where to place holes on a new marine aquarium

[sdergar]

Hello,

I'm just about to purchase a new aquarium for fish and live rock (with corals down the road) and was wondering where the holes should be on the display tank? How many? Looking to do a sump below the display hidden by a cabinet. Thanks so much...

Steve

 

[neilanh]

Welcome to AA!

Well, it depends on what you're using the holes for. Overflow to the sump? If so, i'd recommend looking at Glass-Holes overflow kits.

 

[Jimbo7]

Consider buying a "Reef Ready" tank which is pre-drilled and had a overflow built in, it will save you some initial headache and planning. Several different manufactures carry their own version.

 

[Jaybird]

If you are buying a new tank definitely go with a reef-ready one. I drilled my old 90G to make an overflow and it wasn`t all that easy. It took a long time to find a drill bit of the right size, then get the plumber`s putty, then get some thick glass to do a test hole, and then the real thing.

Also, make sure that the glass on your tank is not tempered. If you try to drill tempered glass it will shatter.

 

[sdergar]

Where are the holes located on a reef ready tank? I'm doing some shopping today. Thanks

Steve

 

[Jaybird]

The holes on a reef-ready tank are usually in the bottom, near the corners, and usually already include a corner overflow cover and pipe.

You can see in this picture that there are two black columns. One can be used as your overflow to your sump and the other can be connected to your return pump.

http://egoimagery.com/nykkolai/_images/tank01/Tank002.jpg

 

[sdergar]

thanks for the update. So what about all this talk of when the power goes out and the pumps stop. So all the water to the bottom of the slits goes down to the sump? Yes?

Steve

 

[Jaybird]

There are pipes behind those black covers. You can't see them but they are there. The water will only go to the opening on the pipes.

 

[sdergar]

Thanks so much. Steve

 

[pat8you]

Just to be safe i will mention this. Don't ever try to drill the bottom of a tank your self. Most (larger then 30-40 gallons) have tempered glass on the bottom that cannot be drilled with out cracking. The sides are fair game.