,

its a Juwel rio 300 the new version.

im planning to have both (eventually)

cheers

Ian

 

[-Nemo-]

I think that the two hole sizes will be fine and then just supplement with 2-3 powerheads as well.

I couldn't find anything quickly about glass thickness so I would suggest just measuring it yourself.

 

[itobin]

ive not got it yet, its coming next week.

ive got 1 12000 lph powerhead, just need to get 2 more.

seems a few people have drilled these tanks both back and bottom so i assumw its thick enough?

cheers

Ian

 

[-Nemo-]

Thickness only determines how far the holes should be placed beside each other and from the edge of a panel of glass.
As long as no side of the tank is tempered glass (which you definitely want to find out about), you can drill it on any side of the tank.

 

[itobin]

i was planning to drill 2 holes, 1 at near each end

 

[-Nemo-]

Hmmm not sure anymore if we're on the same page here...
I was assuming these holes were for the water to go down into a sump, is that right?
If so,
The only potential problem with putting holes at opposite ends is, most people cover the holes with an overflow for aesthetics as well as keeping fish and other things out. Having them at opposite ends may take up more room than necessary. Unless you were thinking something completely different.

 

[itobin]

sorry, 1 hole was to go down and the other is the return.

I was going to make 2 small plastic glass weirs to cover the holes to stop the live stock going down them.

is this not a good idea?

 

[-Nemo-]

I see now. I would actually recommend having two holes going down into the sump and two return for the size tank you have and what you want. Keep in mind you don't necessarily have to drill holes for the returns, you can always plumb them over the tank. But if you do decide to drill them, they do not and probably best to not have weirs over them, only over the the ones going into the sump.

 

[itobin]

ah ok, i see about the weirs.

why would you suggest 2 drains?

 

[-Nemo-]

It will allow you more flow output, i.e. a bigger pump. SPS like lots of flow.

 

[itobin]

right i see.

that sounds the best route. what is the normal gap distance between the holes?

cheers

 

[-Nemo-]

It really depends on glass thickness... On my tank (75 gallon), the glass is about 0.7cm, and my two holes are probably about 5-6cm apart.

 

[itobin]

ok, im guessing mine wont be far off, mine is 76 gallons roughly so i would imagine its the same.

ill have to wait until next week to measure but you have given me some food for thought.

Is it ok to contact you again when i have more questions