Found a deal (?) in a guy's garage ...

[Cybervet]

Greetings!! This is my first post, since I think I'll be entering the elite realm of a Monster Fishkeeper soon. I've been doing discus and african cichlids for some time, but only in a 55 gal, 90 gal and a 125 gallon tanks. Here's a question for anyone that wants to reply.

I spotted a large tank in a person's garage and did some investigating. Turns out to be an 8 foot 225 gallon acrylic. He had it set up as a saltwater. It is now filthy, has leaves and dirt in the bottom as well as beer cans. There are a couple scratches, but overall looks OK. There are 5 or 6 bulkhead holes right down the center of the bottom (I'm trying to picture what to do with those).

Here's the fun part. He wants $100 for it. Just the naked tank.

What does everyone think? Good deal? What to do about the bulkhead holes? Filtration recommendations? I plan to make it an african tank and have been a fan of the Rena filters on my other tanks. I'm thinking 2 XP3s with a couple power heads for good measure.

Thanks in advance for any advise ...

 

[Chefken]

Get the tank if the seals look OK!!!!! I would think about more filtration....a sump. But it depends on your stock.

 

[ronald021]

Amazing deal IMHO. However, I do not think your 2 xp3s will be enough for a 225. I would have to go with at least 2 FX5s or 2 eheim's 2262/2260. However, if those are out of your budget, I would use your 2 xp3s and turn those holes into a sump. I personally would be too scared to do a sump with holes in the bottom of my tank.

 

[Cybervet]

Thanks for these quick replies ... !!

Yeah ... I think I'll be getting it and at least clean it up and re-sell. But I'll probably set it up for myself. The corner seals are visually good. A good fill test will be the first order of business.

I agree that a sump from bottom drains is a bit risky. And, as I said, I can't get a picture in my head how one would use holes that are in a line right down the center of the bottom anyway. How about drilling for an overflow return and use the bottom holes to rig up some sort of under gravel jet return?

 

[EsoxAngler]

Since it was saltwater the holes were likely used for closed loop circulation. Pump intake and return plumbing would have been hidden by the live rock. It could have also had stand pipes on the drains that were hidden by the live rock and a check valve on the returns to keep the tank from draining into the sump.