150 gallon reeftank project

[nu2r33f]

Ok so I bought this tank at an auction it was formerly a freshwater tank It was just a 150g tank no stand ...I have since built a 55g sump/fuge and stand the sump sits under the dt I am new to this and in no hurry to rush the project but I am stuck at the plumbing and unsure how to proceed I would very much like to drill the bottom of the dt and run my plumbing out of sight I have a 60mm diamond hole saw and I know the dangers of tempered glass (haven't tested it yet) my questions are.. how? where? Why? The sump/fuge is split into three sections from left to right intake return fuge. Fuge is 15g (10% of dt volume) any helpful reading or ideas would be great I am completely new to this hobby so please keep that in mind uploadfromtaptalk1390173377291.jpguploadfromtaptalk1390173409871.jpg

[Pife]

You don't have an overflow in the dt so I would look at buying an overflow and going from there. I have a gl*******s overflow and I like it.

[Pife]

wow edited g l a s s holes

[yagesz]

You can do a durso setup on the back of the main display. Just build an overflow on the top inside of the display.

I have a glass-holes kit and love how easy it is.

[nu2r33f]

There is nothing in the dt it is just a tank at this point. Pending the tempered glass test I am determined to drill the bottom and hide the internal plumbing if anyone has any pics of a similar setup that would be great . .as far as the over flow goes thats just a barrier right? It limits the amount of water that would be lost if pump stops what other functions does it serve?

[yagesz]

It limits the water and In saltwater keeping alot of gunk builds up on top of the water. The overflow catches this and takes it out of the tank.

[Pife]

If you drill the bottom and run it up to the top of the tank how hidden is it really going to be. If you put a full siphon halfway up the tank what is going to stop it from draining half of your tank on the floor when the power goes out or your return pump stops working. google reef ready tank and look at there overflows.

[nu2r33f]

I seen alot of pics with overflows in the corner of the tank no specific drilled holes I thought drilling at the corners would weaken the structural integrity of the tank I suppose I could drill in the center and run my plumbing internally from the bulkhead at 90° into the corner anyone know any formulas for determining flow rate including bends in the plumbing

[Palting]

Originally Posted by nu2r33f

Ok so I bought this tank at an auction it was formerly a freshwater tank It was just a 150g tank no stand ...I have since built a 55g sump/fuge and stand the sump sits under the dt I am new to this and in no hurry to rush the project but I am stuck at the plumbing and unsure how to proceed I would very much like to drill the bottom of the dt and run my plumbing out of sight I have a 60mm diamond hole saw and I know the dangers of tempered glass (haven't tested it yet) my questions are.. how? where? Why? The sump/fuge is split into three sections from left to right intake return fuge. Fuge is 15g (10% of dt volume) any helpful reading or ideas would be great I am completely new to this hobby so please keep that in mind Attachment 261653Attachment 261654

DO NOT drill the bottom. Almost all tanks that size will have the bottom glass panel tempered. You will shatter it if you drill it. Commercially made tanks have the bottom drilled first before the glass is tempered.

OTOH, almost all tanks will have the back and side panels not tempered. If you want to be sure, call the manufacturer. You can drill the back panel for the overflow and the returns. So long as you make the edge of the holes an inch or more away from the edge of the panels, you will not compromise the tank structural integrity. You can use the glass holes overflow, and you can watch their video on their website on how to drill properly. Or, you can drill and make a DIY coast to coast overflow, and then a Herbie or Durso type overflow.

Your sump appears to be a 3 section design with the two ends to receive the drainage. On the left would be where you put the skimmer and one drain, on the right would be the refugium receiving another drain, and both left and right drain to the central return section. You can drill two separate drain holes in the back panel, one close to each end, preferred, or you can drill one hole and split the drain to left and right, less preferred.