90 Fresh---->Salt Drilling Tank?

Chammy · #1 10-02-2012, 03:01 AM

I have been searching forums and the internet on this question so I'm hoping someone can help me out. I am converting my 90 to salt and will go with a sump with skimmer as opposed to HOB Remora. From what I gather, it is better to go with a "drilled" tank 3" from top instead of an overflow box.

If my tank has no holes, is it a hassle to drill it or should I just go with an overflow box with a "custom" drilled nozzle hole to prevent backflow if power goes out?

This is basically my biggest dilemma. I don't want to come home to a flooded basement, and I want the better skimming strategy of the two.

Please help me out.

monocus · #2 10-02-2012, 03:18 AM

i drill mine at the bottom,use a stockman standpipe,and make my own overflow box using large pvc drilled and slotted

doch · #3 10-02-2012, 12:53 PM

I picked up glass hole saws and did the drilling myself. (gl*******s.com) Very Easy. Go VERY slow as you'll end up chipping the glasss otherwise... which I did. To compensate I put the rubber bulkhead gasket on the inside of the tank where the glass is smooth.

The Guy · #4 10-02-2012, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chammy

I have been searching forums and the internet on this question so I'm hoping someone can help me out. I am converting my 90 to salt and will go with a sump with skimmer as opposed to HOB Remora. From what I gather, it is better to go with a "drilled" tank 3" from top instead of an overflow box.

If my tank has no holes, is it a hassle to drill it or should I just go with an overflow box with a "custom" drilled nozzle hole to prevent backflow if power goes out?

This is basically my biggest dilemma. I don't want to come home to a flooded basement, and I want the better skimming strategy of the two.

Please help me out.

I'm doing A 90 Gallon tank right now and am lucky enough to have a friend with glass hole saws to do the holes for me. I would go with drilling vs an overflow box, had one on another tank and found them very noisy. Try a Local glass shop some have a mobile service.

Chammy · #5 10-02-2012, 07:37 PM

That would be nice just to have someone do the drilling. I will look into that. Is there a standard size of hole used for the plumbing so I don't go too large? And what is the ideal distance down from the top of the tank?

Cal_stir · #6 10-02-2012, 09:55 PM

some tanks use tempered glass on the bottom, you can't drill tempered glass!

Chammy · #7 10-02-2012, 10:18 PM

I'm not looking to drill into the bottom of the tank, the upper 3 inches from the top.

RenHoek104 · #8 10-03-2012, 01:06 AM

Hey Chammy,
I use an overflow because my tank is old and I was told drilling old tanks could lead to no tank, so I opted for the overflow. I use a tom pump as well and I haven't had any troubles. However, if I were to get a new tank, I'd drill it for sure. You'll never have to worry about the siphon not starting after a blackout. I also use a check valve on the return pump to avoid a spill, so far so good.
Ren