Drilling a 29g for overflow, suggestions needed

[superjohnny]

Hello,
I've got my 29g (30" L x 12" W x 18" H) all cleaned out and dry. It's ready to be drilled for a corner overflow. I need suggestions on placement and size for the holes. My thought was to have one in the lower left side for the drain and one in the upper right for the return (so when you're looking through the display the drain is on the right and return on the left).

I have a very large stand so I can have just about any-size sump/fuge. Haven't put much thought into it's size or design yet. I'm looking into a Gen X PCX 30 for the return (3/4" fittings both in & out).

I'm completely inexperienced in this area so any and all suggestions/comments are welcome. If you think I'm a moron to drill my tank in the first place please feel free speak up. I take criticism well so don't hold back.

thanks

[Geoff]

drilling tanks is easy as long as you have a nice diamond drill bit.

what is the flow rating on that pump at the head height you plan on putting it. this will determine the size of the overflow hole.

G~

[Tim224DT]

I am planning on using a mag 7 on my 29gallon once i get around to rebuilding it. I plan to use a 1" bulkhead for the overflow.


Tim

[superjohnny]

link to pump: http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=PI1115

it's a 952gph pump. It'll probably sit 4-5' under the tank. Am I going to need like a 9" hole

[Geoff]

a 1.5" bulkhead will prolly be what you are looking at.

what kind of overflow are you looking to do? do you want a box type overflow or just using an elbow with a strainer on the bulkhead?

G~

[superjohnny]

box type definitely. I'd like it to not be too loud. Do people ever use 2 drains in one box? Would 2x1" be better than 1x1.5"?

[darthteddy]

To drill holes in tanks i allways like to get a circular object that either inside or out will be a good diameter hole for the bulhead. Then i tape that on and put a ring of clay about an inch away from that. I usually use PVC for a guide. The hardest part is getting the hole started. I use the dremel bit with the dimond coated ball on the end for that. Once i get the hole nice and distinguished, i switch over to the bit with about a quarter in of dimond and a little point at the end. The when te hole is but through, i use the stones that are green to smooth everything out. Just be sure to keep it well lubricated with water....thats what the clay is there for. And i know it is wrong but i usually return the bits when im done with them for my money back. Ahh the joys of living in a small town.lol

[superjohnny]

Thank you for the information darthteddy. I appreciate your input, but I do not think returning something used is the honest thing to do.

I would appreciate it if people do not discuss this topic in the thread.

[Geoff]

2 1" holes do not have the same surface are as 1 1.5" hole. it is easier to make one overflow quiet than it is to make 2 overflows quiet.

as for drilling the tank. there is a dealer on ebay from Hong Kong that sells diamond hole saws for wicked cheap. as in most are less than $10 including shipping!! this is the way i have done my tanks.

i am still fiddling with my overflows. i now have it darn near silent, but i am not getting the surface skimming i would like, so i will be playing with it a bit more. using durso standpipes in a full height overflow box is a lot easier to make quiet than an elbow at water level. at least that is what i am finding out.

G~

[superjohnny]

Sweet, thanks Geoff. What's a durso standpipe? What advice can you give a newbie like myself about doing it right the first time?

[Geoff]

do you know if the bottom is tempered? it would be easier to drill in the bottom and have the standpipe going up through the overflow box. do a search for Durso standpipe, there will be many hits. it is basically a tube going up with a tee and an elbow at the top where you want the water level to be.

if the bottom is tempered than it can still be done, but the hole will be on the back instead of the bottom.

G~