Need Advice on Tank

[CoralReefer]

Hey guys I just picked up a 57 rimless and need some advice. I am going to be cutting the overflow out of the tank b.c it takes up WAY too much real estate.

I am going to be copying what this guy did except I am going to go with a glass holes kit.
http://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member-tanks/108572-fatmikes-sexy-57-rimless.html

I have a couple questions.

1) placement of GlassHoles overflow. (Centered, Or on one side with return on the other)

2) Which GPH kit should I go with? ( Im thinking the 700, but I kinda like the look of a bigger one dead center on back glass.

3) I am looking for someone with some experience drilling tanks that will trade there services for some coral.

Thanks Everybody.

-Nikko

 

[thirty6]

Put the holes kit where its not as noticeable.... Might help to have an idea how you'll scape the tank out and then maybe plan it off of that. I had a ghk on a 120long. Put in the middle of tank wall. If paint the rear wall black you may not even notice the box

 

[CoralReefer]

Yea that's what I was thinking i am def. goin to be painting the back glass back so I thought centered would look better than one side

 

[CoralReefer]

Ok I'm going to go with the 700 gph kit and I'm placing it dead center. I think I'm going to order 2 3/4 inch returns ( one on each side) to keep it symmetrical.

I'm in the process of removing the overflow from the tank right now this is a real PITA.

This is the before shot

 

[CoralReefer]

Anyone have any advice? Should I heat up the silicone with a heat gun?

 

[CoralReefer]

You guys are no help. I guess I will start a thread. I am almost done taking out the overflow.

 

[thirty6]

How did it work out?

Me and a heat gun/blow torch are bad news. I left that area alone

 

[CoralReefer]

Just got it off now is gonna be the fun part getting the silicone off without scratching the tank.

Thanks thirty6 atleast somebody is showing some love.

 

[thirty6]

What are you going to close holes on bottom with? Id go bulkheads with cap insert. Depending on your stand that should work. As for scratches I'd go real slow. I have stciker glue on front panel of my new tank and im afraid to do it!

 

[CoralReefer]

Yes I am going to use bulkheads and cap them like fat mike did on reef2reef.
I didn't even think about the stand so thanks. Now I have to get out the drill bits make some pilot holes and then the jigsaw but I have a lot to do before I get to that point. I have to drill holes and paint the back of the tank.

I am going to order the glassholes kit now. I'm really torn between two returns or one. I like the idea of having symmetry but I am only going to be running one mp40 so one return on the opposite end should work to push the water towards the middle and into the overflow.
What do you think?
Return pump is going to be a 1262 that I am going to have to throttle back. I might trade it for a 1260 but that is not a priority at the moment.

 

[thirty6]

I think one on that size tank will work well with the mp40

You can run reactors of that pump and still have plenty of power, I painted mine with rustoleum paint and a roller, 3 coats good to go

 

[CoralReefer]

This is the sump thirty6 and my cat Ruca

I'm gonna start a thread in a little I'm just being lazy. I think I'm gonna take your advice about teeing off return. I have always used flexible tubing and never PVC. Plumbing is def. not my fort?.