New Member..need help

[de1nonly23]

Hey guys and girls I need some help. Currently running a 38 FOWLR and looking to upgrade to a 75 reef. I have found a 72 bow front RR with everything at a good price but long drive. I also found a 75 at similar price short drive. The 75 is not drilled. It is any acrylic tank with everything. I will want to drill it and make a custom overflow. I can do the drilling but making custom overflow I have no clue. What is the best deal and are their members that can make a custom overflow.

THanks

 

[frantz]

The question thats going to be asked is what all do you mean by custom? I think you'll be happier with the rectangle 75, I've never been a fan of bowfronts, too much distortion. They look better empty at the store than full of life IMO.

 

[de1nonly23]

Thanks for your response. Since I want the 75 rectangle drilled I wanted to build a overflow box just as if the tank came like that. I do not want to use a HOB overflow box. Again I am new to the salt water world so any help will be appreciated. I am going to take a look at the 75 rectangle tomorrow and depending on the outcome the 72 bow front Sat.

 

[frantz]

You're in luck! What you want to do is very simple. You have some choices to make though, the biggest being where, how many, and how big (snickers)... I have a 120 with single return and single drain in the corner. This is the basic simple style. You can better direct flow if you put the box in the middle, and some will have one on both back corners. You can have the holes put in the bottom and then a stand pipe up to the water line, or you can have the holds drilled to the back of the tank, depends on how you want to do plumbing (I like having them on the bottom). You could be really simple and just cut some drain strainers in a rectangle piece of acrylic and silicon them into the corners. Silicon doesn't stick well to acrylic, but the water pressure should hold em in place. If you build a center box you'll have to get the proper glue for the acrylic, and i'll let someone with actual experience in that speak up. There should be pre-made ones too, I'm sure if you call some of the local sponsors they can order you exactly what you're looking for.

 

[de1nonly23]

Thanks again hopefully some more members will chime in. Hopefully I can find a little help with the drilling. I would like to have it drilled in the corner.

 

[chefrepo]

Really its not that hard to drill acrylic. Just get a hole drill bit at Lowes or Depot and you are good to go. If you are somewhat handy you can make the overflow box yourself.You can get the acrylic at Lowes or HD and they will cut it to size. Then all you have to do is cut the teeth into it. Check out http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/teeth.html">http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/teeth.html</a>


To bond the acrylic together you want to use Weld-on. I have some you can have and I am just down the road from you. Then get some Krylon Fusion spray paint and paint it whatever color you want to

 

[de1nonly23]

Thanks Chefrepo. I am a little hand but dont have the tools to cut the teeth so it seems I would just have to find someone to do that. I am going to look at the tank tomorrow and will get back and let you guys know how I come out.

 

[de1nonly23]

Tank has been picked up. I do have a question. Sticker on tank says ALL GLASS AQUARIUM. Do you think that is just referring to the sides or the sides and bottom.

 

[db366]

AGA is the tank manufactuer. I am about 99% sure but all AGA tanks are just tempered on the bottom so you can drill anywhere else.

 

[rdnelson]

In my opinion, go with a Bean Animal style over flow and either a Coast-2-Coast overflow or a semi Coast-2-Coast. Much better surface skimming and quiet as a church mouse. Here is the one I just did on my 125. The over flow box is home made on my table saw and only took a few hours to build. The teeth on the 90's were also cut on my table saw. I can give you advice or if you would like to buy the materials and come over some weekend we could knock it out in a day.
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[de1nonly23]

Okay cool thanks db366