Hole in the back or bottom?

[tdhawk]

Is there a difference in overall tank strength if I were to have a overflow hole drilled in the back or bottom of my 77g 48"lx24h Hagen tank?. It has a upper and lower metal frame and the glass is a little over 3/8" thick. It is not tempered and the hole will be 2.5" to accomodate a 1.5 bulkhead. Will a hole this size create a significant risk?. Should the hole be reinforced by laminating a piece of glass in the area of the hole?I really don't want to use a external overflow but I am worried about altering the tank. Thanks to all who respond.

 

[Anonymous]

hi.
Just make sure don't put the hole too close to the seam. It is usually better to drill the upper part of the sides since there will be less hydrostatic pressure on the drilled area, but tank with holes on the bottom still can hold itself together pretty well.