DIY frag tank setup plumbed off display

[j0shc]

Hi all! New guy to Reef2reef after reading posts for a while and now looking for some advice.

I’m planning to plumb a 20–40 gallon frag tank into my existing display. Due to my room layout, the frag tank will be in the room directly behind the display, with plumbing running through a shared doorway.

I have a spare 20L on hand and stand, but I have two main concerns:

Flood risk: worried if the HOB overflows and back-siphoning if the power goes out flooding.
Thin Glass: concerns drilling the thin glass on a standard 20L or it failing under the stress of the plumbing over time after reading a few posts.

What are the best tank options or plumbing ideas you'd recommend for a setup like this to keep from any accidents? Thanks in advance!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

@BeanAnimal

 

[BeanAnimal]

Drill it. Two holes if you can. Support the plumbing so that it is not acting as a lever against the glass. Yes, drilling thin glass is harder. Take your time, but 20s are cheap.

 

[reefmaster70]

I'd opt for drilling for sure....I've just seen far too many HOB's fail, and it's a mess. Drilled is the way to go.

 

[j0shc]

Drill it. Two holes if you can. Support the plumbing so that it is not acting as a lever against the glass. Yes, drilling thin glass is harder. Take your time, but 20s are cheap.

That is what I was thinking, cheap enough to buy another if I mess up. and the 30x12x12 sizing is perfect for what I want to do. I really only got worried when my LFS said I risk cracking the glass and I started to read about how it can crack over time and cause issues.

 

[j0shc]

I'd opt for drilling for sure....I've just seen far too many HOB's fail, and it's a mess. Drilled is the way to go.

That is the fear! if the HOB fails it will ruin the hardwood floors of the room it is in. Cannot take that risk even with a luft pump or something similar on a backup power supply

 

[BeanAnimal]

Clamp a thin (3/4" is fine) piece of wood on both sides with a hole a bit bigger than hat you are drilling. It will act as support. Take you time. It will be fine.