i definatly want to pre plan to install a sump for my 45 gallon corner tank. i figure if i get my tank drilled asap ( or when the wife lets me) i can just cap it, and install the sump later. is that possible?
if i had someone drill it for me how much would it cost and who would i talk to? im from out of town, so i would have to really plan this well.
and i supose i have to design some sort of in-tank overflow - iv seen diffrent kinds, not sure what i should get.
im thinking somthing that is about 8-10 inches long, installed on an angle like a V off the glass below the holes and each end caped off.. plexi/acrylic glass.....sounds ok? - that proably has to be done before i Re-setup my tank again.
any input would be nice
thanks!
Also, iv been thinkg 2 holes for the overflow, and just dumping the return into the top of the tank.... or 1 hole for hte overflow and 1 for dumping the return...
if you have to tools do it your self so easy gust do it the way the you tube videos tell you no short cuts and with the return line make sure its close to the top so it wont back flow in a power outage
here is some of my ideas for my overflow.... input is GREATLY appreciated. and if anyone can drill my tank pst me with a price! would like to do this ASAP! thanks
(https://www.ovas.ca/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi738.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx23%2Fsnid82%2FTankDesign1.jpg&hash=d65f2b58a8249e2a0ba6b200234f64c437324d54)
(https://www.ovas.ca/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi738.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx23%2Fsnid82%2FTankDesign3.jpg&hash=7259d5d2c9678bb6eb2e589971878c1137e6db6a)
(https://www.ovas.ca/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi738.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx23%2Fsnid82%2FTankDesign2.jpg&hash=2b2137a6f43f0bf6e0b1ace303a799020226396a)
BTW, thanks wify for doing up the diagrams :)
Not very experienced in this regard, as I went the boring route and bought my tank reef ready ... but drilling is not supposed to be very hard. There is a member here (sniggir I think is his handle.. hopefully he doesn't mind my suggestion) who apparently has done many many tanks and is quite good at it. This is second hand info... and you can also do it yourself. As someone else mention, videos online explain pretty well if you have the tools. You can buy the bits locally either from sponsors here or hardware stores.
As far as drilling I would do two holes at minimum, if not 3. Two for overflow, one for return if you do three.
Over the top return is fine just be careful it's secure and not too deep for back-siphoning in power outage.. also mentioned. I don't like the look of the over the top return as much but it is functional.
Our former webmaster & club member "groupie02" has drilled a few tanks
For sure drill three holes if your going to drill it! I like the first diagram the best. Its very sleek. But there is nothing wrong with over the top return.
awsome, thanks for the input. if i end up doing it myself i most likley will do 3 (if its as easy as people say) and depending on teh cost if i pay someone to do it is if ill do 2 or 3.
still waiting to find a price to have someone drill it
Quotei figure if i get my tank drilled asap ( or when the wife lets me) i can just cap it, and install the sump later. is that possible?
::) You're funny.
QuoteBTW, thanks wify for doing up the diagrams
:-*
Ok, well, iv decided i am going to drill the tank myself. I'v put in an order at mops.ca for a drill bit (2 1/2) and some bulkheads.
watched some you tube vidio's, and im pretty sure i can do it just fine. ill just have to remember to bring my drill home from work :o
It's actually very easy. Just remember these vital points:
1:practice first on a piece of old glass or a small tank. (the small tanks break easier, the glass is thinner)
2:apply tape to the underside of where you will be drilling.
3: Measure 2 or 3 times with your bulkhead and overflow box if you are using one.
4: have water ready. A squirt bottle is fine.
5: set drill on low speed if it's a corded drill. Cordless should be fine on high speed.
6: Start drilling, keep it stable,don't force it. Remember the bit is supposed to GRIND the glass, not cut through like wood.
7: make sure there is a towel under where you're drilling to catch the glass disc when it falls out.
8: when you are done, wipe the sweat off and have a shot to calm your nerves! :)
Quote from: beertech on August 18, 2009, 11:00:19 PM
It's actually very easy. Just remember these vital points:
1:practice first on a piece of old glass or a small tank. (the small tanks break easier, the glass is thinner)
2:apply tape to the underside of where you will be drilling.
3: Measure 2 or 3 times with your bulkhead and overflow box if you are using one.
4: have water ready. A squirt bottle is fine.
5: set drill on low speed if it's a corded drill. Cordless should be fine on high speed.
6: Start drilling, keep it stable,don't force it. Remember the bit is supposed to GRIND the glass, not cut through like wood.
7: make sure there is a towel under where you're drilling to catch the glass disc when it falls out.
8: when you are done, wipe the sweat off and have a shot to calm your nerves! :)
Personally, start with step 8.. then the rest looks good... be sure to finish with step 8 as well.. it's really a universal step.. do it as often as you can IMHO.
Quote from: Snider82 on August 17, 2009, 09:50:45 PM
here is some of my ideas for my overflow.... input is GREATLY appreciated. and if anyone can drill my tank pst me with a price! would like to do this ASAP! thanks
IF you have room, the ideal would be to have 2 or 3 1.5 pipes (so about 2" holes) going down to your sump and 1 1.5" pipe (or 1") for your return line...
Design #1 looks good, though with some fancy cutting I think you could get the overflow going from one side to the other across the back, following the outline of your tank... this would maximize your surface skimming... I would not kill myself trying to do that, but it is an option to consider.
If you only end up with one down line and 1 return line then that is good too... meaning one hole for the down, and over the top return would be your simplest build.
To cap the hole, just put in a bulkhead and have the pipe go up 90deg from the tank to create a higher water line... no caps needed and you can just rotate it down when you're ready, glue an extension right on without having to fuddle around...
Hey just a few thoughts.
1. if you're going to be drilling and going with the 3 holes for 100% siphon and redundancy technique all the power too you, BUT you can't really do that if you use a 'V' style over flow box, you need to have room to put 90' elbows in if you want.
(honestly for a 60g it's prob overkill but murphy's law is murphy's law)
Also with the straight bulkhead taking in water with teh 'V' style overflow you're going to get ALOT of water gurgling sound coming in with teh water through the bulkhead, using a 90' elbow helps alleviate that but then you need to install an air hose into the drain side.
Just some thoughts before you start building & cutting :)
hey thanks for the input everyone, it really helps. funny you mention drilling 3 holes, because i ordered 3 bulkheads :p . i was thinking of maby getting an elbow and sixing the overflow box so i can barly fit it in there ( im trying to maximize space because in the future im going to make rock walls (or try to anyway) . ill have to really look into that. i ordered 1 1/2" bulkheads that require 2 1/2 in hole along with the bit.
Quote from: Hookup on August 19, 2009, 03:03:54 PMPersonally, start with step 8..
- LOL! its tempting to add a step 8 between every step ;) i definatly have to add a new step #1 : send wife to walmart. she is going to be more of a nevous wreck then anyone could imagine.
Lost at sea- im not quite sure what you mean about the air hose. i'v seen people with one of the drains without a elboow and the 2nd one with an elbow pointing up. think that would work quietly?
i still dont know what size of pump im going to need my tank is 45 gallons.. first sump tank will be 10 gallons, till i save up again.. and ill watch for 20g deals.
http://ovas.ca/index.php?topic=38773.0
http://ovas.ca/index.php?topic=38342.0
http://ovas.ca/index.php?topic=38282.0
Quote from: Snider82 on August 19, 2009, 05:25:11 PM
Lost at sea- im not quite sure what you mean about the air hose. i'v seen people with one of the drains without a elboow and the 2nd one with an elbow pointing up. think that would work quietly?
I think that setup is more for redundancy ie if the down elbow pipe gets blocked the water rises and the 2nd elbow up pipe kicks in and becomes the emergency drain.
What causes lots of noise (gurgling) is primarily the gulps of air that get mixed in with the water on the way down. There are lots of articles on Dorso overflows etc
Have a read through this it should help explain things better (http://www.beananimal.com/projects/silent-and-fail-safe-aquarium-overflow-system.aspx)
Quote from: Snider82 on August 19, 2009, 05:25:11 PM
i still dont know what size of pump im going to need my tank is 45 gallons.. first sump tank will be 10 gallons, till i save up again.. and ill watch for 20g deals.
I'm with hookup on this - buy once and buy it right... get a 20g min... if you already have a 10g then you can use that for a qtank. WIth a 20g you may even have enough space for a small refug.
to put things in perspective i've been planning my build for over 6 months now... research... buy it once... buy it right and save $$$ in the long run...
Thanks for the input. im going to use 2 holes for the drain tho, the lines are 1.5" and i dont mind the noise at all. i will drill the 3 holes in a way that if i ever change my mind i can do that 3 hole drain setup. if i ever change my mind by then ill probably be setting up a new tank.... with more thought behind it lol.
i recived my hole saw in the mail today along with my bulkheads.. THEY ARE HUGE!! the Inner threads are 1.5", and the outer threads are over 2"... so if i install the bulkhead from the inside out, i will have 2 inch drains.... i may reduce it to 1 or 1.5. where the water drops in the overflow i think im going to try with 1 open hole, and 1 with an elbow pointing up. i will experiment with it.
wish me luck with ther drilling! lol, i think it will be fine.. and if not you will see my on the clasifids! lol
good luck
do not forget step 8!
oh boy... i almost forgot!, i beter get to the liquor store!
actualy, i was thinking, maby i should be getting my overflow box build and let the glue sit for the night, then after i drill, glue it to my tank wall.... and let it sit...
im hopeing i can fill my tank and put my rock back in right away becuase its going to be in a NEw garbage can waiting to get back in its home.
so i went to home hardware, home depot, and even canadaian tire, and i couldn't find any fittings that would work with my bulkhead.
the bulkhead is 1.5" threaded inside diamater.. i found elbows that i can use for inside the tank for that.
the outside of the tank part, its 2" outside threaded, i cant find a good setup for it.. i think i bought too big of a bulkhead? wolsly (in pembroke) may be able to order me a fitting to go with it. guess i have to put the drilling off till another weekend.
another question... and i use ABS glue on my fittings? or will that be BAD for the water?
thanks
The bulk heads ive had are all PVC, you can use ABS glue and ABS... there are enough people out there who have used it, some that I personally know, that have had no problems so I think that the debate is generally over. But again, I'd double check cause all of the bulkheads i've found are PVC.
But bottom line, yes, ABS glue is safe.