My first tank drilling. Can I?

Neodude86 · Apr 1, 2020

Ok, so i want to upgrade a tank by adding a full sump but I'm not sure if I can even drill the tank. The tank itself is a fluval flex 32.5 gallon with a built in sump but i want to expand the sump and put a 20 gallon long under the tank. This is for my wife as she wants to do a clown harem in it since i recently converted my 75 to salt water (the guy at the lfs said i would catch the salt water bug when i started keeping fish a couple years ago and i didnt believe him). So the question is can i drill a fluval flex 32.5 or is the glass going to explode? I know i cant drill my 75 because it is definitely tempered but there is nothing in the paperwork for the flex saying anything. This tank is still new and i dont want to destroy a $400 tank over a dream when i can get a cheap tank to do it. Again this is for my wife and i want her to have everything her heart desires and right now her heart wants a circus. Thank you all in advance for reading my crazed ramblings and thank you more if you have an answer. I'll be trying to check this as often as possible.

Ding2daDong · Apr 1, 2020

I did a search and couldn't find anything. Sadly my answer will be to contact the manufacturer. Even if someone said yes on here it would really suck if you attempted and it blew out on you. Hopefully someone will be able to give you a little more insight on this. Gotta make the wife happy.

Neodude86 · Apr 1, 2020

Ding2daDong said:
I did a search and couldn't find anything. Sadly my answer will be to contact the manufacturer. Even if someone said yes on here it would really suck if you attempted and it blew out on you. Hopefully someone will be able to give you a little more insight on this. Gotta make the wife happy.

Thanks. I actually came up with an idea to modify an old hob filter into an overflow I know people have done it before but im going to do it my way. Safer and cheaper in the long run i think. I did send a message to the manufacturer but i never count on a reply. If i get it to work ill share some pics. First i have to hand build a stand though because i just realized the stand i have wont accommodate any tanks for the sump.

im_jeremy5 · Oct 16, 2020

Neodude86 said:
Thanks. I actually came up with an idea to modify an old hob filter into an overflow I know people have done it before but im going to do it my way. Safer and cheaper in the long run i think. I did send a message to the manufacturer but i never count on a reply. If i get it to work ill share some pics. First i have to hand build a stand though because i just realized the stand i have wont accommodate any tanks for the sump.

I would invest in a cpr hob overflow with a siphon pump. I have one and the aqualifter has saved me a few times when the power goes out. Once you start investing in inhabitants in your aquarium and tally it up to thousands of dollars in fish/corals/nems, not to mention your floors and walls, it becomes a relatively cheep investment to get a professionally made overflow with a pump that prevents the siphon from breaking. Just my $0.02.

Conchman · Oct 16, 2020

I have said this before, If I had to run a HOB, the only one I trust is Lifereef. Not that expensive and it does not require a lifter air pump. Starts after power off , every time. Good luck in whatever way you go.

Tonytone9669 · May 10, 2022

Hello all. Was wondering how the Clown sanctuary came out in that 32.5 Fluval Flex?! I’m thinking about doing a similar set up and would like some insight . Reach out when you leave can. Thanks!

Tonytone9669 · May 10, 2022

Neodude86 said:
Ok, so i want to upgrade a tank by adding a full sump but I'm not sure if I can even drill the tank. The tank itself is a fluval flex 32.5 gallon with a built in sump but i want to expand the sump and put a 20 gallon long under the tank. This is for my wife as she wants to do a clown harem in it since i recently converted my 75 to salt water (the guy at the lfs said i would catch the salt water bug when i started keeping fish a couple years ago and i didnt believe him). So the question is can i drill a fluval flex 32.5 or is the glass going to explode? I know i cant drill my 75 because it is definitely tempered but there is nothing in the paperwork for the flex saying anything. This tank is still new and i dont want to destroy a $400 tank over a dream when i can get a cheap tank to do it. Again this is for my wife and i want her to have everything her heart desires and right now her heart wants a circus. Thank you all in advance for reading my crazed ramblings and thank you more if you have an answer. I'll be trying to check this as often as possible.

Hello all. Was wondering how the Clown sanctuary came out in that 32.5 Fluval Flex?! I’m thinking about doing a similar set up and would like some insight . Reach out when you leave can. Thanks!