Hi Everyone, I'm a new member looking for some advice on a drilled 20 gallon long I got today. As a disclaimer, I am not into the saltwater side of the aquarium hobby. Rather I keep freshwater planted aquariums, or I used to, I've been out of the hobby for a few years and am working to get my first new tank up and running. So I apologize if posting about a freshwater tank violates any rules, not my intention, I'm just hoping for some advice on drilled tanks since they aren't very common on freshwater tanks and I have no experience with them. On to the tank.
The tank in question is a 20 gallon long drilled with a single 3/4" bulkhead close to the top, top edge of the hole is about 1.5" from the rim, and no overflow box (just a strainer). From the research I have done so far, I understand that such a setup is not ideal since it poses a risk for flooding if the drain clogs. I'm willing to attempt drilling the additional holes needed for a herbie or bean animal since I have a second 20 gallon long and can only realistically set up one tank right now. However, I am concerned on if there is enough space between the top of the tank and the bulkhead for this to even be feasible, so I would really appreciate some advice on how to handle this tank.
For the overflow box, I am thinking about attempting a diy version. Particularly because I don't think the current hole placement is conducive to using an off-the-shelf option. I'm thinking toothless would be ideal since I plan to keep cherry shrimp which can be easily be sucked up by filters. I would also really appreciate some advice on this.
I've included a picture of the current bulkhead placement as well.
The tank in question is a 20 gallon long drilled with a single 3/4" bulkhead close to the top, top edge of the hole is about 1.5" from the rim, and no overflow box (just a strainer). From the research I have done so far, I understand that such a setup is not ideal since it poses a risk for flooding if the drain clogs. I'm willing to attempt drilling the additional holes needed for a herbie or bean animal since I have a second 20 gallon long and can only realistically set up one tank right now. However, I am concerned on if there is enough space between the top of the tank and the bulkhead for this to even be feasible, so I would really appreciate some advice on how to handle this tank.
For the overflow box, I am thinking about attempting a diy version. Particularly because I don't think the current hole placement is conducive to using an off-the-shelf option. I'm thinking toothless would be ideal since I plan to keep cherry shrimp which can be easily be sucked up by filters. I would also really appreciate some advice on this.
I've included a picture of the current bulkhead placement as well.