To be drilled or not to be, is the question.

[asl4me76]

I've been trying to decide as to if I should have the tank drilled or to leave it as it is. I know that there are pros and cons to having it drilled or not to have it done. I'm new to the hobby, so of course I want to go the best way possible. I hate to have anything showing, I'm anal that way. Cords drive me absolutely insane, if it is possible that they can be avoided then I am all about that.

So, I thought I would ask you fine folks here on your opinion. Here are some photos and I'll post the spec's to both the tank and the stand at the bottom of the thread.

Here's a shot of it with the doors closed.



With the doors opened.



Shot from the top looking down.



Shot to give an idea of how thick the glass is. Measured it to be 5/16".





Now here are the specs for the tank and the stand.

Tank: 60" x 18" x 20.5" (100 gallons)

Exterior Stand: 5' x 1'9" x 2'5" (this is including the trim on the top and bottom.)
Interior Stand: 4'9" X 1'4" x 2'4"

I don't believe the glass is tempered on the bottom, but again could be wrong. How can I tell?

Also if I have it drilled, should I have an overflow made for the tank or just put it in the stand?

Appreciate any suggestions/feedback.

(excuse the basket and etc., the dogs decided to dump over their toys!)

[Lenny718]

Defiantly drill it, you'll be glad you did.

[Tswifty]

Drill it, just find out fromt he manufacturer what/if any panels are tempered.

Also, have an overflow made... there are a lot of different overflow options depending on how you have the tank drilled.

Good luck

[saltwatermadnes]

drill it for sure, i had an overflow box and it was so noisy.. never again

[Mr James]

My first tank was not drilled and I used an over-the-back overflow. Never do that again. Get it drilled, you'll be glad you did!!

Also, I would consider getting a different stand, IMO. The height underneath those standard stands suck!! Again, my first tank was the only non-custome stand I ever used. Besides, the standard 1" x 3" construction never made me feel very safe. Just my .02...

[Playa-1]

Originally posted by Tswifty8
Drill it, just find out fromt he manufacturer what/if any panels are tempered.

Also, have an overflow made... there are a lot of different overflow options depending on how you have the tank drilled.

Good luck

+1

[192clark]

+2

[mfinn]

Drill it and eliminate a big headache

[tmz]

+3 Drill . you can't beat gravity for reliability in drainage.

I

[asl4me76]

Originally posted by tmz
+3 Drill . you can't beat gravity for reliability in drainage.

I

Yea, I am leaning more towards having it drilled than to leave it as is. I have sent off an email to melev, he's here in my local area about the overflow.

I would like to have the overflow put in the tank, so that way it will keep quiet. The sump/fuge is going to be custom made @ 20gals, should be enough for my little set up.

Gravity is definitely a good reliable way to get water to go down a drain .

I got some more stuff for the set up too. I got my mag 12 pump and 2 koralia 3's from one of the local fish stores in my area today. I couldn't beat the price I got them for. Which was great. I also have a 100lbs of LR already. Things are definitely starting to come together for me.

[Tswifty]

48" Internal Overflow Box

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1310585

[asl4me76]

Originally posted by Tswifty8
48" Internal Overflow Box

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1310585

That's an awesome idea. Thanks for the thread over to him! I appreciate it so much.