Should I Drill It?

Alright so I have a 12 gallon nano cube with stand that I am going to be setting up at the end of the summer when I move into my new place. I already purchased the IM nano skimmer for it which fits perfectly in the first chamber then I was plain on some cheato in the second chamber and weekly water changes to keep everything in check. My question to you guys is should I drill the tank? Then I will have room for a larger skimmer and a larger refugium. Now keep in mind I will be living in an apartment (attending college at the moment) so if this thing floods even a little I'm screwed. Also I'm terrified of drill this thing lol. Even if I do drill it the space under the stand is very small I would have to either get a custom sump or settle for like a 5 gallon.

Also I have a question about lighting. I purchased a AI sol for this set up a few months back but in order to set it up over this tank I would still have to buy
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aqua-illumination-nano-wire-hanging-kit.html
And
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aqua-illumination-new-controller.html

Coming out to another $100

Or should I just sell the fixture and instead buy
http://www.3reef.com/threads/first-look-maxspect-celestial-c35f.153946/
That already has a built in controller with 4 channels, full-spectrum, and comes with mounting arm

What do you guys think?

 

Personally, I wouldn't bother much with nutrient export on a 12g tank, especially to the point of drilling when you're not going to gain much additional volume. A weekly 10% WC is only 1.2g (I'd round that up to 5 quarts) and will be more than sufficient if properly stocked.

I'd go with the Maxspect light, but that's a biased opinion. I just don't like the thought of having electrical components dangling from the ceiling over my tank.

 

I was ready to say "drill baby drill!"

But after reading your situation I voted no. If set up correctly leaking or overflowing isn't a problem, but nano cubes are kind of pricey to risk breaking. Also you won't really gain much.

 

I wouldn't drill a 12 gallon either ..WC's will be very effective on that size tank

 

I am not seeing a big advantage to you drilling this pump. Adding 5g tank will not be enough volume to change much. Even though it will give a bit more of a buffer if something was to go wrong, it wont help much.

 

It will give you a place for the equipment you might want, if you are on the fence do it.

 

Nano Cubes run really well stock if you keep up on your maintenance. I vote that you keep it simple and avoid flood risk by leaving it un-drilled.

 

Thanks guys makes sence that was my thinking also for the most part.

Now what about the light? Should I stick with the AI or switch it out for the maxspect?

 

I would go maxspect if you can afford it.