Drilled vs. Non-Drilled

roadkeel · Jan 24, 2014

I am trying to decide which tank to get and I am struggling. I am looking at a couple of 75 gallon tanks, at a LFS store, one drilled and the other non-drilled. The drilled tank with bulk heads included is about $250 more than the non-drilled. I know folks have tanks with sumps that are not drilled. How is the best way to circulate the water to the sump and back if your tank is not drilled? And while I realize that things can go wrong with either set-up how risky is the non-drilled systems as far as leaking? I hope that makes sense.

Thanks..

AZDesertRat · Jan 24, 2014

$250 more doesn't sound right unless it is a much better tank to begin with. Around here it costs about $10 a hole to have it drilled and a little less per bulkhead retail so say $20 per hole maximum.

Given a choice from the beginning I would always go drilled over non drilled as it opens up many more options to you. Retrofitting is tougher than having the holes to begin with and an internal overflow and drilled returns always looks better than a HOB and over the top returns.

Mike in CT · Jan 24, 2014

Does the drilled tank come with an overflow box? That can raise the price up . Definitely go with a drilled. You could always do it your self as we'll... Not a big deal.

RalphsReef · Jan 24, 2014

Drilled is the way to go. The $250 more is unusual, though. You could always get the non-drilled tank, and have it custom drilled for a coast-to-coast overflow and pimp it out. That would still be way less than the extra $250 the LFS is asking. I would call them out on that and see what their reasoning for it is.

roadkeel · Jan 24, 2014

Thanks guys for the info. Yes the drilled tank is drilled in both back corners and has overflow boxes (clear) around each hole.

RalphsReef · Jan 24, 2014

Do you know who the manufacturer is? I am not aware of a 75G tank that comes drilled on both sides. Unless it's a custom job.

roadkeel · Jan 24, 2014

Sorry, RalphsReef you are correct. The 75g has 2 holes drilled and a clear overflow box. The 125g he has in the shop has both back corners drilled.

gtbarsi · Jan 25, 2014

For $250, you could consider getting a 16" ghost overflow and install it yourself. It doesn't get any better than that overflow. For a lot less you could check out glass-holes.com and get there 700GPH through the back overflow kit with diamond hole saw and everything for $80. You would still need to add a return line, they sell a 3/4" kit complete with diamond hole saw for another $27. That would save you $143 - S&H, and you would not have a large overflow box taking up an entire corner of your tank.

Unless I am missing something extra they are providing with there reef ready tank I think the $250 extra is insane, especially for that tank and what is available to anyone willing to take the time and learn to drill glass. Drilling glass sounds scary but once you do it you'll understand that it is no big deal.