Need advice on predrilled tanks.

[Newguybri]

Hi, im new to the hobby and im considering purchasing a 210 gallon tank that is predrilled for a sump filter setup. My concern is that there seems to be alot of connections that could leak. I work out of town regularly and dont have anyone that could handle a leaking swimming pool in the living room . Several LFS insist having a tank that is predrilled for a sump is far safer due to temporary power outages causing syphoning of the water. I understand where they are comming from, but the gaskets sealing the tank just dont look like they would hold up over time. Im just looking for opinions from people who have nothing to gain from making a sale. Thank you in advance for your insight.

 

[CharlieTuna]

I have a drilled tank, though it is not set up yet (project I bought for cheap off of CL) with good seals on the bulkheads I don't think you have too much to worry about. I have not seen many problems with leaking bulkheads on this forum or others.....just my two cents.

 

[pacu mom]

The probability of the bulkheads leaking is about the same as a plumbing leak anywhere else in the house. A wet/dry filter a great way to go for superior biological filtration on a large tank. You can also add a good mechanical component to a wet/dry filter. All the plumbing can be hidden in the overflow boxes and under the canopy.

Most large tanks come with overflow boxes and predrilled holes for the standard complement of return lines, etc. A lot of us drill more holes in our tanks for even more plumbing

 

[Brian_Indiana]

I have a Perfecto Corner-Flo 90. I was concerned about the plumbing at first, but took the time to do it right and am completely confident in it now. Its been set-up for over a year and have had no problems.

 

[fox3]

We have had our 210 RR for going on six years now w/ out even the slightest leak in the plumbing. We used the megaflow kits and the tool they supply pretty much keeps you from overtightening the bulkhead. It needs to be tight but not "wrenched" down to where the rubber deforms.

Te fish splashing at feeding time has caused us the only wet floors to date.

 

[Geoey]

Defiantly go with the predrilled tank your other options are never as good syphon type overflows have too many problems and canister filters are expensive and never as good as a properly set up sump.

 

[RedDwarf]

Your not going to have a problem going with a predrilled tank leaking from the bulkhead unless you, over tighten the bulkhead or don't tighten them enough. If your really concerned about it you can always ask them to double up on the rubber washers, one on each side of the glass.

The only real thing I would recommend is that you looking into installing a Herbie style overflow where you would have 2 intakes at different levels. This will give you a nearly dead silent overflow.

I have installed bulkhead on tanks that have ran over 15 years and never had one leak except for the above mentioned reasons. If the material isn't flat, the double washers will help compensate for the unevenness.

 

[Newguybri]

Im grateful for all the great advice, thank you.