Moving the overflow on a large tank

[Naso2]

So my tank has center overflows. Right in the middle of the tank. This has annoyed me slightly since I got it but I got a great deal on it. But it makes it awkward to aqua scape, creates a blind spot (as I have to push it against the wall), and creates an odd looking object in the way of the fish.

getting to the point. I want to reorient the overflows to the back of the tank, drill new holes and fill the old ones. I have seen this done to small tanks (75 gallons) but never to a 450. Can it be done safely.

 

[TJL]

If acrylic no problem at all, you can use new hole cutouts for plugs then weld a larger patch on top of. I did something similar to my 125g with 3/4" acrylic in plugging closed loop plumbing.

Cheers, Todd

 

[Peppie]

It can be done as Todd stated.
But you will have your work cut out for you to get ALL of the overflow box off the sides and bottom of the tank.
Not sure if the box is connected to the top eurobrace or not, or if the eurobrace has a hole in it to gain access to the box?? The box is adding structural integrity to the panel it is welded to. When you cut that box out the stresses on that panel will change.
You may want to have a conversation with Jason of CFI, he is one of RF sponsors. He will be able to point you in the correct direction.
Good luck, post a few pics!!

 

[Naso2]

The overflow boxes are in the middle of the tank and just connected to the bottom. There will be no structural issues moving them

 

[Peppie]

That will make life easy.

 

[TJL]

Found a couple of pics that may help you out, first shows gluing in plugs on inside and second pic is of finished plug from outside. I glued the new plug in with backing already attached then in 3-4 applications filled with Weld-On 16 til flush. I used the push pin to pop any bubbles that appeared.

Cheers, Todd