Driling a tank

[catfishsteve]

Hi,

I'm the guy who won the 75g. I notice people discussing drilling their tanks. could someone tell me where it should be drilled
and what size holes. Also what kind of filter system would be good for this size of tank.
   Great auction OVAS is about to get a new member.

[PoisonJello]

well nice to know who won the tank...as for drilling i guess that all depends on what you want to use it for?

[darkdep]

Welcome to OVAS Steve!

If you're looking to do a sump style filter, then the best way to hook it up is to get it drilled.  That being said, setting up a sump is a bit of work and isn't usually necessary for a freshwater tank.

Before recommending a filter, perhaps you could tell us what you're thinking of keeping in it?

[bitterman]

I recently got OneSaltyDog on Aquariacanada to drill my 65 corner tank. I'm sure he could do the job for you. For a return to sump you will most likely need a 1.5" bulkhead (They normally require about a 2.5" hole) Between drilling and a bulkhead it will cost about $40-60. Don't get the really cheap bulkheads, get some good PVC ones... Much stronger!

Also keep in mind your overflows, and standpipes. The durso standpipe is one of the quietest http://www.dursostandpipes.com/

I Have both my 65 and 195 FW setup sharing a 30 gallon sump. Not required, but I like it. Using a sump normally means the tank will be louder then just using a good canister filter (Water overflowing and going into the sump makes noice).

If you do do a sump check out the DIY articles for the Home Depot trickle filter. Gives a filter for about $40 that will handle a hug tank. However the cost of a return pump is not taken into consideration.

Hope this helps,
    Bruce

[catfishsteve]

I'm probably going to transfer everything from my community tank to the 75
-2 med angels
-Green terror
-rocket gar
-2 sun gourami
-zebra knife
-zig zag eel
-3 plecos
-3 very smart khuli loaches

or set it up as a breeding tank for terrors either way I want to have a good filtration system in it.
    My current tank is 60x18x19 with an overflow. Swiming space is 60x13x19 as the back is partioned off full of different chambers.
I'm not crazy about this kind of system I have to supplement with a fluval 2 for clarity.

[bitterman]

Why not go with an Aquaclear 110 (Formerly Aquaclear 500) and a canister like an XP3, fluval 405, or ehiem or astro (ehiem copy). Way more filtration then you will ever need. I like to have 2 filters on a tank in case 1 fails during a power outage and your not around to fix it.

Bruce.

[catfishsteve]

is it preferable to drill the tank for these canister filters?

[Nerine]

I never have...they don't take up much space in the tank just two little tubes, one in and one out
congrats on the 75

[bitterman]

is it preferable to drill the tank for these canister filters?

Not required at all.

[catfishsteve]

thanks guys