To drill??? Or get overflows?? That is the question....

[Eboman]

Wifey is getting upset with the two 55-gallon tanks in the house and I finally convinced her that getting one big 210 would free up the space in the master bedroom.

Here's my problem.....I'm debating whether to get built in overflows or to just drill overflows in the back of the tank. I've never drilled a tank before, but for the extra cost of the built in overflows, I can probably purchase a diamond core bit to do the drilling with (plus make some nice holes in a glass sump tank too!!).

Any thoughts on which would be "better"??

Thanks,
Eboman

 

[brandonberry]

definitely drill them, as long as the tank is not tempered glass. I hate HOT overflows. I've been dealing with one for 2 years now and am getting ready to switch to a drilled tank. Picture this: For some reason your HOT overflow breaks syphon, your sump pump continues to pump water up to your main tank and whaaalaaa, you've got yourself a nice little flood. What about a float switch: Great until your good buddy turbo snail decides to munch on the algae on your float switch, thus weighing it down, at the same time your syphon breaks on your overflow. I know there are ways around this too, but the best thing to do is avoid having to deal with any of it by installing a built in overflow. BTW, there are some good deals on diamond bits on Ebay. Good luck.

 

[Eboman]

I wouldn't do hang-on-type overflows. It would be built-in overflows (like AGA Megaflows).

Thanks again,
Eboman

 

[criccio]

I'm a bit jaded as I have had nothing but problems with my drilled tank, so I would buy it with the built ins. Also, when you drill the back there's all that plumbing behind the tank instead of hidden underneath.

Just my .02

 

[Anonymous]

Buy a reef-ready.

 

[drbdc]

I would drill a few of holes for an overflow that runs the length of the back to maximize surface water removal ans well as some feed holes for closed loop with a manifold style return on the closed loop. If only I could go back.

 

[Rob Top]

Drilling is easy, VERY easy. However I would have the tank builder do it. I have drilled several tanks, haven't broken one, but I could. Man that would pi.. me off. Have the builder do the work and take the risk

 

[ChrisRD]

If it's going to be on a stand and needs to be tight to a wall I would go with the reef ready. If it's going to be mounted in a wall or something where you've got plenty of room behind the tank I'd prefer to drill the back and make my own overflow(s).

 

[Mihai]

Drill.
M.

 

[Anonymous]

For a 50 gallon tank I would drill it

For a 210 gallon tank I would have the builder drill it.

Its not worth the risk of breaking really, when you consider the cost of the tank....

 

[drbdc]

Or even a glass shop. At least they have more experience. But the tank builder is the lowest risk.

 

[ChrisRD]

I was assuming Eboman was talking about "off the shelf" tanks.

If you're going to have a custom tank built I agree that it makes the most sense to have the builder drill it.

 

[Eboman]

Yup...was thinking AGA 210.....

 

[pwj1286]

I hate overflows.
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