54G Corner Tank - Filtration Ideas

jstone17 · Jan 20, 2018

So I bought the Aqueon 54G corner unit. I would like to set up a FOWLR, possibly corals at a later date.

Anyhow, I realized the bottom glass is tempered which means no drilling, almost certain the side panels are too.

I have room for a 10G sump in the cabinet which I would like too utilize and setup.

So the question is, do I have any other options besides a HOB filtration system? Can a HOB run to a sump?

NowGlazeIT · Jan 20, 2018

Yes a hob can be used to create a siphon that leads to the sump area. From there you will need a pump to pump it back to the tank and since you can’t drill you will want to build a return line out of Pvc in a hook fashion to hang the return to the rim of your tank I’ll see if I can find some pics

NowGlazeIT · Jan 20, 2018

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/pf-1...MIo7ue9P_m2AIVDJ9-Ch0hPwjsEAQYAyABEgI4OPD_BwE

Overflow option/idea

JoshH · Jan 20, 2018

Before you limit yourself to HOB overflows and returns you should check and see if you really do have tempered glass on your back walls. There are a couple ways to know for sure whether you do or not. No reason to limit yourself right off the top without knowing for sure you have no other option...

NowGlazeIT · Jan 20, 2018

NowGlazeIT · Jan 20, 2018

JoshH said:
Before you limit yourself to HOB overflows and returns you should check and see if you really do have tempered glass on your back walls. There are a couple ways to know for sure whether you do or not. No reason to limit yourself right off the top without knowing for sure you have no other option...

He’s right to advice HoB as a final resort. They are not redundant

JoshH · Jan 20, 2018

If you do go HOB I would suggest looking into lifereef. Jeff has been making his overflows for 25+ years and not one of them has broken there siphon. His design works so well eshopps based there's off his design obviously with a few minor differences.

jstone17 · Jan 20, 2018

Thank you for the suggestions, but I think I found my answer. I took a polarized filter from my DSLR and did some testing.

Front and bottom panes definitely tempered.

Side panes are NOT tempered.

That makes me happy as a clam! Now I need how to learn the drilling process.

OREGONIC · Jan 20, 2018

jstone17 said:
Thank you for the suggestions, but I think I found my answer. I took a polarized filter from my DSLR and did some testing.

Front and bottom panes definitely tempered.

Side panes are NOT tempered.

That makes me happy as a clam! Now I need how to learn the drilling process.

That makes me so happy I have the same tank set up as freshwater and have been debating converting to a second reef.

NowGlazeIT · Jan 20, 2018

Money idea! Thanks for sharing this. Ive always wanted to test this out and those results are clear as day! This would make a good sticky in the diy forums @dbl

JoshH · Jan 20, 2018

Told you it was worth checking out

Happy drilling!!!

NowGlazeIT · Jan 20, 2018

JoshH said:
Told you it was worth checking out Happy drilling!!!

Good call dude!!

Mageau11 · Jan 20, 2018

Wish I would’ve seen this trick with the polarized lens as I have the same exact tank. Ran a canister filter (Fluval 406) and hang-on-back Skimmer (Aquamaxx HOB-1) and Refugium (CPR Aquafuge2) for a year. Fought my nitrates and phosphates like crazy so decided to upgrade to a Trigger Systems Sapphire Cube sump and I’m running it with the CPR Overflow (with Aqualifter to maintain siphon).

Looking forward to hearing how your drilling project goes!

Mystical_Knight · Jan 20, 2018

Drilling tanks is easily one of the most exciting and nerve wracking things in this hobby lol

jstone17 · Jan 20, 2018

So I'm still confused on what to do with options of having the back panel drilled. I assume I'll need one line in one line out to connect to the sump.

Are there any good ideas or links someone can direct me to?

JoshH · Jan 20, 2018

Ideally you want to pick your overflow first. Synergy, eshopps, glass holes etc all have great overflows to choose from. Once you have picked one then you will know how many holes you will need to drill. Glass holes only require 1 hole for most of there smaller overflows. Synergy and most eshopps 2 holes. The advantage to the 2 holed overflows are they typically can support a bean animal drain set up as well as much more flow but that won't be a problem with your system. A single holed overflow will generally be set up for a durso or Herbie style drain. Whichever overflow you choose you just need to add 1 more hole for your return and that's it.

jstone17 · Jan 20, 2018

Thanks for the advice, purchased the Synergy 16" Shadow Overflow (looking to get the right set up the first time around).

On to the skimmer. I will be building a 10G sump with glass baffles and Chaeto to start. What are some suggestions for quality skimmers that will fit into a 10G sump?

jstone17 · Jan 20, 2018

Mageau11 said:
Wish I would’ve seen this trick with the polarized lens as I have the same exact tank. Ran a canister filter (Fluval 406) and hang-on-back Skimmer (Aquamaxx HOB-1) and Refugium (CPR Aquafuge2) for a year. Fought my nitrates and phosphates like crazy so decided to upgrade to a Trigger Systems Sapphire Cube sump and I’m running it with the CPR Overflow (with Aqualifter to maintain siphon).

Looking forward to hearing how your drilling project goes!

Killer setup! My aquarium will be in the front room so I'm looking for the cleanest looking tank possible.