Drilled tank will it work for fish?

[Slacker87]

Ok so I have never had a drilled tank before I am wondering if this 75 will work for fish. If I get it I will make a stand and I have a 10 gallon I can use to make a sump or overflow or whatever. Here is a link to the tank on craigslist. http://memphis.craigslist.org/bar/1893807783.html
I asked the seller to send me the tanks dimensions because if it isn't a 75 I'm not going to get it.

What I'm trying to ask is will this tank hold water without a sump? If not will these holes work for a sump. I googled sumps but had a hard time finding any good information so if you know of a thread that might help shoot me the link please and thanks.

 

[creepyoldguy]

a drilled tank is designed for a sump. if the tank is drilled you need the correct plumbing to make the tank work. if you decide to use it as a sump a 10g will not be large enough. you can also plug the holes if you do not want to use a sump for for filtration.

 

[Slacker87]

Ok so if I did want to use a sump would the holes be ok if they are on the bottom and how big of a tank would I need for the sump? If I didn't want the sump what could I use to plug it up?

 

[mariochainsaw]

you could use a taphole blank from a plumbers merchants

 

[Achill3s]

Ok so if I did want to use a sump would the holes be ok if they are on the bottom and how big of a tank would I need for the sump? If I didn't want the sump what could I use to plug it up?

I have a drilled 75 gallon that I got for 50 bucks and the hole is covered by a 4 x 4 inch peice of plexi that has been thoroughly sealed with sealant. its on the bottom corner and about an inch or 2 off the wall. Be sure that when you do seal it this way you don't put it right up against the walls and seals. give some space so you can seal around the edges and be sure to put sealant under the plate as well.

so far I have had no issues with mine and with how much sealant there is between the hole and the edge of the wall I suspect i never will. Of course this is only if you choose not to go with an overflow system.

But If I may make a suggestion. You can get a brand spanking new 75 gallon tank for around 150-170 new from petsmart. Probably find it cheaper at a LFS. You might want to spend the extra cash and get it new.

 

[Slacker87]

Thanks for the input I was at my LFS and I asked them if they could get a fahaka puffer. I actually just wanted to know if they could get it. The worker must have heard get it now because about 2-3 weeks later he called and said Jeff your puffer is here I'm like whaa? I don't have a tank ready to put it in :|. I really want a 150 gallon for this fish but I can't afford that right now. I just got a new job and a decent raise so I'm just looking for something that will last a few months. I graduate Nursing school in 9 so then I'd deffenetly be able to afford it. Sorry I ramble.

 

[JK47]

a drilled tank is designed for a sump. if the tank is drilled you need the correct plumbing to make the tank work. if you decide to use it as a sump a 10g will not be large enough. you can also plug the holes if you do not want to use a sump for for filtration.

A 10 gallon is too small accourding to who?? How big would you have Jeff go, 30 gallons? Bottom line is that tank would work fine for a sump. I have a 35 gallon sump on a 220 gallon tank and it works flawless.. Jeff, it's all about flow through the sump (turnover) and setting the plumbing up correctly. The reason for having a given gallons of water in your sump is because when the pump goes off or the powers out, the sump needs to handle the volume of water that overflows from the tank, to the sump without "overflowing" the sump, not just for filtration. You have a tower that will only have the water line about 1" or less above the teeth of the tower. A 10 should handle that volume in power down if you don't run it half full. I would plug the other holes in the bottom. IMO I would plug the holes and add a canister, BAM, done. Could be a fun project for you though to learn about sumps.


On a side note, if you can, talk this guy down on the price. your looking at some cash for bulkhead fittings and plugs etc in order to hold water and use the overflow that will add up quickly.. Try and get him to a $1 per gallon or less. PM me if ya need a hand.

 

[Bee0912]

a drilled tank is designed for a sump. if the tank is drilled you need the correct plumbing to make the tank work. if you decide to use it as a sump a 10g will not be large enough. you can also plug the holes if you do not want to use a sump for for filtration.

Why is a 10 gallon to small?

 

[CHOMPERS]

A 10 gallon is too small accourding to who??

Why is a 10 gallon to small?

A ten gallon is too small for a first sump. There are enough variables & concepts to deal with when learning about sumps for the first time. To ask a new person to deal with flooding issues is a fine way to turn them off of sumps.

 

[CHOMPERS]

IMO I would plug the holes and add a canister,

He's a student. And I'm willing to bet that he's living on a student's budget. You could tell him to sell his car and buy a Ferrarri.

A DIY sump is the cheapest way he can go and still have a quality system.

And telling him to plug the hole(s) isn't going to do him justice. The tank was properly designed to use them. Sure, you can make it work without using them but then he would be better off getting a tank that wasn't drilled and didn't have the overflow enclosure. If he is going to buy a hot rodded tank, it should stay a hot rodded tank.