Drilled tank yes or no?

Neptune 555 · Nov 9, 2018

I have a drilled overflow 75 gallon tank and sump. As I am looking at 180 gallon tanks I have heard that drilling the tank causes a weak spot? I am nervous to use any syphon system b/c it just seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

Please share experiences and recommendations on overflow vs syphon systems on larger tanks? I was interested in the Aqueon 180 two overflow system. It comes drilled.

thanks!!
Neptune

DLHDesign · Nov 9, 2018

I would certainly consider a hole a "weak spot" in that it's unlikely to keep in water... But that's kind of the point of it, eh? ;-)

Drilling a tank does impact the structural integrity of the tank, yes. But unless you go crazy with the number or placement of the holes, the result of the drilling is not going to be enough to cause issues. Most tanks are built with a fair margin of error in terms of their structural stability. So as long as the tank is built well from the start (e.g.; not using 1/8" glass for a 180gal tank), it can handle the drilling of a few overflow holes just fine.

When you are buying a tank pre-drilled from the manufacturer, it's pretty much certain that the tank is designed to handle the loads.

cracker · Nov 9, 2018

Hello Neptune, I meant to respond one hour ago & lost Ya. I have the same tank ! Will you have to drill the tank? it's not as scary as Ya think ! I drilled mine for a synergy overflow & love it !
Drilling does negate the warranty. I would't be too concerned with weakening the integrity of the glass. The over the back overflows with the siphon tubes are OK but can fail I never had it happen. The corner over flows are noisy in my OP & take up room in the tank. All my tanks are drilled now & they work very well. The Herbie/Bean designs have fail safes for more safty against flooding .
Please tell us about the overflow your looking at . A link maybe?

Muttley000 · Nov 9, 2018

Drilling is much safer than siphon in my opinion. I always be sure to stay at least a hole diameter away from the top, and at least a hole diameter from another hole. I have drilled dozens of tanks using these guidelines without a fail.

Neptune 555 · Nov 9, 2018

I am thinking of purchasing the Aqueon 180 pre- drilled tank with two overflows - I am too nervous to drill a tank myself. My LFS has said custom build tanks are higher quality... never fail. but with mass produced tanks do have a chance of failure.

this tank: https://www.fishtanksdirect.com/aqueon-tank-megaflow-black-72lx24wx24h-180gal.aspx

The custom tank that goes with the stand I want uses a siphon system. The siphon system makes me nervous.... I have plenty of water mistakes and with 180 gallons I can't take chances!!

cracker · Nov 9, 2018

I'm pleased with my Aqueon 180 .

theMeat · Nov 9, 2018

I say drilled is safer and better.
Also say get a tank that’s not drilled and drill it for a ghost style overflow. Takes up much less room in tank, and much quieter.
Make sure the pane that you are drilling is not tempered

WVNed · Nov 9, 2018

Done both. Seems to be a wash. Drilled tanks look slightly better because the inside box can be shallower.

SeaJay · Nov 9, 2018

Getting into my first tank & not knowing much of anything about the hobby I was VERY leery of putting over a hundred gallons of water in my living room contained in a tank with 4 holes drilled in the bottom of it. Now that I'm starting to understand everything, I'm really glad I followed the recommendation of my LFS and got the reef ready tank with drilled overflows. It's a 135 gal Seapora. Very nice tank. Thick glass, glass bracing on top and super clean black silicone work. I'm very pleased. I'd be kicking myself right now had I decided against a drilled tank and was fooling around with a siphon system.

Neptune 555 · Nov 9, 2018

You drill holes in the bottom of the tank also? The custom aquarium they were promoting has holes on the back top of the tank with a siphon overflow.... My other tank is drilled on the bottom direct into sump.