Debating drilled or not

[akma]

I plan on starting a 40 gallon breeder, but am debating whether to get a drilled tank with a sump or not.
Originally I was planning on starting one up with a remora pro skimmer and some sort of mechanical filter to keep my setup simple, but wanted to get different opinions on the benefits of getting a drilled system.
How hard is it to do the piping and such?

Thanks

 

[Killerdrgn]

The drilling and bulkheads is about the easiest part to plumbing the system (at least for me) the piping was the most difficult thing besides shelling out the cash to get aquariums stuff. Then again i think i have a fairly complex system, but planning out how to get all the pipes from the main to sump and back and then making sure they all fit properly without leaking is fairly challenging.
But having a sump really does allow you to have more water volume and have a space to put all your heaters, skimmers, dosers, etc.
If you do decide to plumb your system, you should really use flexible pvc it'll make your life a whole lot simpler. I'm thinking of tearing out my hard pipes and putting in flex pvc instead.

 

[Bob 1000]

Hardline pvc Don't use flex...Your floor will thank you.... It's not that hard just plan it out good... Stare at it for an extra hr and then go...That's how my first pvc tank went..And I was 17..

 

[akma]

I have a 24gal AP right now and the setup is so simple. Do you guys know a site where I can read about piping and stuff. I googled information on reef setups but can't seem to find anything too helpful

 

[Bob 1000]

I'm in Staten Island if you want I can help you out...

 

[akma]

That would be great. Just need an idea on how to get things started and what equipment I need.

 

[Bob 1000]

I always tell my client's 3/4 of the size of the main tank is a good start...Sump/ Refugium.... But I can help you out in my spare time..

 

[bad coffee]

take a trip to other reef tanks around you. check out how they have their system plumbed.

and definitely get the tank drilled.

B

 

[drunktank]

i'm in northern nj, if i'm near u i can always help out or offer advice.. been doin it for a long time

 

[Bob 1000]

Hey Drunktank, long time since I saw you on the boards or maybe I'm on when your not..lol... How you been??

 

[akma]

Thanks bob. Drunktank i'm in Old Tappan, NJ. I'm in edgwater, fort lee area pretty often. Do you have any pics of your tank setup?

 

[Bob 1000]

In my gallery but I have changed a lot and need to update... Changed lights, Aquascape, amount of rock in top tank...180 bottom fuge/sump 125....

 

[Tim]

I`m In Sparkill which is about 2min away from you in Old Tappan, I`m home tom. all day if you want to stop by and take a look at my setup`s. I also drill tank`s if you need.....

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Drill it

 

[inkblue]

dRiLL it... $20 weLL worth the investment

 

[akma]

Dang. Do you guys have a site that explains the pipes and such? Never done this before. Not sure where to start and how to put things together.
Maybe a "Idiots guide to piping?"
Hey tim, thanks for the offer. That would be great if I could just stop by. I know where sparkill is. Used to go there every weekend.

Hey ink, I see that you have a 40 breeder. Any pics on the setup?

 

[Tim]

P`md you w/ my # give me a call let me know when you want to stop by. Seeing it in person is much easier and I can explain how thing`s work....