I don't know enough about Mike's experience to comment.

My dad has installed 3 this way and has never had a problem.

 

I installed my Espar and had to drill the tank for the pick-up tube. I went to a pet supply store and got a small fish net with a long handle. I put the fish net inside the tank and grease on the drill bit. What didn't come up and out on the drill bit, was caught in the fish net inside the tank. I drilled the hole about 3 inches from the filler cap which simplified the process of drilling and getting the pick-up tube in without the need to drill a bigger hole or lose the pick-up tube in the tank.

Hope this helps.

 

I've put a shop vac next to the drill bit, seems to work ok. That fish net idea sounds good to.

 

Ok good, thanks. I've just got to find someone to do it who feels confident they know what they are doing. I don't know how good these mechanics are, but they readily acknowledge they haven't done it before.