Drilling holes in Eurobrace?

[rtparty]

Has anyone had holes drilled in a glass eurobrace to run power head cords through?

Complete overkill? Smart?

These would be like 5/8” holes. Maybe 3/4” at the most.

One con is having to pull the pump all the way out would require fitting the cable and connection through the hole while trying not to drop it in or hit the water. Easily navigated during a water change though with water levels low.

Open to all pros and cons as I nail down my new system

 

[Fish Fan]

I've never tried this, but my concern would be how would you fit the plug end of your pumps through a 5/8" hole? I think even if the power head connected to its power supply with something like a barrel connector you may need to go bigger.

But it seems pretty straight forward; double check it's not tempered, I'd back it with a piece of plywood or something to give it a little support, then use some kind of diamond tipped drill bit. Again, having not tried this myself, it seems easier than drilling a larger hole with a hole saw.

Good luck!

 

[rtparty]

I've never tried this, but my concern would be how would you fit the plug end of your pumps through a 5/8" hole? I think even if the power head connected to its power supply with something like a barrel connector you may need to go bigger.

But it seems pretty straight forward; double check it's not tempered, I'd back it with a piece of plywood or something to give it a little support, then use some kind of diamond tipped drill bit. Again, having not tried this myself, it seems easier than drilling a larger hole with a hole saw.

Good luck!

The new Tunze HUB pumps have a quick connect between the pump and controller. I’ve had it measured and that is where I got my numbers.

I would have Glasscages drill the holes when they custom build the new tank

My cons are it gives a place for water or a fish to possibly escape. Maybe a rubber style grommet or uniseal could help with that.

Maybe it weakens the eurobrace a little bit?

Other than that I’m not seeing many cons. It would allow easy pass through for the cord and the lid wouldn’t have to compete with wires.

 

[rtparty]

Thinking something like this to close up the hole if needed so no water or fish easily escape.

https://a.co/d/hgLnrVs

 

[X-37B]

I run sea sweeps on my 60×30×21.
Only need 2 powerheads and the cords run through the sweeps.

 

[rtparty]

I run sea sweeps on my 60×30×21.
Only need 2 powerheads and the cords run through the sweeps.

Yes sea sweeps are an awesome product that should have caught on more. BRS tried to bring them in and make them much more mainstream and the sea sweep team didn’t want to.

I need to know if there are any cons of drilling holes in the eurobrace that I’m not thinking of. I can’t think of any to be honest.

 

[X-37B]

Yes sea sweeps are an awesome product that should have caught on more. BRS tried to bring them in and make them much more mainstream and the sea sweep team didn’t want to.

I need to know if there are any cons of drilling holes in the eurobrace that I’m not thinking of. I can’t think of any to be honest.

I would think drilling holes would be fine. I did it on acrylic tanks years ago for the same reason.

 

[rtparty]

Spoke with Joe at Glasscages and he says no issues. We will make the back brace 5” wide instead of 3” and we’re set.

This will keep the cords tidy and the lid won’t have to compete with anything.

 

[Uncle99]

I might wonder if drilling makes the brace weaker?

 

[rtparty]

I might wonder if drilling makes the brace weaker?

It might a little bit and that’s likely why Joe said we will make the back brace 2” wider than standard.

I found some reefers who have done it in the past and they all said it’s worth doing

 

[Bohemian Waxwing]

It might a little bit and that’s likely why Joe said we will make the back brace 2” wider than standard.

I found some reefers who have done it in the past and they all said it’s worth doing

Nice thick eurobrace will likely keep the fish in the tank too.

 

[Peace River]

If Glass Cages is custom building the tank and @Joe Glass Cages says it’s OK then you are good to go! Congratulations on the new adventure!

 

[rtparty]

Nice thick eurobrace will likely keep the fish in the tank too.

3 sides will be 3” and the back will be 5” to accommodate for the holes. One hole in each back corner

I won’t do a rimless tank again

 

[Bohemian Waxwing]

3 sides will be 3” and the back will be 5” to accommodate for the holes. One hole in each back corner

I won’t do a rimless tank again

Hell ya, sounds like a sweet system overall. Also agreed on the rimless, I actually just went back to rimmed tanks for my 60g rather than IM or Waterbox...the splashing and the screen just sucked in my experience.