180 bargain?

[tiffyreefer]

Hello, name is tiffany and Im new to RC. I currently have a 90 gallon sps system with a 30 gallon sump. I am already getting the bug for my 180 gallon dream build. Here's the issue. My LFS has a used 180 gallon that I'd love to pick up, practically for free. Here's the issue, it has about 10 holes drilled in the bottom. I plan on doing a closed loop integrated into the rockwork anyway, but I don't need 10 holes. I'd likely plug 5. Is it reliable to plug these up somehow? Bulkheads maybe?

 

[akunochi]

I believe you could easily do BH's with a plug on either side. The main question become strength. If they are spaced far enough a part I don't see it being an issue.

 

[munkyboy111]

You can possibly plug the holes with bulkheads and end caps and seal it. I would definitely seal the end caps considering the amount of downward pressure each cap would experience. Another, more ghetto possibility would be to cut sheets of 1/2" (or whatever thickness your tank is) glass and silicone them on the inside of the tank. I would only silicone the edges to make removal easy. This, I would assume, would be the easier path and probably more effective (less scary due to the downward pressure the endcap route would experience) and both will cost just about the same to do.

I assume you will have a sand bed to cover them up so either way would work. In both cases, you can remove both fairly easily. That's just a thought though. I'm sure others might have better ideas.

 

[munkyboy111]

I believe you could easily do BH's with a plug on either side. The main question become strength. If they are spaced far enough a part I don't see it being an issue.

Totally didn't think about plugging from the inside.

As far as the spacing, I'm sure it'll be fine since the former owner had all those holes already.

 

[mhosts]

Have a solid built stand and use styrofoam under the tank and you will be fine.

as long as the 10 holes are spread evenly.

 

[dahenley]

i would get a double threaded bulkhead. then plug the top and bottom. this way you have double protection
also, if you use them for closed loop, think about using 2 or so for suction. that way there isnt as much suction on one. (it would suck to "SUCK" a fish or inverts up against the inlet tube.)

just a thought

 

[tiffyreefer]

thanks for the responses! yes, the tank used to hold a closed loop system. It seemed as though they wanted a whole lot of small pipes to suck in water, most likely in between the rock work as I plan to do. I just don't want as many

munkyboy111, i do not trust my siliconing skills!! (when it comes to a whole sheet of glass) i would have my lfs do that for me The more I thought about it today, the more i like using bulkheads and capping both ends. This tank is only setting me back a hundred bucks. Its worth the extra effort!

 

[dahenley]

100 bucks!!!!!!!!!!!!! that is a real deal!! i would jump on it. (even if i just put it in the garage... i would want it all for myself!!)

 

[akunochi]

Yeah great deals roll around every now and again..I got my 180 for the price of free....cause the guy had never heard of weldon and gave it away as a broken tank. I reattached the overflow to an otherwise perfect and undrilled tank...LOL

Best of luck.

 

[frgrasso]

my LFS has a 265g with holes in the bottom panel , he took 6" X 6" pieces of 1/4" acrylic and siliconed them over the holes. the tank is completely leak free.
iam sure larger pieces of acrylic siliconed over the holes would work fine for you.

 

[tiffyreefer]

my LFS has a 265g with holes in the bottom panel , he took 6" X 6" pieces of 1/4" acrylic and siliconed them over the holes. the tank is completely leak free.
iam sure larger pieces of acrylic siliconed over the holes would work fine for you.

this might work also. Something else to think about! As for now im thinking i like the bulkhead idea, especially since i want to have a shallow sandbed, it should cover up nicely. Thank you for all your help!