It looks like I have found a 125 gallon tank with dual corner overflows. Problem is, I have never used a drilled tank, sump, wet dry etc.. I have only used sponge filters and HOB filters. If I choose to stick with the HOBs and Sponge filters, can I just plug the bulkheads and go? Will water sit in the overflows and cause water chemistry problems? Can the overflows be safely removed? It seems there is mixed opinions on this.
Just got first drilled tank - now what?
- Thread starter gnuisance
- Start date
Why not use the tank to its fullest potential? A sump is really the most bang for the buck filter wise, and for a tank of size, probably the most cost effective as well. A sump can be as simple as a rubbermaid container with pot scrubbers as media to acrylic-multi-chambered-mutimedia- monsters with dual return pumps, heater chambers and room to grow plants. I think this tank you got is going to be a new step into a new chapter in fish keeping for you.
I would plug the holes and put the filter system you are most comfortable with on that tank. Read about and research sumps and all their glory, assemble the parts needed to get the sump going and as confidence and knowledge increase, assemble the system and enjoy the most versatile filter you have ever owned/built.
Don't ruin a perfectly good tank without stepping out and stepping up and learning about sump type filtration systems.
Your friends here at MFK will be here to answer all your questions!!
I would plug the holes and put the filter system you are most comfortable with on that tank. Read about and research sumps and all their glory, assemble the parts needed to get the sump going and as confidence and knowledge increase, assemble the system and enjoy the most versatile filter you have ever owned/built.
Don't ruin a perfectly good tank without stepping out and stepping up and learning about sump type filtration systems.
Your friends here at MFK will be here to answer all your questions!!
As far as your bulkheads, a hob filter or sponge filter isnt all that practical for a tank of that size, could you tell us what your intended livestock is? This would be very useful in giving advice to you. I mean, I love sponge filters, but they can be eye sores, and I assume your not going to be using this tank for breeding/raising small fry. I have included a useful video that will help you out, I agree sump = all around best option. And as for removing those corner overflows? Good luck. You probably wont have much success with that, they are usually connected so well that removal could cause a catastrophic malfunction of the tank integrity, either way, you would still be left with two gaping holes at the bottom of your tank, is this acrylic I assume? Lots of pictures would be really helpful in seeing what you have to work with. Was the tank professionally drilled or was it an after market mod? Heres a quick guide to a wet dry trickle tutorial
[video=youtube;YZJBm89MuzU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZJBm89MuzU&feature=related[/video]
Yes u can buy threaded or unthreaded plugs and just cement them into place, or u can remove the bulkheads so its flush and just glass and u can silicone a piece of acrylic there to patch it. Ur lhs has all these items
Go S. Vettel #1 rb8
Thanks for the input. I like the idea of using the HOBs and sponge filters temporarily until I have sufficiently researched sumps and wet drys. In the mean time will the plugged overflows pose any problem? Will water just sit in them and not circulate? I'm concerned that could throw off nitrates, ammonia etc...
I believe a member here JK47 removed his overflows on a 120g to accommodate his 3D background. I don't think they were corner overflows though. You might want to pm to ask him how.
I have decided to take the plunge and get a sump / wet dry system. Stay tuned for more annoying questions lol
Good choice. Look into the filter sock thread.
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