To Drill or Not To Drill...?

[opium89]

I have a Deep Sea Aquatics Model 90 (90 Gallon, 48x18.5x25) that I am in the process of converting to a saltwater tank. I am debating about drilling this tank and want to hear some of your opinions on it. Frankly, it makes me nervous as it is such a beautiful tank and not one of the less-expensive models out there. My options are to either drill it or exchange it for a reef-ready version. Still waiting to hear what the dealer can do for me in regard to a swap so I am not sure of the cost just yet. Would love to hear some thoughts on the subject.

[BIGBIRD123]

I would drill the back or sides for a calfo, to me the best way to make a tank RR and the least expensive.

Steve

[opium89]

If I was going to go the drilling route, my thoughts were to do this in a bottom-corner with a "Durso" standpipe. Forgive my ignorance but what is a "calfo"? BTW, I am planning a fish-only with live rock tank as opposed to a reef tank.

[BIGBIRD123]

A calfo is drilled at or near the top and a small box is made that goes along the top and basically skims the top surface of the water. Here's a link to some pictures. I believe it to be the best overflow to use, but that's my opinion. I had one on my 135g and have one on my new 280g and I like it!

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=473152&highlight=calfoO

Oh and I forgot Welcome to Maast.

Steve

[opium89]

Why do you consider this horizontal design to be superior the vertical? I can see that this would certainly take more "skim" from the top as opposed to one in the corner, or each corner. I am wondering why all the big name tanks have a vertical design (corner or centered). Lastly, is it quiet? This is a big concern for me when setting up this tank.

[BIGBIRD123]

with my canopy closed, you hear nothing and with it clearing the surface a lot of the filmy stuff doesn't get removed by the regular overflows. Most of the stuff you want to remove forms on the surface and that's what you need the overflow to do.

Steve

[RayAllen]

Take it from me, I set up my 210g in a hurry a few months back and did not drill. I ran a HOB overflow and although it worked ok I just didnt like the noise or the look; not to mention the are never 100% trustworthy. Today I took my tank down and ACE drilled 2 2" holes and installed a almost 4ft Black Acrylic calflow that looks awesome. Will be doing the plumbing tommorow and cant wait.

[jtrux]

Take it from me, I set up my 210g in a hurry a few months back and did not drill. I ran a HOB overflow and although it worked ok I just didnt like the noise or the look; not to mention the are never 100% trustworthy. Today I took my tank down and ACE drilled 2 2" holes and installed a almost 4ft Black Acrylic calflow that looks awesome. Will be doing the plumbing tommorow and cant wait.


My HOB is loud as hell and I can't stand it. I'll be moving my tank in a couple weeks and am considering having it drilled while I have it down. BTW what kind of lighting are you using on your 210?

[mikedelgado]

Not drilling my last tank was my biggest regret.

[opium89]

From my reading here, Ace seems to be the go-to guy this sort of thing. How can I get in touch?

[RayAllen]

send a pm to hobogato

[Fish4life]

i've always heard the calfo design called coast to coast. Not really relevant here, but thought I would mention it. I've seen several tanks with this coast to coast design. BEA UUUUUUUUTIFUL.


Cheers,

Kurt