Buy drilled or drill my own

[ndz98]

I was thinking of buying a Marineland reef ready 75 gallon tank with the corner flow overflows. But I am also open to the idea of buying just a regular 75 gallon tank and drilling it and putting on a synergy reef overflow. The second option might cost me a little less. I have no issue drilling holes. I have done it before. As far as the size of the opening goes, would 3/4 of an inch be big enough? Also which option would you choose? Is one overflow better than the other? I know if I go with the synergy reef overflow it frees up some space on the bottom of the tank and it's also sleeker but how far does it stick out from the back? I'd prefer something that was a little more flush with the wall.

 

[Oscar47f]

its about 4'' width from the back so not very bulky... i would've drilled my own tank because a regular overflow is too bulky for my taste.

 

[Oscar47f]

and the synergy reef allows for a bean animal style over flow that is really safe and effective... I've never tried it but the thought behind it is nice for added redundancy..

 

[miPapareef]

Good luck with your decision and build.

Here's my 75 gallon with the Shadow and 1" drain lines. The total space needed for the that overflow set up is 4". But my 3/4" bulkhead fed with 1" pipe takes 6" from the wall. Hope this helps you decide.

 

[Mandrew]

Drill it! It's more fun and "custom" that way. Building tanks is the most fun for me lol. Anyways it saves a lot of room verses the pillar style corner overflows... yuck!

 

[Radman73]

I'd drill my own as well. A slim overflow is much more appealing than the huge corner overflows.

 

[MaiReef]

I would use the reef ready and here is why... I have looked at both and this is what I have found. A Durso drain with 1.25" tubing to the 1" bulkhead is plenty of flow for a refugium. If the plumping / bulkheads fail and need repair, it is easier with the corners vs. getting behind a full tank. The Durso does not need to be adjusted like the Herbie or Bean. I do not want my tank sticking out 6" from the wall where I have mine.

Now if I had a panel in the wall and could get to the drain pipes it would be different.

 

[mtraylor]

Sounds like you are ready for a custom tank. Order a custom tank and get everything the way you want it. Let them put the wholes and overflows etc. just the way you want it. Best option I ever went with was designing my own aquarium and sump.

 

[ndz98]

Sounds like you are ready for a custom tank. Order a custom tank and get everything the way you want it. Let them put the wholes and overflows etc. just the way you want it. Best option I ever went with was designing my own aquarium and sump.

Who makes good custom glass tanks? Only one I know of is glass cages and that would be to my advantage because they are only an hour or so drive from me.

 

[mtraylor]

I went local as well. I went with AGE. They are a great company that will mix glass and acrylic together.

 

[klp]

There are some bad reports on Glass Cages on the internet. Sloppy work seems to be their mantra. Here is an R2R discussion.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/glass-cages-aquariums.213806/