90 gallon tank

[Otter]

I'm in the process of building a new 90 gallon system and I have a question about drilling a glass tank or just how many holes would be safe.
I'm planning on installing a coast to coast overflow and would also like to drill for a closed loop. Which would total 6 holes, (2) 2 3/8" for the overflow and (4) 1 3/4" for the closed loop.
If I were to drill this many holes would I sacrifice the integrity of the glass.
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks

 

[Katchupoy]

Hmmm sounds scary... Maybe other experienced reefer can chime in here. But I will not risk it. Why not go over it? Oops, you cant because of the coast to coast.... Hmmmm.... I give up...

 

[mojoreef]

I dont think I would be drilling that many holes either Otter in a glass tank. Why not go over the top of the tank. You can always use acrylic as blinds to hide the exposed pipes???


Mike

 

[Otter]

After doing a bit more research on the 90 gallon All Glass The bottom isn't tempered. So, I'm changing the plan and going with (2) 2 3/8 " through the back bottom corners. I'm still up in the air about the loop. Perhaps when in build the overflow I can bring the feed lines of the closed loop down the inside of the corner boxes and plumb them with bulkheads into the tank. I'm concerned with the circulation behind the center of the rock. Maybe 2 spraybars? (1) center and (1) at the bottom.

What do ya think about something like that.

Oh, I'm planning on using 2 Iwaki pumps, MD40RLXT for the main plumbed with a sqwd and MD30RLxT for the closed loop also with a sqwd.

 

[MINIATUS]

Otter
What do you mean coast to coast overflow. I just ordered a tank where the overflow comes out 1 1/2 in from the back wall and from one end to the other. Same thing maybe.

MINIATUS

 

[MINIATUS]

You could use these for the returns. Work well for me. Ideal for Sqwd use.

MINIATUS

 

[Otter]

Yeah I guess we're talking about the same thing, I've been following a couple of threads where some folks have had acrylic tanks built with the "coast to coast" system where the oveflow is set up from one end of the tank to the other. I want to do the same thing with a glass tank. I also want to install a closed loop system through the back wall of the tank. Sort of like the way Mojo designed it for a couple of tanks. I really don't like spray bars they have a tendency to build up garbage over time and restrict the flow.

 

[Otter]

MINIATUS is your tank glass or acrylic? Is it drilled for the overflow or are you using "U" tubes ? I've used those fittings before on my 55 gal. a long time ago I think I still have them. Good Idea
Thanks

 

[MINIATUS]

Mine will have 2 - 1 1/2returns to the sump on my 90. I will be running 3 SQWDs using the above returns. Im hoping a Mag 24 will drive them but I have a feeling Im going to need more power.

MINIATUS:

 

[MINIATUS]

Sorry Glass tank with black acrylic for the overflow.

MINIATUS

 

[Otter]

Oh nothing to be sorry about at all. I work with acrylic everyday and I'm going with a 90 gallon AGA. I worry about the life span of acrylics as far as seeing through it with cleaning the front. The overflow I will build myself out of black acrylic and silicon it into the tank. I'll probably cut a piece of 1/8" to cover the entire back as well. Are your 1 1/2"returns drilled or are you using siphons?

 

[MINIATUS]

drilled at the back.. I now need to design a sump to handle the flow.

MINIATUS :exclaim:

 

[Otter]

Drill through the back or through the bottom at the corners?

Yeah the sump The next Frontier and I'm still debating whether or not to go with a refugium or set something up for chemical removal.
I still have my 125 set up and running in the "family room" This tank will be set up in our living room. So I'm taking my time with it. This tank will be set up to be an SPS tank. So I still have to purchase lighting and just a few other odds and ends if ya know what I mean.

 

[MINIATUS]

Back wall 2 1/2 inchs down one on each side .Half way between the center and the end.

MINIATUS

 

[MINIATUS]

I have an AGA 90 now and I can say I dont like corner overflows. Hard to place return lines where you want them.Going to convert this old 90 into a fowlr. Main fish will be a MINIATUS Grouper.

MINIATUS:lol:

 

[Otter]

Sounds like fun

That was the reason I was thinking about drilling (4) 1 3/4" holes through the back. Maybe just 2 and I'll install a couple of spray bars. I really don't want any tubes hanging over the top of the tank. Trying to keep everything hidden is going to be tough

 

[dwall174]

Otter any up-dates!

I'm currently looking into setting up a new 120 gal. (60" x 18" x 26") glass tank that will be viewed on three sides. So I was hoping to drill four holes two 1-3/4” & two 2-3/8” on the left side?

 

[Otter]

Update: I'm trying to take my time putting this system together. I've decided against drilling the tank for the closed loop and will either go with a MBV or SQWD's haven't made up my mind yet.
I did however purchase my lights, a set of spider reflectors, along with a pair of 250w coralvue electronic ballast and (2)10k XM bulbs. I've been doing some research and asking questions about chemical filtration (phosban and carbon) and planning on building a pair of fluidized bed filters for this system along with a larger skimmer to fit into my sump. So with the long weekend ahead of us and vacation next week. Maybe I'll get the tank drilled and get started on the stand and canopy. Just the beginning Wahoo!! I'm taking my time because right now I'm installing hardwood floors and painting. Once I'm done with this little project I'll have at the new system with the vigor of a hound dog