Where would YOU drill?

[slowngreen]

I am planning on adding a sump to my PicoAquariums 5g AIO. I am just not sure where I should put my bulk head (for those familiar with the tank design).

 

Maybe in the return pump chamber through the bottom? I plan on running the return from the sump over the back and into the little stock return spout.

 

Thoughts?

[NorthGaHillbilly]

I am planning on adding a sump to my PicoAquariums 5g AIO. I am just not sure where I should put my bulk head (for those familiar with the tank design).

 

Maybe in the return pump chamber through the bottom? I plan on running the return from the sump over the back and into the little stock return spout.

 

Thoughts?

If your planning on using the entire back section as a overflow box then about anywhere aught to work.

[Halo_003]

Personally, I wouldn't. Just use an HOB overflow box. If you drill it you'll lose resell value almost entirely.

[SchnauzerFace]

Personally, I wouldn't. Just use an HOB overflow box. If you drill it you'll lose resell value almost entirely.

 

Resale value on used 5g tanks isn't all that great anyway. Plus drilling & sumping could actually make it slightly more attractive to buyers. But since I don't think OP is hoping to flip this tank and sell it for a profit, I would say drilling is a good idea if he wants a sump. HOB overflow boxes scare me due to the flooding potential.

 

I'm not familiar with the Pico AIO design, but I'd drill it relatively high on the back so it won't drain as much water into the sump when you kill the power. That will leave more room for your max water line in the sump, so you can increase the total water volume a little bit more.

[CJJon]

Personally, I wouldn't. Just use an HOB overflow box. If you drill it you'll lose resell value almost entirely.

 

LOL! On a 5g pico tank?

[evilc66]

I'd drill in the first chamber. Height won't matter much as long as you aren't sucking air. Once the pump is off, you only have to worry about a relatively small amount of water draining into the sump from that chamber and the display draining down to the intake grill height.

[Halo_003]

Just saying it's sold as an AIO, if you make it so the AIO factor is no longer true then IMO it's worthless.

 

Not saying it's a terrible idea, just that I wouldn't make an AIO tank into a sumped tank, could be hard to get rid of when you upgrade.

[CrazyEyes]

Since this is where we would personally drill it I'm going to say what I'd do. I'd pull the AIO wall out completely and add a glass-holes overflow to it.

[Halo_003]

Since this is where we would personally drill it I'm going to say what I'd do. I'd pull the AIO wall out completely and add a glass-holes overflow to it.

I agree, if you're set on drilling that is what I would do as well.