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Need some equipment advice on starting new reef

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Subliminal

NJRC Member
Hey folks, I picked up a new tank I plan on setting up. It’s an old oceanic 30g cube. It’s not drilled or anything but comes with hob overflows and all that.
However I think I’d like to drill it and add a overflow. Probably external but don’t know anything about anything. I’ve never drilled a tank and have no bits or the parts to install.

I was hoping someone could help with some advice on what I should do and buy. Used would obviously be best as I’m poor. Ha.
Any advice or words of wisdom?

thanks!

damon
 
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Boehmtown

NJRC Member
It's not as hard as you'd think, practice one or two times on scrap glass. And I wouldn't drill returns, I'd just go over the top with them. I certainly wouldn't be scared to do it. I also have had good success in that size tank with a couple hob's or a hang on refugium.
 
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Subliminal

NJRC Member
So I've been doing some research and found a few options.

I don't think the 'over the top' style is my best bet.
1681559142786.png

So that leaves me a few options.

The tank is ~30 gallons. The 'general rule' is 10x flow out of return pump. I like to overdo things a little, but still the smallest overflows are rated at 400gph.

Eshopps makes the Eclipse and Prodigy models, which are kind of expensive and really expensive.

Fiji Cube seems to make some nice models, the least expensive of which is available directly from them in open box format for $89...which is still more than I want to spend (basically doubling the price of the tank), but much less costly than the Eshopps.

Then there are the internal black plastic boxes, which would require some enginuity on my part, I suppose...something like this glued inside the tank and then drilled for the overflows:
1681559372499.png

Eshopps site seems to be down or at least I can't access it.

Anyway, looking for:

1. Advice.
2. People with used parts for cheap. ha
 
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Boehmtown

NJRC Member
The reason I said drill the drain and go over the top with the returns, is because that size tank doesn't have that thick of glass. I'd be weary drilling 2-3 holes in the same pane. Also if the returns go over the top, they can stop the syphon, if you drill a syphon break. it will keep more water in your display when your return pump shuts off. I have the eclipse s on a 30 gallon, been happy with it so far. Between that, the gate valve needed and the plumbing it adds up quick though.
 
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Subliminal

NJRC Member
It sure does. And that makes sense...I'll probably go over the top for the return, on your advice. Just want to make sure I get the overflow right. :)
 
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Boehmtown

NJRC Member
Subliminal said:
It sure does. And that makes sense...I'll probably go over the top for the return, on your advice. Just want to make sure I get the overflow right
Click to expand...
fishofhex.com

Overflow Box Kit (4"x 3"x4")

Make adding an overflow box to your tank even easier with my overflow box kit that includes a pre drilled hole for a 1" bulkhead and a template for drilling your tank. What You Get In The Full Kit (no longer offering drill bits) Overflow Size: 4" Long x 3" Deep x 4" Tall Bulkhead Slip Slip: 1"...
fishofhex.com fishofhex.com
People 3d print overflows, I have not used them before but they look good for the price.
 
S

Subliminal

NJRC Member
Boehmtown said:
fishofhex.com

Overflow Box Kit (4"x 3"x4")

Make adding an overflow box to your tank even easier with my overflow box kit that includes a pre drilled hole for a 1" bulkhead and a template for drilling your tank. What You Get In The Full Kit (no longer offering drill bits) Overflow Size: 4" Long x 3" Deep x 4" Tall Bulkhead Slip Slip: 1"...
fishofhex.com fishofhex.com
People 3d print overflows, I have not used them before but they look good for the price.
Click to expand...
That does look interesting. I like the idea of an emergency backup pipe though. This, if I understand it correctly, is one pipe thru the back I would think that might be noisy?
 
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Boehmtown

NJRC Member
Yea , it looks more like a traditional overflow that would need a durso or something to quiet it down. It for sure won't be silent like the ghost overflows but it was cheap so I figured I'd mention it
 
DYIguy

DYIguy

NJRC Member
I make my own in tank sumps out of black acrylic- not hard and inexpensive- have one on both ends of my 75g
 
DYIguy

DYIguy

NJRC Member
These were when I started the build

Chris P's 75 build

I started a thread about my 'dream tank', but things have changed a bit since then, so I figured I'd start all over. I bought a new 75g a while ago and it sat on a bench for months for a number of reasons- one was trying to figure out how/ what dimensions for building the stand- @reefsandrotts...
www.njreefers.org
 
Stephen8169301

Stephen8169301

NJRC Member
Boehmtown said:
It's not as hard as you'd think, practice one or two times on scrap glass. And I wouldn't drill returns, I'd just go over the top with them. I certainly wouldn't be scared to do it. I also have had good success in that size tank with a couple hob's or a hang on refugium.
Click to expand...
Would you drill a tank that’s already established? I’m currently working on getting a sump together for my tank and need to understand this also
 
DYIguy

DYIguy

NJRC Member
here's a pick of one of the sumps. before I glued it into the tank
 

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amado

amado

Dal
Staff member
Board of Directors
NJRC Member
The best way to start a new tank is to buy something already drilled.
Having a “reef ready” tank is the most important component.
I have drilled a few tanks and I can tell you that I won’t do it again lol

I rather buy something that has a sump and drilled over flows.
Hang on back over flows are horrible and will fail.

the oceanic tanks as very strong and well build tanks. Make sure you can drill the tank 1st. Oceanic has been out of business for over 12 yrs so that tank is old.
 
amado

amado

Dal
Staff member
Board of Directors
NJRC Member
Stephen8169301 said:
It would be empty fish into 5 gallons buckets then drilled everything installed then fish back into tank with water would that be too much stress?
Click to expand...
Water is a lot of stress. Also drilling an empty tank is always easier.
from what I have learned when you buy a tank that’s drilled from a company.
That glass is re-enforced. The holes are made by a machine and they are perfect.
After the hole is made they reinforce that glass. So that tank will have a very chance of failure.

drilling is also very messy you will get glass particles everywhere. Needs to be done outside.
 
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Stephen8169301

Stephen8169301

NJRC Member
amado said:
Water is a lot of stress. Also drilling an empty tank is always easier.
from what I have learned when you buy a tank that’s drilled from a company.
That glass is re-I forced. The holes are made by a machine and they are perfect.
After the hole is made they reinforce that glass. So that tank will have a very low chance of failure.

drilling is also very messy you will get glass particles everywhere. Needs to be done outside.
Click to expand...
Okay this makes complete sense I will avoid and look for a predrilled tank
 
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