Thinking about drilling my tank. But have some ?'s first

As some of you may already know I am currently researching and planning my first Marine tank ;D At first I was dead set on using my 29g, HOB filter and skimmer ect. After some time thinking, and researching, I have decided that having a Sump is well worth the effort.

I am still planning on using my 29 gallon tank, (I would go bigger, but as of now and going to school I don't have the room)

(1) This is where my Questions begin. I was planning on buying another smaller or used tank for my sump and making it that way. Then I thought what size sump would be needed for a 29g? At first I thought a 10 gallon but when I looked at them at the store they looked rather small to be able to fit in a skimmer, heater, return pump, ect.. So basically my first question is about the sump size.

(2) I consider myself a very handy person and this would not be a hard task for me to do, after all I'm going to school to get my construction science and Management degree. The second thing I thought to myself is where to drill the holes in my 29 gallon tank? (how many inches from the top? and the sides?) I guess I feel like if you put them to low it would put to much water into your sump creating a spill? Or is this not the case?

(3) Third question would be the hole size, Im not sure what size bit I should use, or what size hose to run from the tank to the sump and back.

I'm sure I forgot to add something, but this these are the questions I have so far.

Edit: P.S. I do not want to use one of those siphon over the top things

Thank You in Advance!

 

1) 10 gallons is sufficient with a properly sized skimmer.

2) & 3) Go to Glass-Holes.com dope aquarium stuff and look into their smallest overflow.

Flow through a sump should be around 10 times the sump's volume. You will need a pump that will pump about 100gph at 4 foot of head.

 

Wow those kits come with the drill bit and everything huh?

 

They come with everything. They're great, and a good company to deal with.

 

Yup!!!

 

So I assume that the kit I'm going to want to look at would be the "Super Nano Overflow?"

 

That or the 700gph. The flow of the return pump controls the flow through everything. Either should work fine.

 

Ok that makes sense, any suggestions on pump brands?

 

I'm gonna chime in and say go for it at gl*******s! I recently set-up my 75g, drilled it and all is well.

The stuff they send is very easy to use...just follow the directions and template they provide.

Suggestion though, go slow and keep the drilled area wet...also, place something (a box with towel in it or something) below the area to be drilled, so when the circular glass piece is cut and falls through, it won't hit the rest of the glass and potentially crack it...I've heard crazier stories

Also, make sure your tank you plan on drilling is not tempered glass...if you aren't sure, don't drill it...or you risk losing your tank...

Good luck and happy reefing!

 

Rio HF are strong and pretty quiet and supposed to be quite reliable. Not expensive either.