Drilled or External Overflow?
 

Looking for some thoughts on having a pre-drilled tank is a better option then having the external overflow. If i have it pre-drilled, im committed to having a sump at startup, however if i go with an external i can add a sump later?

Any opinions either way?

Thanks

Brent

drilled
 

definitely drilled it is a safer way to go less chance of flooding

I can't think of a good reason to not have a sump, so I'd go drilled.

Go with a drilled tank...I have a 55 gal. Not drilled...more equipment than rock...go with the sump less hastle in the long run...my new 120 gal. Is drilled with 90 gal. Sump

External overflows are a hassle. Drilled is the only way to go if you have the option.

Go drilled even if you are not planning on using it right away, just plug the overflow. External will end up costing more in the long run. Go for a sump off the start, you'll have WAY more options and stuff will be cheaper. Even if it's a rubbermaid tub it'll still work, i've done this for emergancy sump's before.

Been using the same external overflow for 6 years no.
has never lost siphon and has never caused a flood.

Anyone who thinks that drilled tanks carry any real benefits either have never used a good quality external overflow or they simply did not know how to set it up properly.

It takes up significantly less real estate, is WAY easier to control and clean and you have so many options for placement plus you can always move it when neccessary.

Drilled = 100% flood safe
External Overflow = Not 100% flood safe

Valid arguments for both, they both can fail if clogged obviously.

But the External Overflow can also fail if it loses it's syphon when trying to restart after a power outtage.

I regret having an external overflow, it's a constant fear of flooding (happened a few times). I wont make that mistake for the next tank.

Regarding the sump, you would want a sump from the start. That's where you keep all the equipment (protein skimmer, heater, filter socks, media reactor, maybe a section for chaeto, etc.).

LOL...
My friend, I live in no such fear.
You must have one of those CPR units...lol
And you realize you just stated that neither format is actually 100% flood proof right?

Go with a Life Reef or similar.

Again, 6 years, no breaks in siphon, no floods and probably 100 power outages .

Lucky you for sure.

But for a new guy starting out, clean slate, given these 2 options -- the odds are heavily against you for suggesting an external overflow.

It's pretty much impossible for a drilled overflow to fail. It's purely run on gravity. An external overfly needs to defy gravity to get a syphon going. It's really a no brainer.

You're lucky yours restarts everytime, but the chance is still there that one day it wont.

Plus drilling is cheaper than spending $100-200 on an external overflow.