Plans:

from what i've read the false wall does NOT hold any structural significance.

i plan on making chamber 1 my "overflow box and silicone the bottom vent. - 1 inch bulkhead

i'll remove the rest of the false wall and add an additional 2x 3/4" bulkheads for returns.

Equipment:

dremel - going to be used to cut the false wall accurately and clean

purchased from glass-holes.com:
1 1/2 holesaw for 3/4" bulkhead
1 3/4 holesaw for 1" bulkhead
2 3/4 thread x slip bulkhead for return
1 1 thread x slip bulkhead for drain
1 1 threaded strainer

1 straight blade to remove as much silicone as possible


I will take pictures for documentation purposes and DIY information for future reference. Please feel free to add any information I have left out or advice to making this process easier.


i personally will have to remove all live stock and clean it out. so it would be much easier if you decide to plan it out prior to adding everything! also, first time drilling a tank so will end up taking it extremely slow.

Time

approximate time frame for me:
1 hour to remove all equipment
30 minutes to prep and clean tank
15 minutes to drill tank for the three above mentioned holes
5 minutes to insert bulkheads/returns and setup the plumbing
5 minutes to silicone vent

~2 hours


24hours dry time



mods feel free to move to DIY if you think this info should be located in that section.

Following along. Gut feel, and nothing else because I have no practical experience, says to me that it will take longer than 15 minutes to drill the holes.

ha. what a bad estimate of time. more like 25-30. putting the plumbers putty down. getting measurements down and make sure everything is aligned. etc.

you are drilling the back and not the bottom right?

correct, back of the tank. it will be in back of chamber 1. i believe the general rule of thumb - 1" from the side of the tank and 1 " below the rim you should be fine.

Still question the drill time. Take your time, can't rush the drill from what I have read.

yeah. i've been watching glass-holes.com drill video RELIGIOUSLY. i'll be taking it slow and make sure no pressure.



btw, main reason why i'm putting this out even though i've seen multiple bc with their tanks drilled. i haven't seen any that removed false wall and used chamber 1 as the overflow box.

No, neither have I and it sounds like such a good idea.

additional info:

costs:
dremel - 60-90$
glass-holes items - 52$ shipped
pack of 10 straight blades - ~4$
plumbers putty - ?? i'll find out today/tomorrow should be
DIY PROJECT = FREE

dremel is an option and find it as a great tool that could be used for many different things.