Drillng tank for returns?

[xxkenny90xx]

Ok so I hate the plumbing that goes over the top of my tank from my return pump. I'm thinking about drilling holes and putting in bulkheads right at the water line instead... What are the pros and cons? Anybody else do this? My tank is acrylic so drilling is no big deal

 

[Vinman]

Ok so I hate the plumbing that goes over the top of my tank from my return pump. I'm thinking about drilling holes and putting in bulkheads right at the water line instead... What are the pros and cons? Anybody else do this? My tank is acrylic so drilling is no big deal

You're going to drill that tank that's full of livestock?

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Yes, that wouldnt be an issue

 

[motortrendz]

Lower the water level and use a vacuum as you start to come though the acrylic to vac out any shavings and youll be fine.

 

[Vinman]

There's never a problem until there's a problem

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Thanks motor trends, yes I'll lower the water level. The vacuum is a good idea. Vin are you trying to warn me of a specific issue I could run into or.....?

 

[Ken logan]

I pull water down much a possible to relieve stress on tank when full of livestock. Keep vacuum going. Make sure prep work is done meaning bulkheads fittings pipe ready to go.

 

[Dom]

Yes, that wouldnt be an issue

There is a video out there that I have been trying to find. A guy tried drilling his tank by lowering the water level below the drill location. Then he stared to drill.

EPIC FAIL.

Empty the tank before the drill.

 

[Vinman]

Thanks motor trends, yes I'll lower the water level. The vacuum is a good idea. Vin are you trying to warn me of a specific issue I could run into or.....?

It looks like you've had great success as it is so I don't understand why you'd want to change something and most likely nothing will happen if something does happen it'd be a shame to lose such a nice tank
I have a hang on back return and I don't like it but I've had Success With It and the new tank I'm building out does not have a hang on back. But what I have now it works and it doesn't have any problems I'm not trying to discourage you just wondering if you have a plan B

 

[xxkenny90xx]

There is a video out there that I have been trying to find. A guy tried drilling his tank by lowering the water level below the drill location. Then he stared to drill.

EPIC FAIL.

Empty the tank before the drill.

Was this an acrylic tank? How low was his water? If it's a significant risk I wont do it, but I was planning on removing 90% of the water

 

[motortrendz]

There is a video out there that I have been trying to find. A guy tried drilling his tank by lowering the water level below the drill location. Then he stared to drill.

EPIC FAIL.

Empty the tank before the drill.

That was a glass tank... I would never drill.a glass tank with any water in it. An acrylic tank would be fine as long as the water levels low.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

It looks like you've had great success as it is so I don't understand why you'd want to change something and most likely nothing will happen if something does happen it'd be a shame to lose such a nice tank
I have a hang on back return and I don't like it but I've had Success With It and the new tank I'm building out does not have a hang on back. But what I have now it works and it doesn't have any problems I'm not trying to discourage you just wondering if you have a plan B

That's actually very solid advice for reefing in general!

 

[Vinman]

That's actually very solid advice for reefing in general!

Thanks buddy keep us posted

 

[Dragon52]

I did this on my tank & didn't remove all the water, just enough to drill it. I had no issues. Below is a link to the overflow I got but check online for a better price. My tank is also acrylic.

16″ Shadow Overflow V3

New Shadow V3 Overflow Kit – Just arrived!

synergyreef.com

 

[Dom]

Was this an acrylic tank? How low was his water? If it's a significant risk I wont do it, but I was planning on removing 90% of the water

It was a glass tank.

 

[Dom]

That was a glass tank... I would never drill.a glass tank with any water in it. An acrylic tank would be fine as long as the water levels low.

Maybe I missed it, but, the OP didn't mention it was an acrylic tank.

I agree; its a beautiful tank. Why fix something that isn't broken?

 

[motortrendz]

Maybe I missed it, but, the OP didn't mention it was an acrylic tank.

I agree; its a beautiful tank. Why fix something that isn't broken?

He mentioned it in the last line.of the first post. But I also agree, if it ain't broke... dont fix it

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Ok guys I appreciate all of the advice. I think I'll hold off for now since I don't have a good reason to take any risks. I do want to see that video now though

 

[Ken logan]

Smart guy.