To drill for sump or not?

[CierraBeckwith]

Hello, I'm currently wanting to upgrade one of my tanks. And I have only had experience with AIO tanks. My reasons for wanting to upgrade is because I want to get a bigger tank and also have it fit better in the space where the current tank is it. I've been looking for a used tank to buy, and kind of started liking a 54 gal corner tank (for the spot it will go) I was really wanting to get a tank with a sump this time, for a hopefully quieter tank and more total water volume, and more space in the display. however it's not drilled. So I will either have to drill it and plumb it etc or had a HOB overflow. Which I know the corner tank can also be tricky with.

So mainly just wanting some advice please! On what pros/cons a sump vs AIO will have? Plumbing and drilling help/tips? And anyone have any pictures of set ups that are similar to what I'm thinking about? Any help is really appreciated!!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I say drill it, the only reason not to is apprehension.

I've had aquariums almost 20 years, always hang on back equipment, always afraid to try drilling. Last year I finally got fed up and drilled a tank, and whoa, I wish I had done it to all my tanks for the previous 20 years. It was much easier than I ever thought, and so much easier to work in a sump.

Also, as a non-DIY guy, I got a thrill out of successfully plumbing it. It was a fun project, and it really gives me a lot of pride that I did it all myself, and I will definitely do it again.

 

[The_Paradox]

Drill it. Anything larger than 30g should be sumped in my opinion. As a bonus you get a place to stash ******** inverts.

 

[CierraBeckwith]

I say drill it, the only reason not to is apprehension.

I've had aquariums almost 20 years, always hang on back equipment, always afraid to try drilling. Last year I finally got fed up and drilled a tank, and whoa, I wish I had done it to all my tanks for the previous 20 years. It was much easier than I ever thought, and so much easier to work in a sump.

Also, as a non-DIY guy, I got a thrill out of successfully plumbing it. It was a fun project, and it really gives me a lot of pride that I did it all myself, and I will definitely do it again.

See that's what I'm really leaning towards also. Plus the corner aquarium I have been talking to someone about getting from them, will really fit perfectly in the space and if I can maximize the total water volume more with the sump, even better. The current tank I have that I will be moving into the new one, it's nice but it's really tall, I have to get a stool out to get to the filtration (AIO) and it's a hassle! So for the plumbing, I've seen it's common to use PVC, is that what you used on your tank?

 

[CierraBeckwith]

Drill it. Anything larger than 30g should be sumped in my opinion. As a bonus you get a place to stash ******** inverts.

I am definitely leaning towards drilling. And with how small my space is, if I can maximize total water volume even more (with the sump) then I want to do that.