[Ebert]

Hello everyone,
I just picked up a 24gallon Aquapod & was informed by the LFS that all the Current USA tanks are not temperd glass. So my question is has anyone actually drilled one?
My plans are to drill about 5 holes through the back. Three holes for a closed loop system, & another two going to & from a sump.
Any help would be appreciated
Thank you
Cary

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Cary I dont want to talk you out of your plan but I can say from experience that getting a closed loop system to work on a 24 gallon tank may be a lot more agrivation than its worth.Drilling the tank is the easy part.Do you have the bits?

[Marine1]

If you need a helpful visual check this out: YouTube - Reef Tank D.I.Y. Sump part 1

I would practice on a 10 gal tank if you have one to get the hang of it.

[Ebert]

First of all everyone, I greatly appreciate all of the reply's. With my question, it wasnt that I have never drilled a tank. I was just asking if anyone actually drilled an Aquapod. The drills bits I do have, infact just received 15 in various sizes for bulkheads & uniseals. I drilled several tanks with just a dremel, so using the hole saws will be a big improvement

Now here is the actuall plans, prices & specs for my new tank,
I purchased my 24-gallon Aquapod at P.A. for $159.99. It came stock with 2-32 watts bulbs that are 12 3/4 inch in length, 1 small pump & 1 small fan. After dismantling it I found that the ballasts are 2-Sunpark model #12014T. After searching many places I located a wholesaler that sells the identical ballast with the square end caps for $6.00. It is actually made to power a 30,32 & a 40watt bulb.
So after measuring the current light area, I will need to modify the width by 5/8 of an inch to install the 3 new 17” 40 watt bulbs with new light clips. Also the tank was presently made with vent openings to hold 2 fans, so I’m adding 2 Stealth 60mm fans @ $5.48each
Two maxi-jets 1200’s are going to be part of the circulation. Also there will be another 2 Quiet One 2200’s. They will be connected to 2 pieces of 3/8pvc. & run under the sand bed facing the back of the tank. All the circulation pumps will be powered with a modified Chauvet SF-4005 2/4 timer. (The timer may be modified by replacing the 1uf capacitor with a 100uf capacitor to change the chase mode to about 10 seconds to 1 minute long) The custom sump I will be making out of glass & it will be about 15-17 gallons & the return pump from it will be a Quiet One 4000.
The backside filtration of the tank will be drilled for 2 1” bulkheads for the sump. It will be drilled high for the exit & low for the return, keeping constant water flow in the back. Another 4 holes will also be drilled in back of glass 2-1”hole’s & 2-1/2”hole’s for the Quiet one 2200’s. Also there will be an additional refugium for the back of tank & be lighted in this manner
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/g...t/nanoback.jpg
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/g.../nanoback2.jpg

Now the stand will be built out of 2x4 framing & covered with 1x6 red cedar then clear coated with a 2part clear epoxy coating known as a bar top resin. It will have 1 door with a textured glass panel. I’m also adding a Chauvet PC-08 black 8-switch power panel .The 8-switch power panel new was $18.99 & chasing timer was $29.99. The plan is to have all equipment hidden. Now the 8-switch power panel will be directly mounted right above the tank built into the stand for easy access & control of all pumps, lights etc. Now there has been a lot of planning into this build as you see. There were a lot of ideas that came from many talented, gifted people dedicated in improving & creating many of these modifications. To all of those, I thank you.
Pictures coming soon with step-by-step instruction hopefully getting started Monday 7
Thanks
Cary

[beachsidejuj]

ahhhhh I really wanna see those pics....though I doubt I can do it...I am a girl and don't have any expierence in doing anything like that!