Can I drill a Waterbox 130.4 Sump???

[Aneasytarget]

Hi @Waterbox Aquariums
I’d like to convert my ATO reservoir into “useable” sump space.
Was wondering if the glass used is tempered and if safe to drill?
Obvious safety precautions will apply.

 

[KRAKENREEFAQUATICS]

Check it with polarized glasses or ur phone

 

[EmilyXLC]

Hi @Waterbox Aquariums
I’d like to convert my ATO reservoir into “useable” sump space.
Was wondering if the glass used is tempered and if safe to drill?
Obvious safety precautions will apply.

Waterbox glass is non-tempered, so it can be safely drilled. That being said, modifications like this would void the manufacturer's warranty, so please proceed with caution. : )

 

[Paul Bradford]

Hi @Waterbox Aquariums
I’d like to convert my ATO reservoir into “useable” sump space.
Was wondering if the glass used is tempered and if safe to drill?
Obvious safety precautions will apply.

Did you ever drill your ATO area? How did it turn out? What do you use the space for?

I'm in the same situation. Thinking of drilling it out to use as a protein skimmer area.

 

[Aneasytarget]

Did you ever drill your ATO area? How did it turn out? What do you use the space for?

I'm in the same situation. Thinking of drilling it out to use as a protein skimmer area.

Haven’t drilled yet but will in the next couple of weeks. I’ll post some pics. Thinking of removing glass between pump return and ato reservoir, drilling, the reinstalling. Pump will end up in current ato chamber as I don’t use it.

 

[Aneasytarget]

Did you ever drill your ATO area? How did it turn out? What do you use the space for?

I'm in the same situation. Thinking of drilling it out to use as a protein skimmer area.

Hey Paul,
Baffles between ATO area and pump area removed. Currently using an egg crate basket to hold marine pure balls and keep filter sponge in place. I’m thinking I won’t need to drill glass as I won’t be reinstalling it unless I need another constant height chamber/area.

 

[Paul Bradford]

Hey Paul,
Baffles between ATO area and pump area removed. Currently using an egg crate basket to hold marine pure balls and keep filter sponge in place. I’m thinking I won’t need to drill glass as I won’t be reinstalling it unless I need another constant height chamber/area.

That's funny, it never crossed my mind to remove the baffle. Great thinking!!

 

[Aneasytarget]

That's funny, it never crossed my mind to remove the baffle. Great thinking!!

Just need a sharp thin blade and take it slow; multiple passes. I chipped a baffle slightly being impatient, a long thin shard came away (dangerous), I doubt drilling would be safe.

 

[Fred2482]

Looks like it can be done!

 

[Roboreef]

This is my next task on my 100.3 sump. My old Vectra L1 I’ve had for years is just too big for this sump. Seems like no matter the position it always causes vortex and sucks air. Time to externally mount this beast.