Where to Drill

Here's how I did it:



After doing it this way, I would probably not do the returns through the side due to the potential of siphoning. My advice: Do the drains through the side, and returns up and over.

Tank journal here, for more info.

Here's mine:
Top left is an overflow to the sewer
Bottom left is canister filter intake
Middle right is canister filter outlet


This configuration works great!! You can do a 75% water change and still keep your canister filter running fine. And with an overflow in place, you're all set to add an automatic water change system.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/pHosting.php?do=show&type=f&id=11620&title=drillingc.jpg

Overall look. Overflow isn't visible because of Nymphoides Aquatica leaves

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/pHosting.php?do=show&type=f&id=10352&title=april_2012_-1b.jpg

Over flow in top left corner

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/pHosting.php?do=show&type=f&id=10557&title=overflow_detailc.jpg

Oh, and what NOT to do was what I did to my 46 gallon bow front....

I drilled both the inlet and outlet very near the top edge. Only once it was done did i realize the problem: Every time I did a water change, as soon as I removed about 5 gallons of water, the canister filter would just chop air. The filter couldn't be returned to service until the water change was done. ++sigh++ Not the end of the world, but really annoying.

My tank has both holes bottom drilled. Using the back right for overflow box to sump and other for return. Not happy with where the return line comes in but dont feel like patching and redrilling. This is how mine is going to work. Still need to box in overflow and paint pipe, but finishing up on polishing the acrylic first.