drilled or not?

theReefer · 08-28-2003, 12:29 AM

im going to buy a 200g sometime in the future and i was wondering if i should buy a bottom drilled tank or not? and if i get a bottom drilled tank where should it be drilled?

thefatman · 08-28-2003, 12:40 AM

if you get a tank that large. imo, it should be drilled. whether its bottom, back, or side, depends on your preferance...

as for placement. again, thats a matter of preferance, and what you plan to do with the tank.

for something that large, i would be inclined to say one large overflow in the center, or two overflows (one in each back corner)

one in the center, leaves more room for aqauscaping though, and i think they look nicer, again though, its preferance.

theReefer · 08-28-2003, 12:44 AM

i am thinking of making it a reef tank w/ fish. i think that the center drilled would look nice.

squid · 08-28-2003, 12:56 AM

Here is a pic of the shop tank demensions are 48 x 48 x 32 300 or so gallons.

Over flow is 30 inches long leaving 9 inches on both sides.

JennM · 08-28-2003, 07:58 AM

Like Jay said - either in the corners or centre back - if you go with a centre back weir, you can get dual drains and dual returns, and you can use Y connectors to get the flow going in 4 directions from those 2 returns.

We've done a bunch of different configurations and they all present different challenges/advantages. We've even done a couple with 360 view and weir in the dead centre of the tank - with an extra hole for electrical conduit, so lighting wires can go down through the weir - for a complete stand-alone system.

Lots of possbilities!

Jenn

MiddletonMark · 08-28-2003, 09:47 AM

I'd agree with the `go drilled' sentiment. You want the sump to hide the excess equipment, get more water flow, and because once you get one you'll wonder why you ever had one without.

The center back overflow is nice, but I'd give yourself room between the tank and the wall [6-8"] to look back there or even access if the need arises. I thought my fiance's idea of leaving 8 or 9" in between the tank and wall was crazy ... until I had to work on the drain pipe and was thankful for every inch.

Doesn't look as weird as I thought when setting it up, either.

bryan · 08-28-2003, 09:52 AM

I agree, definately drilled. Having to mess with overflow boxes are a huge hassle. I prefer the simple drilled overflow using a bulkhead with a 90 degree PVC pipe screwed in with a strainer on the end. This method takes up much less space than a tank mounted overflow box, imo, leaving more room for other stuff.

B

MiddletonMark · 08-28-2003, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bryan
I prefer the simple drilled overflow using a bulkhead with a 90 degree PVC pipe screwed in with a strainer on the end. This method takes up much less space than a tank mounted overflow box, imo, leaving more room for other stuff.

Wouldn't noise be a factor then?

I'm debating the internal overflow box right now, and it just seems like noise would be a big issue then ... or am I wrong?

bryan · 08-28-2003, 10:13 AM

No more than an overflow. Most pet shops use this method and when you stand next to the tank it isn't any louder than an overflow box, which by the way can be very noisy sometimes.

aquadude · 08-28-2003, 10:28 AM

You could always install a Durso or a Stockman Pipe to reduce the noise. I installed Durso pipes and they work great. What may be a bigger problem is the noise from the pump; you will need a big one. If you have a basement you can put your sump in the basement. That is what I have done and it works great. No noise from pump and much easier to work with than crawling under tank. I used a rubbermaid livestock watering trough; perfect sump so far.

MiddletonMark · 08-28-2003, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bryan
No more than an overflow. Most pet shops use this method and when you stand next to the tank it isn't any louder than an overflow box, which by the way can be very noisy sometimes.

Well, my internal overflow with a Durso standpipe is pretty quiet ... the skimmer [aqua-c] and my pump are louder than that.

Based on your suggestion I'm thinking I will try to hook it up to test it out this way at least to see. Would save an acrylic DIY job [overflow box] and let me get the tank up and running sooner ... which is good. Never mind getting more space inside [it's my prop. tank] which would be good. As there will be eggcrate for new cuttings in there, the aesthetics of the pipe in there shouldn't matter.

And thankfully I've learned to test all the plumbing/etc with freshwater ... easily siphoned out to the garden if there's a leak or such. Can fill/refill/ad infinitum for such water-tight and function tests without wasting salt or having extra hassle.

Joel · 08-28-2003, 11:27 AM

definately drilled. I got my first drilled tank in April and I love it. I would put the overflow box in the middle of the back if it was mine. You could make a narrow long box along the back that wouldn't take up much room front to back.

Reefdude5 · 08-28-2003, 08:16 PM

Neat Ideas! If the tank was 6 feet, how long would you want the overflow if it was in the middle of the back?

Joel · 08-28-2003, 08:28 PM

I guess it would kinda depend on how many drains, returns and if you were gonna run the closed loop plumbing through there also. It needs to be big enough front to back so that you can tighten your bulkheads and fittings (gotta have room for your hand) but you can make it as wide as you want. you can plumb your closed loop in toward the bottom of the overflow box so its easy to hide. whatever you decide please keep us updated with pics.

Reefdude5 · 08-28-2003, 08:53 PM

WOuld you leave room behind the tank to work, even if it was drilled and depth was a bit tight!