Pre-Drilled or Drill It Yourself

[Rhino]

I am in the market for a new tank and at the time I am having a little trouble deciding, is it better to go with a tank drilled by the manufacture (Aqueon, Marineland, etc) or is it better to drill it yourself? This will be my first tank that has a sump, all my others have been AIO. The biggest benefit I see with drilling it myself is a much lower profile overflow and the ability to have higher flow. However, since I have never drilled a tank it obviously makes me nervous (no matter how many times I read how easy it is). Also, for you that have been doing this a while which is more cost effective? I was originally going to do a 40 breeder at the next $1 a gallon sale. By the time I add a gl*******s overflow and return I am up to about $170 for tank, overflow, and return. If I could spend about $75 more and get a pre-drilled 75 gallon it just seems to make more sense. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

 

[VicD81]

If you want it right up against the wall go with predrilled. Unless you are going through the wall then drill yourself. As easy as it sounds I cracked my first tank. A 3 month old 72G bow front trashed.

 

[Carlb]

If your building your own stand you may want to dill the tank yourself. This will eliminate clearance issues. If your buying the stand with the tank get it with a overflow. It's just easier. IMO.


Tank parameters are like the facts of a story. Check em.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Let the manufacturer dril it and take on the liability of cracking the glass. With vendors like LeeMar you can choose the size and location of the holes and overflow.