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Slyguy00
02-21-2014, 02:47 AM
So I have been contemplating drilling and installing an overflow box and sump into my running 72 gallon bow front reef system. I know there are some risks, but there is also a lot of reward. So Im just curious to hear other peoples experiences or ideas on this. Has anybody else done/attempted this? Has anybody had bad experiences from this? Any addition info would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

spit.fire
02-21-2014, 02:53 AM
Risky and you have to drain enough water to keep the box out of water for 24hrs

Slyguy00
02-21-2014, 02:58 AM
Draining the water low enough for 24 hours wouldn't be an issue at all, as my rock and coral are only about 3/4 of the way up. Im more just worried about the actually drilling process itself. My friend says he can do it and he's done it before. But Id just like to know what I'm getting myself into before i decide to go ahead with it.

Jeff000
02-21-2014, 03:14 AM
Your biggest risk is that the panel cracks and spills your entire tank on the floor in a matter of seconds.

Slyguy00
02-21-2014, 03:16 AM
Thats kinda what I was wondering lol. Thats a pretty damn big risk. I wasn't sure if the tank wud just crack or dump everything at once or what. Thanks I appreciate that.

spit.fire
02-21-2014, 03:58 AM
Shoulda done it before you set it up :p

Slyguy00
02-21-2014, 04:15 AM
Totally agree. Hind sight is always 20/20 lol

AquaPin
02-21-2014, 04:39 AM
Get a few rubbermaids, but all the stuff in and drill it "emptier", everything will be fine for 24hrs. You can then restock once everything is clear.

Maverick00
02-21-2014, 08:20 AM
Ive done a couple holes drilling down towards the ground. I think itd be alittle tougher to hold the drill even and square while drilling horizontally. Drilling "downward" your able to let the weight of the drill do most of the cutting. Adding uneven or unsquare pressure horizontally could cause the holesaw to bind. Not to mention keeping water flowing to lubricate and wash away grit would be a pain as well. I wouldnt risk it either unless it was empty or close too.

Slyguy00
02-21-2014, 08:38 AM
Thanks guys, Ill probably look into some other options for now.

Myka
02-22-2014, 01:22 PM
Thanks guys, Ill probably look into some other options for now.

That's a good idea! :)

How long has the tank been running for? If it isn't too crammed with stuff, then moving it to a Rubbermaid for a couple days while you drill and install an overflow box might be a reasonable plan. If you haven't dealt with a quarantine tank or other temporary holding tank like this though you could certainly run into trouble being able to maintain it. I've seen people lose a lot of stock this way.

mark
02-22-2014, 01:31 PM
wonder if cutting out a notch with a grinder for a external any safer?