DARB

I have a 10gal reef tank now I want to up grade to a 20 long with a 10gal refuge/sump with a skimmer. My ? is how big do I need to drill my out let. And for inlet 1 or 2 holes, how big , and size of pump would I need for this set up. Thanks

sirdarksol

Glass is extremely brittle, requires specific cutters, tons of patience, and even if done right, it can chip, crack, or shatter. Everyone who's talked about it has suggested getting a pre-drilled aquarium. If you get an acrylic aquarium, it's far easier to drill.

DARB

I know people who have the proper drill bits to achieve the hole that is required. All I need to know is what size hole 3/4-1" for my out put and for input 3/4-1" and size of pump. Thanks

aquarist48

Good morning. My 155 is predrilled. I suggest you find out what size tubing and plumbing pipes you need first. Drill the holes accordingly. I've never drilled one myself so I can't tell you how to do it. Good luck. Hope you can post some pics of your tank when you're done. Maybe even some of the drilling progress?

sirdarksol

Agreed with aquarist48. If you're going to drill, you should post a log of your efforts in the DIY section. I don't think anyone here has ever posted such a thing. Whether a success or a failure, it will be good information for you and for the rest of the forum.

DARB

Thanks. I plan to drill a 3/4" hole on the back left side which will go in to the sump/refuge then a pump will pump water back through a 3/4" line to a 3/4" hole with a duel flex spray hose. If you think that is to much or not anuf let me know.
I'll post the tank build on the DIY

cerianthus

Diamond tip bit would be just fine to drill hole on 20 G Tank. Just be careful on such thin glass. Playdoh (clay) and Antifreeze will help. Went thru few drill bits meaning several hundreds holes drilled.
Questions would be what size bulkhead fitting you gonna use. If memory serves, both 1" (Drain) and 3/4" (return) bulkheads need either 1-5/8" or 1-3/4" hole. Get bulkhead fitting first for correct hole diameter before drilling.

DARB

Thanks cerainthus I need to drill a 1 1/2" hole for my bulk head to get 3/4" opening.
now I am woundering what pump to get any info 10gal sump to a 20 gal DT.

agsansoo

This would depend on the distance between the two. Where is that "head loss calulator" here on FishLore ?

DARB

I have a 650 GPH pond pump 450gph 6' vertical and it adjustable would that work.

agsansoo

That will work just fine. I would tee it back into the sump, instead of restricting the flow adjustment.

This is an old photo of my sump for an example.

DARB

thanks that will help. Today I found a place that would drill a 1 1/2" hole for $20 save me the work and a chance of a crack.

cerianthus

Probably better for them to drill. One thought though. If 1-1/2" hole is required for 3/4" bulkhead, would drill tap bigger (1-5/8") for little flexibility.
Just in case in order to avoid drilling twice.

DARB

That is a good ideal. thanks

Oil_Fan

Also look on YouTube, there are videos there that show how to do it. I know the big thing is to keep water flowing over the cutting area so it can't heat up.

Oh and tempered glass can NOT be cut.