In need of help

Larry adams · Jan 15, 2017

New to R2R... i have had a 90 gallon tank for a numerous amount of years. But it hasnt been set. In about 10. Since purchasing a new home. Im ready to set it back up. I used to to have it as a salt tank. But now i want a reef tank.
The tank isnt drilled. So i was thinking overflow. Any ideas ???????

ludnix · Jan 15, 2017

Would you be interested in drilling the tank yourself or you wanting to stick to an hang-on overflow box?

Larry adams · Jan 15, 2017

I thought about it. But its not an acrylic tank. Its thick glass. Thats why i was thinking to go with the overflow..

melypr1985 · Jan 15, 2017

You would need something like this if you don't want to risk drilling it yourself. They have their own set of challenges and occasional problems. They rely on a siphon which can break and floods are possible if that happens. Just a thought.

Larry adams · Jan 15, 2017

melypr1985 said:
You would need something like this if you don't want to risk drilling it yourself. They have their own set of challenges and occasional problems. They rely on a siphon which can break and floods are possible if that happens. Just a thought.

I do appreciate that. I will look into that more. How hard is it to drill with thick glass.

melypr1985 · Jan 15, 2017

Larry adams said:
I do appreciate that. I will look into that more. How hard is it to drill with thick glass.

It's not a cake walk, but most people seem to be able to do it just fine. The one time i tried it I cracked the entire back pane of glass on a 75 gallon.

I went reef ready ever since.

ludnix · Jan 15, 2017

Larry adams said:
I thought about it. But its not an acrylic tank. Its thick glass. Thats why i was thinking to go with the overflow..

You can drill glass tanks with diamond coated hole saw, if you google it there's a lot of great tutorials on it. It's pretty easy to do on thick glass if you have the space to set it up and go for it. You can do the hang-on overflow box as well, but I would get a float switch for the return pump so you don't have a flood if the siphon fails.

ludnix · Jan 15, 2017

Make sure to leak test that 90g tank before setting it up or investing in it. Sometimes tanks that have been in storage don't hold water as well as they used to.

Larry adams · Jan 15, 2017

ludnix said:
You can drill glass tanks with diamond coated hole saw, if you google it there's a lot of great tutorials on it. It's pretty easy to do on thick glass if you have the space to set it up and go for it. You can do the hang-on overflow box as well, but I would get a float switch for the return pump so you don't have a flood if the siphon fails.

melypr1985 said:
It's not a cake walk, but most people seem to be able to do it just fine. The one time i tried it I cracked the entire back pane of glass on a 75 gallon. I went reef ready ever since.

I appreciate that. Its an old tank that was handed down from my grandfther. I might lean towards the overflow. And tske my chances there for the start.

Larry adams · Jan 15, 2017

ludnix said:
Make sure to leak test that 90g tank before setting it up or investing in it. Sometimes tanks that have been in storage don't hold water as well as they used to.

Most definately will. Was supposed to have done that this past weekend. But ended up doing other things. But will definitely do that this weekend.

FrankiePuffer · Jan 15, 2017

Note. I once bought a second hand tank that had been dry for quite a few years. Leak tested fine but 3 months later it let go. I won't do a used tank again without resealing. It can make it a bit unsightly but I use them for QT so I don't care

cromag27 · Jan 16, 2017

This hob is self starting and no floods!

http://lifereef.com/siphon.html

Larry Stewart · Jan 16, 2017

From Larry to another...if you have the time and space, I would invest into the proper drill bit and tools to build your own over flow box with attached plumbing. By doing so, you will fuel the spirit of creativity and you'll increase your interest in the hobby. HOB overflows could be great to start but over time, a lot things can happen as far as snail/algae growth/detritus/floods....etc. I would suggest researching the glass tank to check for tempered panels.

I'm sure you'll be able to build your own overflow with the patience and attention that the hobby requires.
Good luck with your build. And please keep us all posted on your outcome.

- Larry

4FordFamily · Jan 16, 2017

Welcome home first of all, you will love it here!

Secondly, it sounds like your tank is at least ten years old and has been moved at least a couple times, perhaps sitting empty for some time. Those are all high risk factors for your tank glass.

After nearly burning my brand new build house to the ground with an old tank that leaked in to a power cord, and another breaking and flooding the main level destroying 20k of flooring ceiling and basement -- I highly suggest to you to keep the used stuff but buy new glass. It's not worth the risk.

Just my .02.

Larry adams · Jan 16, 2017

FrankiePuffer said:
Note. I once bought a second hand tank that had been dry for quite a few years. Leak tested fine but 3 months later it let go. I won't do a used tank again without resealing. It can make it a bit unsightly but I use them for QT so I don't care

I will definately test it this weekend . I was gonna reseal the whole tank as well though. Tryung to be on the dafe side. Cut out the old glue from the inside first then reseal.

dbl · Jan 16, 2017

Welcome to R2R.

Puffpuffpuffer · Jan 16, 2017

+1 on Lifereef HOB

Larry adams · Jan 17, 2017

dbl said:
Welcome to R2R.

Thank you.

Larry adams · Jan 22, 2017

ludnix said:
Make sure to leak test that 90g tank before setting it up or investing in it. Sometimes tanks that have been in storage don't hold water as well as they used to.

Checked the tank. Cleaned and filled. Found a small leak at the top right front corner. Sealing that tomorrow. Thinking seriously about drilling. Already have wood to build a stand and top.

Larry adams · Jan 22, 2017

Larry Stewart said:
From Larry to another...if you have the time and space, I would invest into the proper drill bit and tools to build your own over flow box with attached plumbing. By doing so, you will fuel the spirit of creativity and you'll increase your interest in the hobby. HOB overflows could be great to start but over time, a lot things can happen as far as snail/algae growth/detritus/floods....etc. I would suggest researching the glass tank to check for tempered panels.

I'm sure you'll be able to build your own overflow with the patience and attention that the hobby requires.
Good luck with your build. And please keep us all posted on your outcome.

- Larry

Thanks for the reply. I'm seriously leaning towards drilling the tank. Since i have never done it before, i am sceptical. But i do believe that i can do it. I will definately keep everyone posted. Just cleaned the tank and filled. Found a small leak that will be taken care of by the following weekend.