Drilling more holes in acrylic to solve assumed plumbing issues

[Rookums Reef]

I'm purchasing a 75g acrylic aquarium. There's a drain in the "middle back" of the tank and then a return in the upper right hand corner. I'm not to sure about the way it's plumbed either?! I know theres a litttle giant return pump but theres also a canister filter as well. I was thinking four holes along the top in the back of it for drain and return lines or maybe through the top? The tank isn't open on top like my 120, so I know there's some issues to contend with and i dont wanna make them worse. Mostly cleaning access is what I've figured out so far. Am I thinking about this in the right way? Drains, returns etc aside, I'm not sure if I'm heading in the right direction? Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

[blaxsun]

What does it have for an overflow on the back?

 

[Rookums Reef]

What does it have for an overflow on the back?

What ever that center drain goes to on the back. They guy described it as middle back?

 

[laverda]

Can you show photos of the existing tank plumbing in the middle back? How is the water getting into the drain from the tank? Through an overflow? It really depends on what you want to do and how much flow you wish to have through the sump. There is nothing wrong with going over the top for your returns if that goes along with the esthetics you want to have and you can position them where you want. It looks like the return is behind the tank, so it is not really visible when viewing the tank. Ideally, you want 2 drain lines if possible, or you want to make sure there is no way for the only one to become clogged. The second drain is usually a bit higher and is an emergency drain.
Generally, I would not suggest using a canister filter on a reef tank. They tend to be Nitrate and Phosphate factories unless cleaned at least weekly, preferably every 4-5 days. They do a great job of removing stuff from the water column, but they do not remove it from the system until cleaned. In the interim, everything they collect is breaking down into Nitrate and Phosphates.

 

[Rookums Reef]

Can you show photos of the existing tank plumbing in the middle back? How is the water getting into the drain from the tank? Through an overflow? It really depends on what you want to do and how much flow you wish to have through the sump. There is nothing wrong with going over the top for your returns if that goes along with the esthetics you want to have and you can position them where you want. It looks like the return is behind the tank, so it is not really visible when viewing the tank. Ideally, you want 2 drain lines if possible, or you want to make sure there is no way for the only one to become clogged. The second drain is usually a bit higher and is an emergency drain.
Generally, I would not suggest using a canister filter on a reef tank. They tend to be Nitrate and Phosphate factories unless cleaned at least weekly, preferably every 4-5 days. They do a great job of removing stuff from the water column, but they do not remove it from the system until cleaned. In the interim, everything they collect is breaking down into Nitrate and Phosphates.

I've got no pictures of the back of the tank. Just what he sent me today. Poor guy doesn't even know the true volume of the tank, it's listed as a 75 and is a 90. He's got the triton 34 sump but has no fuge and I completely agree about the canister filters! 2 drain lines are optimal and that's what I'd like to do. The stand pipe he's taking about for the drain I won't see till Sunday and I wanted to be in the best position to drill while the tank is empty. Esthetics aren't a concern, this tank won't be a display as much as it will be something else for me to mess with while my 120 matures. I see value in it even with all the issues.

 

[Rookums Reef]

Can you show photos of the existing tank plumbing in the middle back? How is the water getting into the drain from the tank? Through an overflow? It really depends on what you want to do and how much flow you wish to have through the sump. There is nothing wrong with going over the top for your returns if that goes along with the esthetics you want to have and you can position them where you want. It looks like the return is behind the tank, so it is not really visible when viewing the tank. Ideally, you want 2 drain lines if possible, or you want to make sure there is no way for the only one to become clogged. The second drain is usually a bit higher and is an emergency drain.
Generally, I would not suggest using a canister filter on a reef tank. They tend to be Nitrate and Phosphate factories unless cleaned at least weekly, preferably every 4-5 days. They do a great job of removing stuff from the water column, but they do not remove it from the system until cleaned. In the interim, everything they collect is breaking down into Nitrate and Phosphates.

So there was a 2" stand pipe with the drain cover on the top. I'm so confused now! Lol

 

[Rookums Reef]

What does it have for an overflow on the back?

This how it was plumbed. 2" stand pipe with a drain style lid.

 

[Rookums Reef]

So after a few hours of research, I feel like I can put in the Fiji LoPro 1600gph overflow box? might need a modification or 2?!

 

[laverda]

Your 2" drain should work fine, as long as the flow does not get ubstructed. An overflow box will take the dirter surface water out for cleaning by your skimmer. It really depends on what you want cosmetically.

 

[Rookums Reef]

Your 2" drain should work fine, as long as the flow does not get ubstructed. An overflow box will take the dirter surface water out for cleaning by your skimmer. It really depends on what you want cosmetically.

I'm not a fan of one drain and it looks awful imo. I've been looking at the Fiji LoPro 1600gph overflow box. I just like that emergency drain and I'll never need that much flow on a 90 but if I ever do...lol.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

I’d put a Drilled External Overflow on that tank, and use the Pipe through the bottom as the Return to the tank. Get some Black PVC, and the Return will practically disappear.

 

[Rookums Reef]

I’d put a Drilled External Overflow on that tank, and use the Pipe through the bottom as the Return to the tank. Get some Black PVC, and the Return will practically disappear.

Now that's what I'm talking about!! A new fresh hot idea!
How would you plumb the return?

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

Come up to the top “T” off to two outlets. Use Loc-Lines to direct the flow. I’d use a reducing “T” IE 3/4” x 3/4” x1” You will have to go online and special order the “T” to get it in Black. Two small overflows on the back would work better than one single Overflow.

 

[Big Smelly fish]

An acrylic tank is so easy to deal with.,I would redrill back for overflow and block off the drain on bottom of tank.
be pretty easy to block that drain in bottom either by capping or by getting a piece of acrylic and covering it.

 

[Rookums Reef]

An acrylic tank is so easy to deal with.,I would redrill back for overflow and block off the drain on bottom of tank.
be pretty easy to block that drain in bottom either by capping or by getting a piece of acrylic and covering it.

I've got what's needed to cap off the center drain and think I can get this installed? https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/lopro-external-overflow-box-1600-gph-fiji-cube.html

One more 1.5" hole in the left corner for the 2nd return and I feel like that'll work?