[Chubosco]

It's been several years since I have been involved in SALTWATER. I bought a discount stand and canapy for $375.00. Now, I find out through reading and on line...the world has changed. I would like to buy a tank this coming weekend cause I am just sick of looking at this piece of furniture w/o a tank. Now, I want to do a reef veeeeery slowly. So, a pre-drilled tank should have how many holes and what size. I want a refugium and a sump too?

[Reefland]

Hi Chubosco, Welcome to Reefland!

A 180 gallon tank from AGA or Oceanic is going to have 2 corner overflow each containing 2 holes. 1-1" hole for the drain that should get a 1.5" standpipe placed in it and 1-3/4" hole for the return and the tank should come with this plumbing. These 2 drains and reutnrs will allow plenty of water to drain to the sump which can contain a refugium integrated or you can do a speerate vessel beside the sump.

[Papa Doug]

I would say a 2 in. hole in each corner 7in. sq. overflow. That takes a 1 1/4in. bulkhead and 1 1/4in. drain lines.

That would be my opinion on a minimum for a 180g size tank. And yes, you could add the 3/4in. return holes mentioned.