How to plumb a sump when tank is drilled this way.

[alleykat0498]

I've yet to touch this tank but I'll be picking it up tomorrow. (alot of work I know) I have no experience with how to plumb a pick up and return to the sump for this type of setup. I almost feel like I should cap these bulkheads and run an overflow. If someone could show me a similar set up I could greatly benefit. All advice is welcome! Thanks guys in advance.

 

[GODZALLA]

nice big one dude ...

the far one ( in pic ) is for take out from water with any powerhead ( or without powerhead just overflow and keep going )

and the near one with cap is for the tank in from the sump of course with a powerhead in the sump ..

that what i think and i think it is so cool ..

wish u luck and don't forget pic when it is done

 

[CHOMPERS]

Both serve as overflows. They get plumbed to the sump. The pump return gets plumbed over the top or to a spray bar.

The center brace looks like there is a crack in the corner. If it is a crack and hasn't been repaired yet, you will need to take care of it before filling the tank. To clean off the coraline algae, you can use either vinegar or muritaic acid (only do this outside).

 

[Pharaoh]

I agree. ^^^

Or you can go ahead and drill for a couple returns should you prefer.

 

[alleykat0498]

Well it's here, and here's some of the before cleaning shots. It's gonna need a lot more attention than I originally thought it would but I dont mind the work.

 

[CHOMPERS]

muritaic acid

I didn't catch the transposed letters but the correct spelling is 'muriatic', just in case anyone wanted to do some research before using it.

It produces noxious fumes, but they can be reduced by mixing some liquid dish soap in with it before adding it to the tank.

 

[CHOMPERS]

I wouldn't use the work of the previous owner as a guide to setting up the tank. I only say this because he drilled the front of the tank.

The rectangular holes in each corner are for HOB filters, and the round hole in the corner of the first picture is for the pump return. Anyway, the holes for the HOBs will make good feeding ports.

 

[alleykat0498]

I've used muriatic acid many times in the past few years, we use it alot to remove grout haze from ceramic and marble tiles. The coraline algae actually wasnt all that hard to get off, took me about an hour and a little elbow grease. (just used sulfamic acid at work yesterday and my skin wanted no parts of another dose) Now I'm on to buffing out the scratches. Any idea where to get the stuff needed? ( post preliminary cleaning shots)

 

[jjdsplace]

that cleaned up pretty well

 

[alleykat0498]

I picked up a pack of 600 grit and a pack of 2000 grit wet or dry sand paper and ordered the novus kit for sanding and polishing the tank.

As for the crack I bought two sheets of 1/8" lexan to sandwich the crack. I also picked up some loctite marine 2 stage epoxy to adhere the two sheets to the cracked area. You guy's think this will suffice to reinforce the top brace that is cracked?