droyal1110 February 18, 2009 February 18, 2009 Hello. I know this is my first post but I usually read in here quite a bit. Just to give you a quick background I've had a 55 long for about 5 months now and I am moving in 1 or 2 months. My plan is to do a sump tank with a few built in fail safes to avoid ANY possibility of an overflow. To make the move easier I figured why not just buy a larger tank. So I am in the market for a 75 to 90 gallon (if anyone knows someone selling one ) and I'm probably going to have to get it drilled. I called the Cozy Clownfish (I am located in Manassas currently) and so far they are the only LFS that will do it, unfortunately it will cost $50 a hole with no guarantee. So my question is, what have you guys done? I know Blue Ribbon Koi sells the bits for about $15 a piece, is it worth just doing myself? I'm terrified to crack the glass, I have watched several videos on it but I'd like to hear some testimonials. Do you guys know of any glass places around here that will do it cheaper than $50? Any information is greatly appreciate. Also if anyone in the area has the kit and has done it before I'd definitely pay if it were reasonable. Thanks!
Brian Ward February 18, 2009 February 18, 2009 Hello. I know this is my first post but I usually read in here quite a bit. Just to give you a quick background I've had a 55 long for about 5 months now and I am moving in 1 or 2 months. My plan is to do a sump tank with a few built in fail safes to avoid ANY possibility of an overflow. To make the move easier I figured why not just buy a larger tank. So I am in the market for a 75 to 90 gallon (if anyone knows someone selling one ) and I'm probably going to have to get it drilled. I called the Cozy Clownfish (I am located in Manassas currently) and so far they are the only LFS that will do it, unfortunately it will cost $50 a hole with no guarantee. So my question is, what have you guys done? I know Blue Ribbon Koi sells the bits for about $15 a piece, is it worth just doing myself? I'm terrified to crack the glass, I have watched several videos on it but I'd like to hear some testimonials. Do you guys know of any glass places around here that will do it cheaper than $50? Any information is greatly appreciate. Also if anyone in the area has the kit and has done it before I'd definitely pay if it were reasonable. Thanks! Do it yourself. It's incredibly easy. The bits at BRK are fine and he sizes them to match the bulkheads he sells. As far as the larger tank, I think there are a couple of unsold tanks in the FS section. You should definitely join up. In fact, our meeting is this weekend so you could just join there!
droyal1110 February 18, 2009 Author February 18, 2009 Oh If I join (as in pay the due) there is more to this website? I dunno about coming to the meeting, I won't know anyone just yet =D Trying to make a name for myself here first and see where it goes. I've been thinking about it, watching more videos (actually watched one from the WAMAS demo on youtube) and I might just go for it. I just need to find out if the bottom is tempered or not.
ReeferMan February 18, 2009 February 18, 2009 If you want to bring it to Gainesville I can do it for free but i wont guarantee it either. I have drilled about 6 tanks now though. The key is to make sure the tank you buy doesnt have tempered glass where you want to drill. Other than that its a peice of cake
zygote2k February 18, 2009 February 18, 2009 I have drilled about 100 or so tanks over the years. As long as you have patience and can hold a drill near perpendicular to the glass, you'll be just fine. I have always used the pipe drill style that you use in conjunction with clay and an abrasive slurry mixed with water. Thicker glass is easier than thinner glass. With practice, you can even do 10 gallon tanks.
droyal1110 February 18, 2009 Author February 18, 2009 Phisigs. Thanks I will definitely keep that in mind, I need to get the tank first and I wouldn't hold you accountable anyways. Like I said I'm trying to save as much as I can on the little stuff so I can put it into the more important things such as the protein skimmer and what not. I might practice on my QT tank and turn it into a remote sand bed or something. Just out of curiosity, when and where is the meeting this weekend? Oh and sorry if this isn't the right place to post this content.
Brian Ward February 18, 2009 February 18, 2009 Oh If I join (as in pay the due) there is more to this website? I dunno about coming to the meeting, I won't know anyone just yet =D Trying to make a name for myself here first and see where it goes. I've been thinking about it, watching more videos (actually watched one from the WAMAS demo on youtube) and I might just go for it. I just need to find out if the bottom is tempered or not. Yes, there is quite a bit more to the website. Most of us are on the FS/WTB, Auction, and Group Buy forums a lot. You can save tons of money buying corals from members, used equipment, and getting in on group buys where we negotiate special rates (bulk pricing) with vendors and split up shipping. None of us knows anyone at the first meeting. Come hear the speakers, talk to people, there will be plenty of people set up selling frags and whatnot at the meeting. The $20 to join is by far the best money you will ever spend in the hobby. You'll get it back with your first used purchase or group buy.
Brian Ward February 18, 2009 February 18, 2009 Phisigs. Thanks I will definitely keep that in mind, I need to get the tank first and I wouldn't hold you accountable anyways. Like I said I'm trying to save as much as I can on the little stuff so I can put it into the more important things such as the protein skimmer and what not. I might practice on my QT tank and turn it into a remote sand bed or something. Just out of curiosity, when and where is the meeting this weekend? Oh and sorry if this isn't the right place to post this content. The meeting is up in Rockville. See the meeting thread here for more info: http://www.wamas.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=25589
ReeferMan February 18, 2009 February 18, 2009 I am pretty sure all 75 & 90g tanks have a tempered bottom. Why would you drill the bottom and not the side. Here is a picture of my tank (custom) but it shows my overflow
droyal1110 February 18, 2009 Author February 18, 2009 Well before here I have mostly been on reefcentral. I've been losing my mind about how I'm going to make this work and I went with drilling the bottom over the overflow because I was originally going to run just a bulkhead with a strainer. After tons of reading and talking with members there, most despise against the waterfall and the noise (as will I, tank is going in the theater area of the house). Basically I am going to have 2 pipes that lead to the sump inside the overflow, one is in constant use and will be submerged (durso style), and the other will just be an open tube with a strainer that is higher than the main one (fail safe), and also coming out of the overflow area will be my return pipe. I guess it isn't necessary for the pipes to go through the bottom, maybe I will just do the back. I should probably make another thread about flow and size of piping and what not, this is all still confusing to me. Very cool tank btw.
droyal1110 February 18, 2009 Author February 18, 2009 Oh and thanks for the info on the meeting but unfortunately I have duty during that time, I'm a volunteer firefighter.
ReeferMan February 18, 2009 February 18, 2009 I have had my tank setup like this for 3 years now and i have never had...... And I am not going to finish the sentence because I am not going to junx myself but you get the point
droyal1110 February 18, 2009 Author February 18, 2009 Ha yea I know what you mean. I just swore up and down that I would NEVER have a sump. But after having my tank setup the way it is, I really could benefit from a sump. The reason why I didn't go with a sump on this tank is because I live on the 3rd story in a condo and its all carpet floors. At least where I am moving its the basement and its tile, but a flood is still out of the question. So I decided to do an easy design (I'm building it, it has to be easy lol), and it has to be redundant. Little off topic, I said screw it and paid the 20 bucks, I have posted in here one day and I am already pleased with the group. Thanks guys! So I'm probably going to drill my tank myself, and I'm probably going to go through the back. Any idea how many holes 1 drill bit will last roughly? I was thinking about buying 2 to drill 3, maybe 4 holes (still designing).
ReeferMan February 18, 2009 February 18, 2009 I did all 6 with one single drill bit from BRK. I think it would still do a few more but its alot slower now the bit is dull
droyal1110 February 18, 2009 Author February 18, 2009 Good deal. I think I am satisfied and I'm going to make the jump. If the glass breaks I quit the hobby =D Now to figure out the technicalities. If you happen to know of any threads where it explains how to find flow rates, what return pumps to use, sump designs or how to's, pretty much anything sump related that would be awesome. Otherwise I'll be cooking up another thread when I get home, I think I'm getting passed the learning curve on the sump but still have sooo many questions. Thanks again!
YBeNormal February 19, 2009 February 19, 2009 I'm not sure which WAMAS video you watched on YouTube but it might the the one where I was doing the tank drilling demo at one of our frag and DIY fests. Several club members took the opportunity to drill a hole or two and all were surprised at how simple it is to do. If your plan is to drill the 55g and it is not a very old tank, there is a very good chance that all of the glass panels are tempered. I live in Manassas and I'd be happy to help you drill it if you want to take the chance though. Reef Central has calculators for overflows and plumbing.
droyal1110 February 19, 2009 Author February 19, 2009 Well I actually watched 2 videos on youtube. It was by the member WAMAS (who would have thought) and it appears there is some vendor rep who first shows what its like if you try to drill tempered glass, then he shows the proper techniques to drill non-tempered glass and lets other members try it. I appreciate it and I will definitely keep you guys in mind if I need help drilling. I guess it really depends on what tank I pick up (hopefully this weekend), I'm trying to find a used reef ready tank to at least most of the work is already done. I'll definitely be starting a build thread and I'll definitely check out reef central for the calculator. Thanks!
YBeNormal February 20, 2009 February 20, 2009 No, that was me in the videos, wearing my WAMAS shirt. Some of our members donated old tanks and we set up a tank drilling demo, then let members try their hands at drilling holes themselves. Other DIY workshops included fragging corals and anenomes, making aragrocrete rocks structures and frag plugs. It was a fun meeting and I'm sure we will do it all again this summer or fall.
davelin315 February 20, 2009 February 20, 2009 Well I actually watched 2 videos on youtube. It was by the member WAMAS (who would have thought) and it appears there is some vendor rep who first shows what its like if you try to drill tempered glass, then he shows the proper techniques to drill non-tempered glass and lets other members try it. I appreciate it and I will definitely keep you guys in mind if I need help drilling. I guess it really depends on what tank I pick up (hopefully this weekend), I'm trying to find a used reef ready tank to at least most of the work is already done. I'll definitely be starting a build thread and I'll definitely check out reef central for the calculator. Thanks! Ha ha, he called you a vendor... Bob, the vendor, can he drill it! Bob, the vendor, yes he can!
droyal1110 February 20, 2009 Author February 20, 2009 Haha my bad, you looked all professional and it looked like you had an assistant. Either way these meets look awesome, I'm mad I can't make the one this weekend though =/
Brian Ward February 20, 2009 February 20, 2009 Haha my bad, you looked all professional and it looked like you had an assistant. Either way these meets look awesome, I'm mad I can't make the one this weekend though =/ It's OK. There are 4 a year - one each quarter. Those demos occurred at the frag fest, that was an extra meeting this past summer. It's always been in the summer (at least the last couple of years), so just keep an eye out.
Brian Ward February 20, 2009 February 20, 2009 Good deal. I think I am satisfied and I'm going to make the jump. If the glass breaks I quit the hobby =D Now to figure out the technicalities. If you happen to know of any threads where it explains how to find flow rates, what return pumps to use, sump designs or how to's, pretty much anything sump related that would be awesome. Otherwise I'll be cooking up another thread when I get home, I think I'm getting passed the learning curve on the sump but still have sooo many questions. Thanks again! There are tons of threads that explain all of what you're looking for. Those are pretty much the most common questions. If you start a build thread in the dedicated tank forum, that will be a good place to consolidate all your advice and post exactly what equipment you have, size of your tank, etc. Sumps are pretty simple. Just a reservoir for water where you do your filtration. The big thing to keep in mind is what will happen when the power goes out? Make sure there is enough room in your sump to hold the water that will drain from the display into the sump when the pump stops pumping. For flow, look for a maximum of 10x per hour turnover from your display through your filtration loop (mechanical & passive chemical filtration). Take into consideration head pressure as a result of the vertical distance the pump has to push the water as well as the resistance of the plumbing. You'll also want powerheads in the tank. For an SPS tank, look to 50x total turnover each hour. Lower for LPS, almost unnecessary for softies. You'll want a bubble trap in your sump to keep microbubbles out of the display. Microbubbles come from large bubbles being chopped up by your return pump and sent into the display as well as from the return on your skimmer. A bubble trap is basically 2 pieces of acrylic to force the water over, then under before hitting the return pump. If you want some examples of sumps, check out www.melevsreef.com - he has some great sump designs that you can grab some ideas from. If you're going to run a fuge, the fuge should have a much slower turnover than your general system: 1-2x per hour. You want a higher contact time so the macroalgae can pull the chemicals out of the water. Hope that helps.
droyal1110 February 20, 2009 Author February 20, 2009 (edited) Yea I'm actually picking up the tank this weekend so I will probably start a build thread Sunday evening. The only problem is the build is going to be over a month long just from working on it on the weekends and trying to find the used stuff I want (trying to keep this cheapish), plus at some point if I have to physically move there and then transfer live stock. I think I'll start the build thread with cleaning the tank. Will anyone have anything against taking pictures and MS painting what I want to do to the tank? I know the build thread says you must be building in order to post in there, not just coming up with ideas. I think I'll have enough flow, I don't think I'm ready for SPS, maybe further down the road. Definitely going to do some softies and LPS, love softies but hate fighting. Oh and yea I want to Melevs, awesome stuff. Everyone makes it sound so simple but I just don't understand it 100% yet. I think I'm good on flow in the DT, I think I'm good on the plumbing aspect as far as sizes go, I think I'm OK on what return pump and accounting for head loss (well kinda..), I still don't understand how to control the depth of the water in the sump. Is it something that just happens or is there a way to regulate it? Ahh the frustration, I'll just design it and see if someone approves and just kind of wing it =D I'm actually going to head to the marine scene today and ask a million questions, I feel its easier in person to ask questions. Edited February 20, 2009 by droyal1110
quazi February 20, 2009 February 20, 2009 (edited) First, PLEASE edit your profile and list your location. It makes it easier for locals to jump in and offer help. Second, you need to identify if the tank you are going to drill has tempered glass. To do this, get a cheap pair of Polaroid sun glasses, take out the lenses, and place them on either sides of the glass. Turn the lenses the so that one is horizontal and one is vertical. If you see the cross, it is tempered. Edited February 20, 2009 by quazi
droyal1110 February 20, 2009 Author February 20, 2009 Ok I edited my profile, good call. The drilling is going to be done on the 90g that I am actually picking up this weekend. It is reef ready so I know the bottom isn't tempered, depending on how much room I'm working with I might do 1 of 3 things. 1 - Just run a pipe up the back and use a U tube as the return into the DT 2 - Drill the bottom and run the return like that 3- Drill the back (maybe in the overflow maybe somewhere else, maybe more than one spot)
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now