# What's Needed to Install The Shadow® V2 or V3 Overflow

***Prior to installation, be sure that you have everything you will need to complete the installation. This includes, but is not limited to the following:***

* [ ] Aquarium, either glass or acrylic. Your aquarium thickness must be from .25" (1/4") up to .75" (3/4") If it’s glass, please make sure the panel of glass that you are going to drill is NOT TEMPERED! If you are uncertain about this then STOP and please contact the tank manufacturer. If you attempt to drill a tempered panel, it will shatter.
* [ ] Cordless drill with adjustable clutch. We recommend the use of a cordless drill to avoid electrocution, as water needs to be applied over the hole saw during drilling. The clutch will limit torque transfer to the glass, reducing the chances of cracking the glass. Always set your torque (clutch) to the lowest level on the drill and adjust accordingly, patience is a virtue when drilling glass.
* [ ] Drilling template (included with the Shadow V2-V3 Overflow Kit and you can download it here\
  [Shadow Overflow Drilling Template](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0891/0346/6781/files/Synergy_Reef_Drilling_Template_16_Shadow.pdf.pdf?v=1724331333)).
* [ ] Tape measure, to determine mounting location.
* [ ] Permanent Marker or wax pencil to mark mounting location.
* [ ] Spring clamps and/or double sided tape to hold the template in place while you drill.
* [ ] Water source. Spray bottle, garden hose, bucket, etc…
* [ ] &#x20;Correct Holesaw:\
  We recommend a [63 mm Diamond Holesaw](https://synergyreef.com/products/63mm-diamond-holesaw-bit-retail) for best results. If a 63 mm is not available, you can also use a 65 mm Diamond Holesaw for any of our 16” Shadow V1, V2 or V3 Overflows. But a 63mm is the best option. \
  – For glass you will need to purchase a diamond coated holesaw bit\
  – For acrylic you will need a standard holesaw bit with teeth sold at most home improvement stores.
* [ ] Synergy Reef Shadow Overflow Kit.
* [ ] 1.5” PVC for internal box and external plumbing. We have pre cut [Internal pipe kits](https://synergyreef.com/products/overflow-internal-pipe-kit-1-5-pvc-all-colors) available here in many colors.
* [ ] Standard PVC Glue Medium or heavy recommended. See Also [What Glue Type?](/installation-manuals/the-synergy-reef-shadow-overflow/exterior-rear-box/exterior-rear-box-gluing-and-initial-planning/what-glue-type.md)


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.synergyreef.com/installation-manuals/the-synergy-reef-shadow-overflow/whats-needed-to-install-the-shadow-r-v2-or-v3-overflow.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
