New Reef setup question!

Nano1908 · Mar 11, 2017

Wanted to say hi! I'm not new to fish keeping but totally new to salt water. I'm hoping to set up a 155 gallon bowfront which I am definitely taking my time to do it right. I want to switch from the original mega dual overflow to a Bean Animal. I have a tempered bottom glass. My question to anyone who can help is....... Can I drill the back of my aquarium so I can install my new overflow box (planning on buying a ghost overflow)? I'm not sure if the whole tank is tempered or only the bottom. I don't want to destroy my tank! If the back is also tempered I think I'll just do a dual Herbie overflow.
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I am still contemplating my sump. I have 2 at this time.

1- DIY & the other Eshopps. Going to upgrade pumps to Gyre & Ecotech L1 but my bank account is laughing at me at this time. Lol. I have to wait a bit. I can't wait to have this thing running.

I have a bunch of other equipment I haven't mentioned.....example...... 180lbs dry rock. Can't wait! I really want to upgrade the overflow if possible! This hobby gets addicting quick. Lol [emoji12] [emoji225] [emoji224] [emoji226] [emoji222]

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Maritimer · Mar 11, 2017

Can you contact the manufacturer of your tank to determine if it's tempered?

Otherwise - I'm given to understand that if you look at tempered glass with polarizing glasses on, you should be able to see a pattern in the glass itself. Research first, though!

~Bruce

Nano1908 · Mar 11, 2017

Thanks Bruce I'll try to use the glasses thing. Unfortunately I have no idea who manufactured the tank.

Thesupa79 · Mar 11, 2017

Does it have a sticker that says "the bottom is tempered glass", which is on the bottom glass...in my experience if it has that sticker, and no other ,the bottom is tempered and the sides are not, and dude to tell you the truth, i just went through the same thing with a 75gl, tried the computer screen, polarized glasses thing ,and none of it really worked like i saw on YouTube, but then i saw that sticker ,and it specifically said this bottom panel is tempered, and my common sense told me that if they only put that sticker on the bottom, it meant the rest wasnt, so , to find out , i loaded up my drill, made a wood jig to keep the bit straight , got a spray bottle, crossed my fingers and drilled....! For once ,common sense prevailed! Beautifully

Thesupa79 · Mar 11, 2017

And the way most of us buy tanks, we have no clue who made them, i dont own one tank, out of my ten that i know who made or has a sticker on it, the only ones i am sure of are the ones i built out of acrylic,lol

Nano1908 · Mar 12, 2017

Thesupa79! My sticker says bottom glass is tempered glass! So happy right now!

Nano1908 · Mar 12, 2017

Nano1908 · Mar 12, 2017

Say bye bye to these ugly horrible things taking up real estate!

Salty1962 · Mar 12, 2017

Welcome to R2R!

Nano1908 · Mar 12, 2017

Thank you Salty1962!

Thesupa79 · Mar 14, 2017

How did it work out?

Nano1908 · Mar 14, 2017

Slow & steady wins the race. Lol. It's going to take me some time. Single father trying to make magic. This snowstorm isn't helping any. Waiting for my ghost overflow so I can use the template to make the holes. Just got some dry rock from a friend (small pieces from Puerto Rico). I will let you guys know when I finally "getter done". I really can't wait.

Ashish Patel · Mar 15, 2017

Since your tank is already reef-ready why would you remove them and have 4 holes on the bottom? I have those mega overflow in my 120 and absolutely hate them for few reasons. Can't clean the surface, it become a refugium, and creates dead spots - For this reason I see why you want to remove it but to me its not practical to replace them if you already have them.. My new build I'am adding a ghost overflow and had 2 holes drilled on the back panel so looking forward to this, though my 120 with 2 mega overflows will still be setup...

I would recommend to focus on this:
Check the date your tank was manufactured, should have a sticker. If its 10-15 years make sure you check the silicone and cross bracing.. I've had a cross bracing snap on me years ago as I was filling a 5 years old tank.. If you have to re-silicone do it now as you need time to let it dry. If the cross bracing looks weak look online many people use Glass for additional support.

Nano1908 · Jun 1, 2017

Thanks for the 411 Ashish Patel. I will check the silicone & bracing. I was going to plug the 4 holes. I'm debating on it now. I want to make sure I don't destroy my tank.

As for my overflow it's going have to wait a little bit because I use that money to buy my Trigger Sump. [emoji4]