Hey guys I have a clear for life aquarium and Its currently set up with an overflow but I want to run my fx6 on it for now. The tank only has the 2 main openings and the opening for the overflow. My question is if I can safely drill 2 holes so I can run my fx6 hoses. Also what kind of drill bit should I use ? It's a 180g tank 72x24x24.
Safe to drill holes on top of acrylic tank?
- Thread starter Drips702
- Start date
Yes, a standard hole saw is all that's needed. Just don't drill the corners of the tank.
Any chance you could use the holes from the overflow? Im thinking adding barb fittings tor the bulkhead for your canister. Just an idea before you drill more holes.
It does have the return all ready with lock line and tubing. It's a little scary having just the house at the bottom but I guess it's about as safe as the hoses running on the outside.
What kind of overflow is set up? Picture would help.
If its like a standard internal overflow with a weir and bottom drilled then your canister should be able to only drain the tank to the weir level in the event of a leak. Still a substantial leak mind you, but not as bad as 180 gallons out the bottom of the tank.
Or are your overflows mounted on the back of the tank?
I understand that it can make you nervous having bulkheads on the bottom.
I'd imagine it's how you would typically set up a canister just using existing holes at the bottom.
Backfromthedead
, I was thinking if the overflow is filled however, OP could just use a bulkhead and run the canister through that. In theory if there is water in the overflow it could leak IF not sealed properly ;-). But I think your thought was to leave the overflow empty?OP, some pictures would be good. May save you from drilling more holes in the long run. I run a closed loop circulation on my tank with an intake and two outputs at the bottom so I feel it can be safe.
I've attached some photos of the tank. I need a bulkhead for the larger hole and that would be for input and I have to find a way to split the output so it can come out of both nozzles. Unless you think it's best to just plug the larger hole and use both smaller holes for the input and output and split the output nozzles on the top?I understand that it can make you nervous having bulkheads on the bottom.
I'd imagine it's how you would typically set up a canister just using existing holes at the bottom.
OP, some pictures would be good. May save you from drilling more holes in the long run. I run a closed loop circulation on my tank with an intake and two outputs at the bottom so I feel it can be safe.
Also I would need to keep the water level really high so I dont burn out my canister but I have to bichirs that will be going in there and they need at least an inch above the surface so they can take in air.
One more question is If it safe to completely top of the tank?
Inside your overflow you can connect just a single strainer or a T with strainer. For example:
I would then T off the output/return to use both if your loclines.
You could ball valves between the bulkhead and canister hoses to close for maintenance. It's a little more work but if the flow from canister is good there may be some good benefits with this. The weir is being used to skim, existing holes and returns are being used and it's a clean look on the display.
I would then T off the output/return to use both if your loclines.
You could ball valves between the bulkhead and canister hoses to close for maintenance. It's a little more work but if the flow from canister is good there may be some good benefits with this. The weir is being used to skim, existing holes and returns are being used and it's a clean look on the display.
We drilled four additional holes on the top of our 300 gallon tank with a hole saw.
I had the tank builder put 11 holes across the top of my big tank. I prefer plumbing coming down from the top of the tank.
I had the tank builder put 11 holes across the top of my big tank. I prefer plumbing coming down from the top of the tank.