40 breeder drilling questions

[mrcoffee2]

Hey guys,

I am in the planning stages of building my 40b w/ 20g sump.

Do I really need to buy one of those fancy over flows, or can I just have it drain down by gravity through a hole?
For example could I get away with having a 2inch hole in the back for overflow then two 1 inch returns? Should I do bigger returns?

If there is a simple guide for how to properly drill / setup a breeder that would be great too.

Thanks!

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Here's some ideas. I generally use standard bulkheads with Lifegard Low-Profile strainers these days.

Check out glass-holes for tips on drilling. Super easy, go slow with no pressure and you'll be fine

I would just use one return, keep it simple. Use additional flow in-tank for coral (powerhead).

 

[cope413]

I have that exact setup currently - 40B/20g sump.

You don't "need" an overflow in the sense that you can drain to your sump with a simple hole, but it's not recommended for a variety of reasons.

#1 being clogs. Fish, inverts, and anything else not attached to rock or the tank will inevitably get sucked into the drain without an overflow. Not only can you kill/injure livestock, but you can clog your drain, which can then lead to either an overflow of your display, or running your return pump dry, or both.

There are other reasons like noise and surface skimming. Just know that there is a very good reason you don't see any tanks with plumbing to a sump without some sort of an overflow.

It's fairly easy to drill.

It's recommended you pick up a drill guide - something like this http://www.amazon.com/Wolfcraft-452...F8&qid=1413396964&sr=1-1&keywords=drill+guide

It will make the task much easier.

You also need the appropriate glass hole saw.

I used this for my overflow hole. Uxcell a10102800ux0124 Diamond Coating Tip Glass Tile Hole Saw, 60mm - Hole Saw Arbors - Amazon.com

I used this for my return hole. 35mm Dia Diamond Tipped Tile Ceramic Glass Hole Saw Drill Bit - Hole Saw Arbors - Amazon.com

Basically, with some plumbers' putty (or something similar), create a ring around the area you want to drill. It needs to be able to hold at least 1/4" of water. This will keep the glass cool while cutting and prevent it from cracking due to temp change.

Attach the hole saw to the drill guide, and start drilling. You want to go VERY slowly. As slowly as you can spin the drill, and don't apply any pressure. You basically want just the weight of the drill.

It should take a couple of minutes to get through. No need to rush. Not worth a cracked tank.

Put a towel or something inside the tank so that when you drill through, the circle of glass that falls out doesn't fall and crack the other side of the tank.

 

[VicD81]

You could go without a traditional overflow just put in elbow in the inside to skim the top and cap it with a low profile strainer. Not sure how noisy it would be. Be very careful when drilling your tank though. I cracked my 3 month old 72bow because I applied too much pressure.

 

[mrcoffee2]

What overflow kit is the best bang for my buck? Suggestions for my setup?

 

[fisharefriends]

Wow Mrcoffee whats up funny we didnt talk about this on phone but i just sold brand new 40 breeder drilled over for a gl*******s.com 700gph overflow and dual returns the next day after i spoke to you lol...

 

[mrcoffee2]

Wow Mrcoffee whats up funny we didnt talk about this on phone but i just sold brand new 40 breeder drilled over for a gl*******s.com 700gph overflow and dual returns the next day after i spoke to you lol...

Lol fresh.

Getting the SPS frag tank up and going. Wanted to try and do it this way rather than going AIO.

 

[fisharefriends]

I hatr AIO they are gunk and nasty trash trappers just took down my biocube too...Although some are really nice...

 

[mrcoffee2]

I really like my innovative marine tanks. They are not cheap but they are nice for an AIO.

 

[mrcoffee2]

What over flow do you suggest?

 

[KSReefing]

I just did the one from Gl*******s 700GPH and dual 3/4 loc line returns. Really like mine. Super quiet and drilling was really easy. First time I have ever done it and I will always drill any take I have from here on out. Just go slow.

 

[Reefkeepr1986]

Here's my overflow I drilled and it works perfect and quit!! I prefer dual over flow for greater water volume turn over and risk of a single overflow getting clogged!!

 

[Reefkeepr1986]

Good luck with the build and IMO I would bring the tank outside use the garden hose to keep the glass from heating up when drilling!!

 

[phillrodrigo]

I just did a 10 and a 20. I was told even experienced people have issues drilling 10 gallons. I got the bit started on a angle and slowly went down. If you put some water on it the water should puddle right in the spot your drilling at. You can also use plumber's putty to make a dam but your most likely not gonna drill evenly so once you get through on part of it all the water will go through the holes. Just let the drills weight do the work at speed 1 at medium pull of the trigger. I kept a bottle in my other hand and randomly put more water on it. Try to look at the hole and try to even it out so your not drilling more on one half. You will most likely go through on one side first make sure you hold the drill up alittle so it doesn't keep drilling the side that's already through. Most importantly make sure you put a piece of plywood inside to catch the piece being drilled

 

[SaltySammy]

A great investment i made was a drill guide that has a pressure lever on it. 50ish bucks and if several people go in on it its worth the investment. I drill mine outside with a hose one the hole that my son holds and it goes fast with the guide.

 

[RandoReefer]

Good luck with the build and IMO I would bring the tank outside use the garden hose to keep the glass from heating up when drilling!!

+1 on the garden hose! No putty dams for me. The guide might be a wise investment. I free hand all my holes and normally end up a little off course and with minor chips on the backside. Granted though, I wasn't drilling a sexy display.

P.s. I'm a big fan of the 40b and 20Long combo. Currently funking that for my drag tank. [emoji16]

 

[KSReefing]

I drilled my 40 two weeks ago and I was super nervous for it. But once I went ahead and just dove into it, it was actually really simple. Take your time and don't push. It'll all work. I almost want to set up another small system now knowing I can drill at anytime.