Drill or not Drill?

IMO, drilling saves alot of possible troubles and work. Its def worth the peace of mind. That being said, when you get it set up, do it in your garage or basement and simulate "power outages" mark on your sump where your water line needs to be that way if power does go out, it won't flood.

 

I agree with all that's been said,
however,

YOu can install an electric cutoff on the return pump that activates when the DT gets too high and is about to overflow- like I did (Never has overflowed even before my failsafe cut off)

You can even DIY your overflows with PVC/hoses, and DIY the sump with a various rubbermaid type bins that are available.

I currently run a DIY 'intank overflow'- to my DIY (never looses siphon) HOB overflow,
to my basment where I have my DIY sump 50g Rubbermaid container, etc.

The whole set up, which works awesome, can be guilt for VERY little $$.

If you care to see the set up, it's near the end of one of my short DT vids in my signature.
Actually, the first one shows the sump in the stand; the second one show the current set up plumbed to the basement.

Happy Reefing!

 

That is some set-up!! I give you a ton of credit and respect for putting it all together.