How many is too many?

Bloke · 05/04/2008, 01:14 PM

I bought a 180g AGA RR tank. I set out to make certain that I did everything I could to get this new setup from have any visible equipment. As a result, I decided that I wanted to run a closed loop for circulation and refrain from adding ANY powerheads to the display.

I looked online at hundreds of closed loops and even contact AGA before beginning. My question was simple: How many holes can I drill through 1/2" glass before it loses it's structural integrity?

I decided on my pumps. A Reeflo Dart (3600gph) through an OM4 supplemented by a Reeflo Snapper (2500gph). So I then decided on my hole layout. - I wanted four holes 2-3/8" for 1-1/2" bulkheads and six 1-3/4" holes for 1" bulkheads. i would also drill each side panel once for 1" bulkheads.

Here's the job complete:

If you'll notice, anywhere there were two holes on the same vertical plane, I wanted support. The four holes outside the overflow boxes would be supported by the overflow box itself, the outer pane of glass, and naturally the tank frame. The holes in the middle align with the center bracing and in are equally in close proximity to the overflow boxes for additional support.

As far as a limit to number of holes allowable, I cannot find anywhere where AGA puts a limit on the number of holes, but with 1/2" glass and having the holes spaced out as far as I do and within close proximity to support functions of the tank, I believe it to be alright.

Does anyone have any information beyond what I've found that might make me concerned about the structural integrity of this tank now with 12 holes in it?

05/04/2008, 01:14 PM	#1
Bloke Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 424	How many is too many? I bought a 180g AGA RR tank. I set out to make certain that I did everything I could to get this new setup from have any visible equipment. As a result, I decided that I wanted to run a closed loop for circulation and refrain from adding ANY powerheads to the display. I looked online at hundreds of closed loops and even contact AGA before beginning. My question was simple: How many holes can I drill through 1/2" glass before it loses it's structural integrity? I decided on my pumps. A Reeflo Dart (3600gph) through an OM4 supplemented by a Reeflo Snapper (2500gph). So I then decided on my hole layout. - I wanted four holes 2-3/8" for 1-1/2" bulkheads and six 1-3/4" holes for 1" bulkheads. i would also drill each side panel once for 1" bulkheads. Here's the job complete: If you'll notice, anywhere there were two holes on the same vertical plane, I wanted support. The four holes outside the overflow boxes would be supported by the overflow box itself, the outer pane of glass, and naturally the tank frame. The holes in the middle align with the center bracing and in are equally in close proximity to the overflow boxes for additional support. As far as a limit to number of holes allowable, I cannot find anywhere where AGA puts a limit on the number of holes, but with 1/2" glass and having the holes spaced out as far as I do and within close proximity to support functions of the tank, I believe it to be alright. Does anyone have any information beyond what I've found that might make me concerned about the structural integrity of this tank now with 12 holes in it?