AGA not drilled, can I still do a sump?

Starting to look for ideas to ditch my hob emperor 400. Is my only option to drill this tank or get a overflow box? How are the CPR194 filters? Any links would be great too so I can research

 

Both Eshopps and LifeReef make very reliable hang on back overflows.
If you are going to have a fish only type system with no corals the 194 would be OK but for a reef tank you do not want the biobale type media as they lead to nitrate problems. In a reef the sump is usually empty or may have a refugium with some macroalgaes but no drip medias like that.

Here is an excellent read on sumps and overflows in general that explains a lot and gives you easy DIY ideas if you like to do things yourself.
Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums

 

Well myvwidth with divider in place is 23"....I'm sure that narrows my choices. How are those sump "kits" on ebay with the dividers? Main concern is flooding as I have wood floors.

 

The ebay kits are really just precut pieces or acrylic that you silicon in place to make the diy process a little easier.Not a bad way to go,they are reasonably priced and I believe they include a piece to mount a bulkhead for the overflow(input).They would take some of the hassle out of the job if they do fit well so make sure to measure the inside dimensions of your sump tank carefully before ordering.I was cosidering one of these kits myself but opted for a Eshopps RS75 instead.

 

How old is your 40b? If you bought it at petco during the last round of $1 a gallon sale, its a tempered bottom with non temp sides. I called. I would say go drilled. Even if you dont want to do it yourself its worth it. Gl*******s sells complete kits to DiY.

If you want to go HoB overflow, you'll find that opinions on them go to every make and brand. I have used a CPR (with aqualifter) for 3 years on my 75/110 without problem. You can ditch the strainer in the back and build a mini durso that will take the noise level and constant need for adjustment way down.

 

Tank is prob atleast 10 years old, got it from my neighbor who had it as a saltct ank then stored it & then a turtle tank lol. Soooo here's the sucky part....I'm pretty much screwed for sump unless I buy a new stand I believe...

 

It's way way cheaper to build a stand. I built the basic stand for my 40 for maybe $30, a little more for the trim my wife wanted. Theres a ton of plans here and on the net. Shoot some pictures of the inside of the stand. Might even be able to add a couple frame pieces to that one & knock out that center piece easy enough.

 

You might remove that divider and place an upright 2x4 in the back to replace it for strength. Its pretty easy to build your own custom stand though, I build all of mine and make them taller and deeper front to back to provide clearance for the sump and to get a skimmer in and out. Some I even put side doors on for more access.

 

When the time comes ill buy a stand and tank with overflow