Drilling tank ideas

[captexas]

I have a regular 75gallon tank that I had setup as a freshwater tank and took apart to upgrade from my 58gallon reef tank. I am looking for ideas/examples of how to drill and plumb the tank. Mostly interested in the number of holes, size of holes, and placement of holes. Not interested in big overflow boxes and probably just going to use some Durso standpipes with intake screens. It is a glass tank and will have to be drilled through the back as the bottom is tempered. I will be using two 3/4in. sea swirls for returns and possibly some fixed returns if I find some good examples.

Thanks in advance for you input! 8)

Chris

[Henry]

You can also drill toward the top of the tank and make a small overflow box if you don't want to use the elbows. This overflow could be as shallow as a 6". Just another option.

Henry

[Troy Valentine]

Cap-

I agree with Josh the up-turned elbow is a wonderful nonintrusive way to have an over-flow/surface skimmer. I have that set up on my wife's tank and I love it. However, I would recommend using at least two 1" bulk heads for your application. This will allow you a fail-safe cushion, in the event that one gets clogged.

[ratboy]

I would go with much larger bulkheads than a 1" more like 1 1/2 or 2". Also buy good bulkheads (ryan herco are unmatched) not the home depot crap. The only problem with drilling the back is you cant have your tank up against the wall due to the down elbow.

[matt]

Has anyone who's using the elbow for overflow had any problems with clogging? I'd personally feel a bit safer with a small overflow box in the upper corner, but maybe I'm paranoid.

Matt

[captexas]

I ordered bulkhead screens for my intakes to prevent anything from getting in them. I looked at the Durso website and one idea was using eggcrate cut to fit perfectly inside the elbow and it seemed to work fairly well.