Here we go again... took long enough

[scason]

I was a member several years ago. Well short story after a divorce and the unfortunate reality of having to part with my 110g and almost all the equipment to keep the lights on with it 4 years later I am starting up again. I picked up a 39g bow front this weekend. Plan on building a stand and canopy for it which in itself will take a few weeks. I am debating if I should drill it and add a overflow or got HOB, I think if i did drill it, I would drill the back instead of the bottom will need to look more into it, but would really like to keep a sump and not use the HOB on I have. I am just scared to drill a bow front tank (top fin). This is going to be a very budget conscious build for sure. I also need to find some lighting for it I have a old 2x pc set up but one side is shot. So going to be looking for a reasonable LED system or a 2x24" T5 setup so I can upgrade down the road. Not really looking to keep any high maintenance SPS, just softies and fish. Feels good getting back in though, even the researching is relaxing and starting my new job and working 60 hours a week, I need ALL the relaxing moments I can get!!

 

[Defective_Weeble]

Welcome back! Plenty of options out there. Hard to go wrong with with Evergrow LEDs from eBay. They'll run you about $80.

HOB isn't a bad idea either. Though there is a lot more flexibility with a sump, an Aquaclear 110 on that tank would work really well.

 

[TitansFan]

welcome back! I am in Spring Hill as well and getting back in myself. Need any help let me know.

 

[Defective_Weeble]

Oh heck. Didn't even notice you were in Spring Hill. I am too. Feel free to yell if you need a hand with anything.

 

[scason]

That's awesome. Titan I think we have met before. I just remember your screen name. So will 1 unit be bright enough for a 36 gallon? I am going to email the tank manufacturing company to confirm the back panel is not tempered. Everything I see is that they always temp the bottom. Really want the ability for a sump.

Yup spring hill over in the parks.

 

[Defective_Weeble]

One Evergrow will do 24x24x24. WAY more than enough light for the 34 gallon, but you can dim them.

99% sure that the bottom is tempered. The back might not be though. But yeah, a line to the manufacturer is the best bet.

The Parks? In Wyngate?

 

[scason]

Oh wow. That's awesome news. Another check mark off the list!

About to send the email off to all-glass. Couldn't find a name anywhere except on the hood. There is a warning tag glued into the tank.

Yes parks in Wynn gate.

 

[Volitans67]

Welcome back! Looking forward to seeing your progress. I'd have to agree that researching is half the fun.

 

[Defective_Weeble]

Do not drill glass enclosure usually means the whole thing is tempered.

And hi from Bern Drive, neighbor!

 

[scason]

Ya that's what I am worried about. Might have to go hob over flow.

Lol bern drive here as well !!!

 

[Defective_Weeble]

If you go HOB overflow I'd go LifeReef if you can. Though I hear that the Eshopps one is so pretty reliable. Just have to find one that auto restarts.

And too funny. I normally lament how there's never anyone from Spring Hill. Guess that argument is blown out of the water now.

Well definitely yell if you need help. Apparently I can be at your door in 3 minutes or less lol

 

[scason]

Well I just talked to all glass and they said the only panel that is tempered on that tank is very front of the tank so definitely good things there

 

[Levi]

I'm shocked the bottom isn't tempered, maybe because its a bowfront?

 

[scason]

I figured also the bottom would definitely be tempered I think I'm still going to be drilling the back the back of the tank

 

[Levi]

I did a 90g in the back and have a T on the inside with the pipe going all the way to the bottom of the corner overflow so no detritus sitting on the bottom. The pipe sits maybe 1/4" off from the bottom. Its quiet too. I did the typical durso cap with a small hole on the top of the T

 

[scason]

Lost me. Too much to visualize lol picture ?

 

[Defective_Weeble]

Updates man, updates! What's going on?

 

[scason]

Well I finished the main frame of the stand built yesterday, still have to do all the sheeting. I have enough spare ply to do the bottom inside so will do that today. Talked to aqueon and they said the tank is only tempered on the front. And I kept researching and found its not a 39 but actually a 36. Even the tech docks I found say its not tempered so going to do this polarized sunglass test to confirm and if its a go will be drilling the back today. Planning on doing 2 holes for the over flow and 2 returns. Here's a shot of the stand. Pay no attention to my son photo bombing me lol

 

[Defective_Weeble]

Hah! Hey I have a couple 55 gallon barrels for water. I ended up going a different route with them. One of them has the uniseals in place with PVC. If you just wanted to add a ball valve it would make a great RODI storage container. Interested? If so, walk down the street to 1445

 

[scason]

Ta-da! Success