Help me build my 540 gallon

[gavigan1]

I would like to thank the MFK community for sharing and appreciate your assistance in my build.

I just picked up a Used Acrylic Tank measurement 93L x 30W x 45H about 540 gallons. I am not crazy about the height and width but the tank cost me about 1/4th the price of new. The front and sides are 1in thick the top and bottom are about 1/2 in. There is a internal overflow box at one end with 2 aprox 1.5in holes at the base. In the main area of the tank there are 2 (aprox 1.5) in holes drilled in the bottom.

Stock list will come from my 265 gallon and includes arrowana, armatus, tarpon, P bass, gars, ornates.

I plan to build a stand and canopy
The tank will require some buffing
I need bulkheads, plumbing, pumps, UV and sump

I will need your help with this as time goes on.

Here are some pictures, I have not leak tested it yet. The overall condition of the tank appears to be very good. There are a few chips and minor imperfections that I would like you to take a look at, to identifiy any need for concern.

Thanks

 

[gavigan1]

It appears that someone tried to repair the seal at the base of the overflow with some sort of epoxy that has since cracked. I am planning on repairing this. I assume that weld # 16 or silicone will work? I dont know th manufactuer of the tank , the dimensions are somewhat unique- so I am thinking it was a custom build. It came out of a Dentist office. Does anyone recognize the manufactuer based on the top bracing? Thanks

 

[paulW]

Don't get the Via Aqua Terminator Compact UV Sterilizers
I had one and it stopped working after a year. I am investigating other brands.

 

[csnmusic02]

use 16, silicon eventually will leak cause not meant to bond to acrylic,

 

[Clay]

Weld on yes, silicone no for acrylic under pressure (in the case of your overflow box).

As far as the tank, the seam you show in pictures 3, 4, and 5 are concerning to me. It could be just a little primer that the maker spilled , or it could be a structural failure waiting to happen. I can't tell from these pics, but if you can post pics from other angles, it might help.

 

[gavigan1]

I purchased the 64oz novus 1, 2, 3 kit and a pint of weld on 16 from ebay. Leak test done, looks good.

I can see the normal small air bubbles with the whitened seam (pics 3,4,5) area so I dont think there is any seperation between the panels just discoloration formed during manufacturing.

Looking into stand and sump. This is going to be alot of work!

 

[gavigan1]

Planning construction of stand from 2x6's, 3/4 plywood, bolts etc.

Filtration:
Not sure the overflow will accomodate 4-500- gph. It only has 2 holes that will accommodate 1 3/4 in bulk heads with 1in ID PVC leading to sump. Will probable drain to filter socks/ drip plate/ bio balls.

May need to add another overflow or at least drill a 3rd hole in the existing overflow?

For returns I was thinking of using the 2 existing holes in the main tank with check valves( to prevent flood in case of power outage) Do check valves significantly reduce the GPH from pump?

I could plumb returns behind and over the top and use the 2 holes in the main tank for some sort of closed loop filtration using a old ocean clear canister then UV....not sure what to do here.

Anyone use the coralife turbo twist 36w UV? Replacement bulbs seem to be very affordable.

 

[Pharaoh]

You could always drill the current return holes and make them larger.

 

[gavigan1]

Won a Reeflo Hammerhead 5800 gph pump on ebay

 

[gavigan1]

Now that I have my pump and am committed to the sump I need to figure out the overflow.

I priced out have another overflow box at the other end of the tank it's another $210. This will increase the amount of bio balls and allow for smaller but take some space away in the tank?

or

I can drill larger holes or 1 more hole in the existing overflow but I dont know if that will accommodate the 4000-5000 GPH from the pump. I have heard 2in overflows are noisy?