Drillng tank for returns?

xxkenny90xx · Nov 14, 2019

Ok so I hate the plumbing that goes over the top of my tank from my return pump. I'm thinking about drilling holes and putting in bulkheads right at the water line instead... What are the pros and cons? Anybody else do this? My tank is acrylic so drilling is no big deal

Vinman · Nov 14, 2019

xxkenny90xx said:
Ok so I hate the plumbing that goes over the top of my tank from my return pump. I'm thinking about drilling holes and putting in bulkheads right at the water line instead... What are the pros and cons? Anybody else do this? My tank is acrylic so drilling is no big deal

You're going to drill that tank that's full of livestock?

xxkenny90xx · Nov 14, 2019

Yes, that wouldnt be an issue

motortrendz · Nov 14, 2019

Lower the water level and use a vacuum as you start to come though the acrylic to vac out any shavings and youll be fine.

Vinman · Nov 14, 2019

There's never a problem until there's a problem

xxkenny90xx · Nov 14, 2019

Thanks motor trends, yes I'll lower the water level. The vacuum is a good idea. Vin are you trying to warn me of a specific issue I could run into or.....?

Ken logan · Nov 14, 2019

I pull water down much a possible to relieve stress on tank when full of livestock. Keep vacuum going. Make sure prep work is done meaning bulkheads fittings pipe ready to go.

Dom · Nov 14, 2019

xxkenny90xx said:
Yes, that wouldnt be an issue

There is a video out there that I have been trying to find. A guy tried drilling his tank by lowering the water level below the drill location. Then he stared to drill.

EPIC FAIL.

Empty the tank before the drill.

Vinman · Nov 14, 2019

xxkenny90xx said:
Thanks motor trends, yes I'll lower the water level. The vacuum is a good idea. Vin are you trying to warn me of a specific issue I could run into or.....?

It looks like you've had great success as it is so I don't understand why you'd want to change something and most likely nothing will happen if something does happen it'd be a shame to lose such a nice tank
I have a hang on back return and I don't like it but I've had Success With It and the new tank I'm building out does not have a hang on back. But what I have now it works and it doesn't have any problems I'm not trying to discourage you just wondering if you have a plan B

xxkenny90xx · Nov 14, 2019

Dom said:
There is a video out there that I have been trying to find. A guy tried drilling his tank by lowering the water level below the drill location. Then he stared to drill.

EPIC FAIL.

Empty the tank before the drill.

Was this an acrylic tank? How low was his water? If it's a significant risk I wont do it, but I was planning on removing 90% of the water

motortrendz · Nov 14, 2019

Dom said:
There is a video out there that I have been trying to find. A guy tried drilling his tank by lowering the water level below the drill location. Then he stared to drill.

EPIC FAIL.

Empty the tank before the drill.

That was a glass tank... I would never drill.a glass tank with any water in it. An acrylic tank would be fine as long as the water levels low.

xxkenny90xx · Nov 14, 2019

Vinman said:
It looks like you've had great success as it is so I don't understand why you'd want to change something and most likely nothing will happen if something does happen it'd be a shame to lose such a nice tank
I have a hang on back return and I don't like it but I've had Success With It and the new tank I'm building out does not have a hang on back. But what I have now it works and it doesn't have any problems I'm not trying to discourage you just wondering if you have a plan B

That's actually very solid advice for reefing in general!

Vinman · Nov 14, 2019

xxkenny90xx said:
That's actually very solid advice for reefing in general!

Thanks buddy keep us posted

Dragon52 · Nov 14, 2019

I did this on my tank & didn't remove all the water, just enough to drill it. I had no issues. Below is a link to the overflow I got but check online for a better price. My tank is also acrylic.

16″ Shadow Overflow V3

New Shadow V3 Overflow Kit – Just arrived!

synergyreef.com

Dom · Nov 14, 2019

xxkenny90xx said:
Was this an acrylic tank? How low was his water? If it's a significant risk I wont do it, but I was planning on removing 90% of the water

It was a glass tank.

Dom · Nov 14, 2019

motortrendz said:
That was a glass tank... I would never drill.a glass tank with any water in it. An acrylic tank would be fine as long as the water levels low.

Maybe I missed it, but, the OP didn't mention it was an acrylic tank.

I agree; its a beautiful tank. Why fix something that isn't broken?

motortrendz · Nov 14, 2019

Dom said:
Maybe I missed it, but, the OP didn't mention it was an acrylic tank.

I agree; its a beautiful tank. Why fix something that isn't broken?

He mentioned it in the last line.of the first post. But I also agree, if it ain't broke... dont fix it

xxkenny90xx · Nov 14, 2019

Ok guys I appreciate all of the advice. I think I'll hold off for now since I don't have a good reason to take any risks. I do want to see that video now though