Drilling Marineland 75G

[Steve Maxwell]

OK...I've finally decided that I MIGHT drill my Marineland 75G (not reef ready) tank. Just having nightmares of a vacuum overflow box malfunctioning and flooding.

So...if I do this, what would you recommend...Herbie, BeanAnimal, or something else? Also, I'm assuming there will be instructions somewhere as to where to actually drill the holes (how far apart, how far from lid, etc).

I will be running the drain line to a eshopps R-200 refugium/sump. I read somewhere that the Herbie pipes should be placed underwater in the sump, but this wouldn't be possible since they would be going into the sock filter container. Would this matter?

Help!

 

[ReeferBob]

Drill it! Make sure it isn't tempered though. Holes should be at least 1-2 holes apart and from any edge. Best thing is to drill 2 holes and install an overflow (like the below but any brand you choose, look at http://www.glass-holes.com/ as well). The overflow will be your template for the holes. From that (the external piece) you put your 3 pipes for a Bean. Bean is the only way to go for a new setup. You can reconfigure your sump to allow you to exit underwater but still incorporate a filter bag.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1600-GPH-AQ...hash=item25ac483b3c:m:mTLUU6e3SemQwsd41q_pv9w

 

[chimmike]

For ultimate in quiet, I'd go bean animal, no doubt.

glassholes.com for drill bits, or ebay.

Go slow, use constant water flow over it. Don't need plumber's putty if you have someone hold a hose with gentle flow while you drill (obviously best to do outside). Gloves, goggles, let the weight of the drill do the cutting.

As for an overflow box, you can have a local glass shop cut pieces for you to assemble and silicone it to the back of the tank.

 

[Steve Maxwell]

Thanks for the replies! Glass-Holes.com has a set up called the threejole'. Does anybody have any experience with this item/set up? One problem I see is that it has 3 - 1 1/2" bulkheads and my refugium/sump only has 2 - 1" bulkheads

 

[ReeferBob]

Thanks for the replies! Glass-Holes.com has a set up called the threejole'. Does anybody have any experience with this item/set up? One problem I see is that it has 3 - 1 1/2" bulkheads and my refugium/sump only has 2 - 1" bulkheads

That kit is a ripoff. I paid $112 for that one on ebay and it came with an internal surface skimmer box, an external box and 5 bulkheads. I drilled my own holes on the outside box and the inside box comes pre-drilled.

Your sump, like most pre-made sumps, is not designed for modern salt water aquariums. I would suggest return it if you can and buy a 40 breeder at the next $1/gallon sale and make your own. For under $100 you can build a really great sump and it will work with any plumbing setup you want.

 

[Steve Maxwell]

That kit is a ripoff. I paid $112 for that one on ebay and it came with an internal surface skimmer box, an external box and 5 bulkheads. I drilled my own holes on the outside box and the inside box comes pre-drilled.

Your sump, like most pre-made sumps, is not designed for modern salt water aquariums. I would suggest return it if you can and buy a 40 breeder at the next $1/gallon sale and make your own. For under $100 you can build a really great sump and it will work with any plumbing setup you want.

This is part of my problem. I can likely return the refugium/sump (bought it from Amazon and they are usually teriffic about returning items), but then I am lost. I am pretty much new to the hobby and do not have any experience building refugiums/sumps/plumbing. I am not an incredibly handy person, however if I get detailed instructions I am very detailed oriented and can follow them to a tee. I also have limited access to tools, but can purchase some if it will still help the cost of the system. I had originally thought about using a 40g breeder to build my own, but couldn't really find good detailed directions on how to do so (I want to be able to have a refugium as well as area for heater, skimmer, & return pump, and probably bag filters.) I just wish there was someplace to buy/get plans for "this is how you build the sump you want, how to plumb it (including drilling a non-drilled tank), and how to determine flow/return/etc.)"

 

[ReeferBob]

This is part of my problem. I can likely return the refugium/sump (bought it from Amazon and they are usually teriffic about returning items), but then I am lost. I am pretty much new to the hobby and do not have any experience building refugiums/sumps/plumbing. I am not an incredibly handy person, however if I get detailed instructions I am very detailed oriented and can follow them to a tee. I also have limited access to tools, but can purchase some if it will still help the cost of the system. I had originally thought about using a 40g breeder to build my own, but couldn't really find good detailed directions on how to do so (I want to be able to have a refugium as well as area for heater, skimmer, & return pump, and probably bag filters.) I just wish there was someplace to buy/get plans for "this is how you build the sump you want, how to plumb it (including drilling a non-drilled tank), and how to determine flow/return/etc.)"

Just so happens I documented and wrote detailed instructions on my last sump build. Enjoy!

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2270518

 

[drstratton]

Just so happens I documented and wrote detailed instructions on my last sump build. Enjoy!

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2270518

Wow, that was very nicely done!!!

 

[Steve Maxwell]

Looks good. Did you put a refugium in this? Did you ever post an after picture?

 

[chimmike]

Lots of excellent resources here and on the web on setting up your own sump, etc. You will want a silent drain. I suggest the beananimal. This requires room due to the 90's you'll use for the plumbing. Plan it out before drilling, i.e. buy some plumbing of the size you'll need for the flow turnover necessary on a 75, then figure out the hole spacing on the external overflow. Drill holes for the internal overflow to drain to the external. internal/external boxes can be made easily/cheaply.

Don't rush into it. Do it right the first time. As much as we all want to upgrade, you don't want to be forced to upgrade because you did something wrong due to rushing.

 

[jason kirchner]

OK...I've finally decided that I MIGHT drill my Marineland 75G (not reef ready) tank. Just having nightmares of a vacuum overflow box malfunctioning and flooding.

So...if I do this, what would you recommend...Herbie, BeanAnimal, or something else? Also, I'm assuming there will be instructions somewhere as to where to actually drill the holes (how far apart, how far from lid, etc).

I will be running the drain line to a eshopps R-200 refugium/sump. I read somewhere that the Herbie pipes should be placed underwater in the sump, but this wouldn't be possible since they would be going into the sock filter container. Would this matter?

Help!

Done it on several tanks best advice I have to give is go slow and have plenty of cold flowing water