Drilled tank/ closed loop good idea?

[slm222]

I have a tank being resiliconed and the bottom glass replaced at Forever Pets. They have drill 2 holes already, in the bottom, 1 for the overflow and 1 for the return. my question is should I have them drill maybe 3 more in the bottom and do a closed loop system? Or would that weaken the glass bottom too much?

[Bill S]

Most likely the bottom is tempered.

[Justin]

I wouldn't risk it. The more holes you put in, the more you weaken the structure. I would just use Tunze or Ecotech's.

[slm222]

no its not. brand new piece of plate glass 1/2" thick. original was not tempered either

[slm222]

I do already have a vortech mp 40, but will probably have to add a second one for better flow.

[jcnkt_ellis]

What size tank and what corals are you planning on keeping?

[slm222]

It's a 120 (110 actual) 60x18x24. Missed reef.

[jcnkt_ellis]

1 mp40 should give you more then enough flow for a mixed reef. I wouldn't even consider looking at a second mp40 or closed loop until you had large mature colonies that were breaking up and reducing the flow.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Closed loop is awesome. You can do a closed with the back glass too. All these tanks have the same stuff.
Nothing is worse than seeing a powerhead in a tank.:bigsmile:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I dont (currently) have a closed loop. Just mp40s and jebaowps and korolias :(

edit : my next build will be closed with oceans motions and no powerheads

edit again: lol: you can also do an over the back closed loop

get creative and have fun allways

[slm222]

I am thinking on being proactive if it's a good idea. I can't drill the tank once I have big mature colonies. So this is the conundrum I'm in. At 20 a hole it's worth the investment if you think the glass can take it. I really rather not have PVC behind the tank either. I have put thought into an over the top like another member did.

[jcnkt_ellis]

Honestly, unless you plan on having a SPS forest several years down the road, you will never outgrow the one MP40. If you are set on adding additional flow, the glass should take it. Like BBQ said, have fun with it :)

[slm222]

I appreciate the feed back. I'm not set either way. Just a thought, looking for advice from all you experienced reefers on here

[kkiel02]

I'm not a fan of closed loops. Too many extra spots for a potential leak. That whole gyro flow makes the corals grow funny. I am a power head guy myself.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Even if you stay with powerheads, its allways nice to have another hole for sw changes too.
Build your plumbing so all you have to do is turn a nozzle and sw comes out. Thats sweet.

[slm222]

I agree, that's how I built my cube. just turn 2 valves and water starts pouring out.

[350gt]

1 mp 40 is plenty teamed with a sicce 4 return. I have the same tank and i have 2 mp40s turned to only 40%.....

Its nice having the random flow of 2 when synced up. I had one mp40 for awhile and it was enough turned up to 70-80%

[slm222]

I agree, that's how I built my cube. just turn 2 valves and water starts pouring out.

[Tempset]

Stop them from drilling the bottom glass, ask them to drill 3 holes on the back wall for a BeanAnimal overflow.


Tempset@gmail.com