New 30g Build

[amertz03]

I have a 30 gal tank with a 20 gal sump. I want to drill the tank but I believe it is tempered glass on the bottom and I dont want to try my luck on that so does anyone know where I would drill a hole in the back of the tank and where I would place my overflow. Also does anyone have any good suggestions for a protein skimmer, lighting system, and pump that would fit my tanks requirements. I plan to start this build soon, I just wanted to get some input from others before I make my final purchases.

 

[amertz03]

Also I forgot to mention, I plan to keep fish and coral in this tank...Not sure on exactly what kind of either yet but I would need a lighting system sufficient enough for fish and reef.

 

[meowzer]

I thought if you drill a tank you don't need an overflow?
go with MH lighting or a good set of T5

 

[vampofvegas]

I had a 30g with no sump and kept it up for a year no problem until I went to a 60 gallon w/ a DIY sump.
I only had a canister filter (cleaned twice a month and changed filter media). 30+lbs of Live Rock and a Hang On Back skimmer (Remora C) and I was able to keep everything in check. I kept an anemone, softies, and about 4 fish. You could also get a decent sized sand bed.. maybe. Hell I even had a 20 something gallon w/ 30lbs of LR and kept it going for a while w/ a trickle filter.
So if you are going to keep a 30g for a long time I guess i'd go for a sump.

 

[vampofvegas]

Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3052480
I thought if you drill a tank you don't need an overflow?

If you dont want to suck your fish, snails, and sand into a hole drilled into the bottom or side of the tank. lol.
And during a power outage suck all your water out of your tank.
Yes, you need an overflow box.

 

[meowzer]

Originally Posted by VampOfVegas
http:///forum/post/3052494

If you dont want to suck your fish, snails, and sand into a hole drilled into the bottom or side of the tank. lol.
LOL...funny funny....I guess pre-drilled tanks COME with some sort of screen or covering to prevent that
I also thought I remember people saying a benefit of pre-drilled tanks is so you do not need overflows....sorry...I have an over flow...do not have a drilled tank...so I HAVE NO CLUE

 

[amertz03]

Ok so how far up should the whole be drilled, and do you think an overflow in the middle would be better then one on the end.

 

[amertz03]

What is the best protein skimmer for a 30 gal reef tank.