Question about plumbing return line

[BigRedHair92]

Hey all. I finally bought a new house, which means that I'll soon be able to set up my new 180 gallon tank. I've got everything laid out except for my return line. I'm having a really hard time finding any information on if I should drill my return into the back of the tank or use a HOB return line. What are the pros and cons of each? If I drill it, where do I put the holes in relation to the drilled holes for my overflow? Any information is greatly appreciated!

 

[sarcophytonIndy]

Picture? How many holes are drilled for the overflow? One of those might possibly be for the return?

 

[BigRedHair92]

No holes drilled at all yet. I'm trying to figure out where exactly to drill my return holes before I drill my overflow holes.

 

[Billdogg]

When I set up my current 120DT, I drilled all the holes myself including the return line. The overflow is center mounted so the return line is mid way between it and one side. Really, wherever you choose will work.Just make sure it is near enough to the surface that your sump can handle the drain down. I used locline so that I could get it just under the surface.

 

[vtecintegra]

If you are going to drill overflow holes then I'd drill for the return at the same time. I set the top of my return holes even with the top of the inside overflow box.

Drilling looks cleaner than running a pipe over the top. Personal taste.

Sea swirls are another option I used for a long time if you don't want to drill..

 

[sarcophytonIndy]

No holes drilled at all yet. I'm trying to figure out where exactly to drill my return holes before I drill my overflow holes.

I recommend watching the BRS videos,

 

[Saltyreef]

Drill it.

If overflow is in the middle, and tank is rimless, put the return holes closer to the overflow box.
If tank is eurobraced, put the returns further away from the overflow.

This was recommended to me by CDA.