AIO or sump

[BlueAbyss]

It all depends on what you want. Depending on how you do the AIO, you'll lose probably 6" of space at the end of the tank, making the display area 30 x 16 x 20. IF you feel you can afford the loss of display space, go for the AIO simply because it's easier. If you feel you need those 6", go for a sump. If you do an AIO, use automotive window tint to hide the AIO area somewhat, so the equipment isn't as easily seen.

[pirate]

Well I started to play around with the tank and I think I will be going with a sump, I don't really want to lose that much of the tank. So now the next question is how big of a hole do I need to drill? I think I want to gowith a herby type drain. How big of a sump should I go for? ( what firs inside of the stand or somehjng else?) how big of a return pump? Should I drill it my self or is there anyone in Calgary that you guys would recomend? It is an older tank if that makes a difference. Or should I do one of those siphone type drain boxs? Any help is good help.
Thanks

[mark]

just put this up in another post but here's Reefjunkie's Herbie, doesn't take up a lot of space if you want to drill the back.

[pirate]

The more I look into it I think I'm gonna go with a herby. But now the quesion is gonna be how big of a hole do I need to drill. From the link he had a 3/4 drain line and a 3/4 overflow? What size hole then do I need? What size hole line do I need for the return? That was a very clean setup and I think I might copy that one. Do I then match the pump to the main drain? or does it really matter? Lots of newb type question I know. Where do I get the bit for drilling the tank (anywhere local in Calgary?)
Thanks

[mark]

from Bean's calculator if using a Herbie, a 3/4" could give you around 1000gph which according to a few in this thread is way more than you would need. Could go with 3/4" return just to keep everything the same.

[pirate]

Sweet I only need to but one bit then. I'm just starting up on my shift again, so its gonna have to wait till next thursday befor I drill this tank, if I can find a bit in town, or I'll have to wait for the mail man. Thanks for all the help! For a herbi drain does the two holes have to be one on top of the other? or can they be diaganol? side by side? What is best.

[BlueAbyss]

If you're drilling the back, put the holes side by side so you can build an overflow box around them that doesn't take up a huge amount of space inside the tank. Of course, you don't want them too close together either. I'm not sure what a safe distance from each other is for the holes, but just make sure you support the glass well while you're drilling, don't put any pressure on it (let the weight of the drill do the work), and keep clean water flowing over it to clear the glass chips and cool the bit.