42 gallon Oceanic Drill/Plumb

[Will Perry]

SO... I have this crazy idea. I just inherited a 42 gallon Oceanic hexagon and I feel it would be AWESOME to drill the bottom so I can create a 360 view. I don't have room in my apartment to completely enjoy the 360 view, but in I feel it would be awesome for a future aesthetic... plus, why not? So, I'm looking for guides on how to drill, plumb, and plan this project. I'm 99% certain that this tank is NOT tempered glass, btw. I tested using my laptop and a pair of (for sure) polarized sunglasses. Also, the bottom fo the tank is SUPER thick (like 1/2"?).

Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

[Brew12]

That could be very interesting! You may want to check out this thread on a different site.
42 gallon hex bottom drilled

 

[Will Perry]

That could be very interesting! You may want to check out this thread on a different site.
42 gallon hex bottom drilled

This is actually quite helpful. I don't think I like the MMLR, though. It looks kind of weird in the tank when it's done. I DO like the plumbing, though. I think I want to run an overflow and return in a similar manner, but maybe with 2 separate pieces of PVC. Hmmm. I'm learning that I am simply going to have to give this some more thought before I start spending money. I would love to do a custom hexagon stand in the future, but that is a little outside of my skill level currently. I am going to build a basic rectangle stand instead that can hold my sump as well, since the sump is too long for the hex.

Still, these ideas are pretty much exactly what I am seeking. Just one question: How far from the top of the tank do I need to end my overflow? An inch? Half an inch? Two inches? *ponder*

 

[Brew12]

This is actually quite helpful. I don't think I like the MMLR, though. It looks kind of weird in the tank when it's done. I DO like the plumbing, though. I think I want to run an overflow and return in a similar manner, but maybe with 2 separate pieces of PVC. Hmmm. I'm learning that I am simply going to have to give this some more thought before I start spending money. I would love to do a custom hexagon stand in the future, but that is a little outside of my skill level currently. I am going to build a basic rectangle stand instead that can hold my sump as well, since the sump is too long for the hex.

Still, these ideas are pretty much exactly what I am seeking. Just one question: How far from the top of the tank do I need to end my overflow? An inch? Half an inch? Two inches? *ponder*

I would end it at least an inch under the top with the bottom of the teeth at least 1 3/4" from the top of the tank.

 

[Will Perry]

I would end it at least an inch under the top with the bottom of the teeth at least 1 3/4" from the top of the tank.

So, I am not going to be using an overflow box in the middle. Instead what I am envisioning is a 1 1/2" pvc pipe (in purple) coming up the middle with one of these connected to the end:

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/low-profile-bulkhead-overflow-strainers.html

Then, with the pump I have... I am going to run a 3/4" pvc for return ending in Loc-tite that will be split and used to create a circular flow inside the tank. I feel this might just work. So, I'll need to add a 3/4" and 1 1/2" bulhead in the middle of the tank. I feel that the purple pvc will look MUCH better than plain white for this application. It is also sold in 5' sections, so later, when I can afford all the fittings, I can plumb the bottom of the tank with purple pvc for a better look.