Tank Upgrade - Reef Ready Pre-drlled Pros and Cons?

ecooper

ecooper

Member
Hi, all. We're putting new carpet in the house and I'm using that as an excuse to upgrade to a new tank - well, after all, isn't it easier to get a new tank and transfer an existing tank??? ;-)

I'm looking at an Aqueon pre-drilled tank with the overflow to the left but not in the corner. I've not had a pre-drilled tank before and am wondering about pros and cons to buying the tank reef-ready. I've read that it cuts down on customization, but are there any other drawbacks? It does seem to take up a lot of inside tank space.
 
geridoc

geridoc

Well-Known Member
I have had both pre-drilled and external overflow tanks, and I prefer the pre-drilled variety. It cuts down on the clutter in the tank and after a power outage it starts up automatically. A con is that fish seem to jump into the overflow area more frequently, and it can be a frustrating experience to recover the animal. Overall, the pre-drilled is, IMHO, the way to go.
 
ecooper

ecooper

Member
Thanks, GeriDoc. I really think I'm interested in going this way. It would also be nice to get the tank closer to the wall (drilled on the bottom) and I like that. My only concern right now is making sure those vents (the Aqueon has vents on the bottom and middle, too) don't get clogged or covered with coralline algae.

My other concern is using as much of my existing materials as possible. I have a 48 Coralife Aqualight Pro that I still want to use. But, I think I've decided to go with a 125g tank and my lights will leave about 12" on either side of the tank. That's fine (I think) because I'll leave those open for free swimming or just mushrooms. I think the halides will still give plenty of light for what I have.
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by ecooper http:///t/396961/tank-upgrade-reef-ready-pre-drlled-pros-and-cons#post_3537126
Thanks, GeriDoc. I really think I'm interested in going this way. It would also be nice to get the tank closer to the wall (drilled on the bottom) and I like that. My only concern right now is making sure those vents (the Aqueon has vents on the bottom and middle, too) don't get clogged or covered with coralline algae.

My other concern is using as much of my existing materials as possible. I have a 48 Coralife Aqualight Pro that I still want to use. But, I think I've decided to go with a 125g tank and my lights will leave about 12" on either side of the tank. That's fine (I think) because I'll leave those open for free swimming or just mushrooms. I think the halides will still give plenty of light for what I have.

Hi...one word of caution...do not put your tank closer to the wall. I never had a pre-drilled tank, but I wish I had gone that route. You still have to be able to reach the back of the tank for many reasons down the road...5 to 8 inches at least.

I would put a screen or filter material over the vents, that you can easily remove to replace them , or just clean up to prevent clogging....an ounce of prevention and all that.
 
ecooper

ecooper

Member
Eric B,

I think I see where you're going with this. My 75 has one brace which sits between the halides on my system. But I think the 125 has two. I wonder if they sit right in the line of the halides? I don't have the tank yet. I suppose I have to have the system high enough to get past those. I know the distance between my bulbs is 19" but I don't know the distance between the braces on a 125 - I haven't bought the tank yet.

Eric
 
edat

edat

Member
I also debated between drilled and undrilled. I ended up going with drilled and I'm happy that I did. It made plumbing much easier and gave me the option to do the Herbie style overflow that I love.
 
ecooper

ecooper

Member
Thanks, edat. I'm pretty sure I've decided to go with the pre-drilled with internal overflows. But, I'm not familiar with Herbie Style. What is that? I just did a search and didn't see anything explaining it. Eric
 
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