* CLS On Large Glass Tank? Help me with some input on this!

[platapus]

Im looking to upgrade my reef to a 200 gallon glass tank (84x24x24), and I would like to have it drilled out for a Closed Loop System when I order that tank.

My questions are:

Would drilling out glass tank weaken it?

What is a safe size hole I can go with ( I would like 1.5" holes)?

Does anyone have a large glass tank that has been drilled out for CLS, lets hear your exp with it?

Would it be safer to use acrylic instead of glass?

Thanks for any input you can help me with!

-plat

[Ltspd]

Who would be building the tank?

Glass is fine to drill (by a experienced builder) and will be plenty strong for your needs.

1-1/2 bulkhead requires somewhere between a 2-3/8 - 2-5/8 hole depending on the manf of the bulkhead fitting.
http://www.plumbingsupply.com/bulkhead.html

[platapus]

he tank will be built when I order it, from a retailer in the Bay Area, It is t a Lee-Mar Euro-polish tank 84l x27w x 24h

...I want to have 3 hole drilled out of the back for CLS, I will have my hole size, and hole location when I order!

Anything elese I need to be away of having this done, this is my first CLS, and once its built, and drilled, theres no going back!

[Joaco]

Scubadude has a similar tank with what you are asking about.
Check out this thread, even had pics:

Closed Loop




Moving this thread to the tanks forum.

Joaco

[Ltspd]

Its better to drill more holes and plug them then not drill enough and wish you had more. ;)

[platapus]

he tank will be built when I order it, from a retailer in the Bay Area, It is t a Lee-Mar Euro-polish tank 84l x27w x 24h

...I want to have 3 hole drilled out of the back for CLS, I will have my hole size, and hole location when I order!

Anything elese I need to be away of having this done, this is my first CLS, and once its built, and drilled, theres no going back!

[Ltspd]

Beg your pardon would you please repeat ;)

[platapus]

oops

I hung, and I click a couple of more times !

[scubadude]

Paul was one of the key ppl that helped me build my large tank! He is on the money about the bulkheads etc. as far as your Closed Loop (LOL, I didnt know its referred to as CLS now) I would put in just as many inputs as you do outputs or atleast the same equal area (maybe even more). For example my closed loop output is 2 - 1" Sea Swirls but the intakes are two 1.5" Intake grates and they are mid-point (evenly spaced vertical wise) from the SB to the waterline as well as mid-point (evenly spaced horizontal wise) on the back panel of glass. as long as you dont drill too close to the corners of the tank you should be ok. One or two holes near the corners are ok as long as they are not HUGGING the corners because your weight stress points are on the corners, there are alot of relativities involved in this too.....like who builds the tank, thickness of glass, types of bracing, type of stand, etc etc.

So to be more specific in answering your questions:

Would drilling out glass tank weaken it?
No as long as you dont drill near the corners and discuss w/manufacturers your plans and ask them their thoughts.

What is a safe size hole I can go with ( I would like 1.5" holes)?
I definately recommend 1.5" bulkheads which means probably 2 3/8" Holes....DEFINATELY buy your bulkheads first and give them to the person doing the drilling before you have them drill so there is NO problems w/him knowing the size hole to drill

Would it be safer to use acrylic instead of glass?
Sure it is, but there are pros and cons to that statement....glass is great if done correctly and you will find that most hardcore aquarist will stick with glass especially the starfire tank owners because of its durability over acrylic. Acrylic weighs much less, and is much easier/safer to drill, YOU could drill acrylic w/out any problems generally.

[Ltspd]

A good rule of thumb for hole drilling (atleast in steel ;) )

If the hole is 2-3/8 dia then you need to stay 2-3/8 or more from the corner both directions.

[platapus]

Scubadude / Paul - Thanks for the input.

I will purchase my bulk heads first, talk with the MFG drilling the tank, and my original plans for location of the holes, are at least 12" from the corners of the tank.

[marlinchaser]

I use acrylic tanks with the CLS with a seperate pump, the system works great. I have it on my 180 and 125 reef tanks. No power heads the only thing that is visible are the returns.

Mark