New Reefer, couple questions

[gobytron]

there is some chinese or japanese character on the bottom and top trim of the tank...
no clue what it means...lol
I actually just found a website called lifereef where they say they can custom make me an overflow that is foolproof...
http://www.lifereef.com/frame.html

anyone heard of these guys?
the only english writing on the tank says "tempered glass, do not drill....

what about the tank sitting flush on the stand?
is that a problem?

thanks for the input so far.

[Snaz]

If you can get a good photo of the chinese characters I'm sure someone here could translate.

[gobytron]

I'm not too concerned with the brand of the tank...
More so with the issues I mentioned, though it might be fun to find out what it means, the character is accompanied by a beaver tale fo all things...lol

I'll try and post a pic here soon.

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by gobytron

I'm not too concerned with the brand of the tank...
More so with the issues I mentioned, though it might be fun to find out what it means, the character is accompanied by a beaver tale fo all things...lol

I'll try and post a pic here soon.

Knowing the brand comes in handy when you need to determine if it's tempered or not. You say there's a label that it is tempered. Maybe just the bottom is tempered and you might be able to drill the back for an overflow. If you can confirm the brand of the tank, you can contact the manufacturer to see if the back is also tempered.

[new but handy]

If you have polerized sunglasses, look at the tank, if there is shaded areas.
Like a checker board it is tempered. Polerized sunglasses are $15

[gobytron]

I know from lurking around this and other aquarium forums that most people prefer a drilled tank, but I am quite content with a trustworthy overflow box.

From my reading, if set up with the proper flow and overflow design, there can be a reasonable expectation of success with one.

One of my friends who got me into this hobby has been running an overflow for 2 years and never had the siphon break on his system.

Drilling an older tank seems like a bit of a risk to me and just an added hassle compared to just putting an order in for a working out of the box overflow.

so for now, I'm just going to plan for lifereef overflow, I've done a lot of asking over on rc and on the net and it seems like they are very reputable, especially for their overflows.

I admit a predrilled tank would be convenient to have from the word go though.
I'm just sold on this lifereef stuff now.

[Marlin65]

If it has a 1/2" tempered bottom it will be fine to put it on the stand without the trim. You could put some foam under it to level it if you are concerned about your stand being flat.

[gobytron]

I was told it was really important to level the stand, so I was very careful to shim it after I put in in place...

it is a 1/2 inch and tempered.
Thanks for that, I don't think I'll put foam under it unless you really think it's a must...
I don't think I would like to look at it.

[Marlin65]

I have two tanks 1/2" tempered just sitting on the stand so I would say you are fine without foam. Tempered is 6X stronger than float and will bend a bit as well. Just don't try to drill it as it will explode.

[gobytron]

AI would like to avoid a 95 gallon explosion at all costs....lol

Thanks for the voice of experience.