Bottom drilled tank question

[Aggro]

So I’m picking up a 110g acrylic tank and stand tomorrow. The tank is used and getting a steal on it. The tank is bottom drilled there are 4 holes equally spaced the length of the tank but dead center right through the middle. So I’ve never had a tank that was drilled that way before so how would I go about plumbing it for a sump and such and keep sand outed the lines or sump?? I’m not above Potentially plumbing it the the back wall and installing a overflow box. From seeing the equipment it looks as tho previous owner had a closed loop system going. Please give me any and all suggestions. Here is a picture so you know what I’m talking about.

 

[fishguy242]

nice,could use stand pipes with abs fitted screens on two,for drains ,you choose water level,then stand pipes w locline return jets, them look like t12 vho bulbs to me

 

[Aggro]

Ya actually scored a heck of a deal 250 for all of it that includes the setup for closed loop as well. I guess the one thing I’m trying to stay away from is visible plumbing within the tank. That’s why I was thinking installing a overflow within the tank. But I do like your idea. What would you do to hide the plumbing?

 

[fishguy242]

go with red pvc black screens n locklines ,take a look at @Scratch08 build last couple pages the colored pvc,will look slick and unique

 

[Aggro]

go with red pvc black screens n locklines ,take a look at @Scratch08 build last couple pages the colored pvc,will look slick and unique

It does look pretty sick I might go that route or do something like that. Maybe yellow and black. I was looking at bulk reef supply plumbing stuff and boy is my wife going to divorce me lol.

 

[fishguy242]

what she does not know ,won't hurt you..lol'
do the lights work are they run by ice cap ballast?

 

[Scratch08]

Nice set up. You could use these

H2Overflow® - Screen Only - Custom Aquariums

Custom Aquariums provides the H2Overflow - screen only product. If you have any questions about our aquarium products, please contact Custom Aquariums today!

www.customaquariums.com

One on each of the inner most holes, then use the outer most holes for return lines. Would have to use check valves on the return lines to keep from over flowing your sump when pump is powered off though. Use your rock scape to hide the pipes coming up from the bottom of the tank... check out @JoshH 's build for an idea on shaping around the pipes.

 

[Aggro]

what she does not know ,won't hurt you..lol'
do the lights work are they run by ice cap ballast?

So one pic he sent with the blue working in just a few short hours I’ll let you know as I’m meeting him to give payment and take possession.

 

[fishguy242]

take lots of pic's,going to need for "build thread" " two thumbs up"

 

[Aggro]

Yes definitely going to start a build thread as soon as the little guy is in the garage. Going to be building a custom stand as well which is going to be first order of business and slowly get a few things needed to get it up and going

 

[Aggro]

Nice set up. You could use these

H2Overflow® - Screen Only - Custom Aquariums

Custom Aquariums provides the H2Overflow - screen only product. If you have any questions about our aquarium products, please contact Custom Aquariums today!

www.customaquariums.com

One on each of the inner most holes, then use the outer most holes for return lines. Would have to use check valves on the return lines to keep from over flowing your sump when pump is powered off though. Use your rock scape to hide the pipes coming up from the bottom of the tank... check out @JoshH 's build for an idea on shaping around the pipes.

Dude I like the look of his scape. I wish this tank was a bit shallower as it’s 24” tall which that means more rock work to hide piping. So what Check valve do you guys recommend?

 

[Aggro]

@Scratch08 I was thinking something like this for the lines that return to sump. What do you think?

1" Medium Overflow/Inlet Screen

3D Printed | Reef Safe | Slips Over 1" PVC Keep snails, fish, or other unwanted critters from entering your aquariums drain or return plumbing. The custom design allows it to slip directly over 1" PVC pipe making it super easy to incorporate into your tanks drain system or onto the inlet of your...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[Aggro]

@fishguy242 here is the pic of the blues.
I’m debating on running a few led lights because I’ve never been a fan of closed in tops because the evap and heat is much higher when not properly vented. And I like the clean look of not having so much crap on or in a tank.

 

[jda]

I would just plug the holes and drill new ones where you want them. Those are bad places for anything other than a closed loop.

A simple fan can keep all of the heat out of that top.

 

[fishguy242]

if the vho's work ,lets go from there!!

 

[Aggro]

I would just plug the holes and drill new ones where you want them. Those are bad places for anything other than a closed loop.

A simple fan can keep all of the heat out of that top.

You know that was probably my way of going but after seeing how @scratchy08 set up his tank and how dang clean it look I’m a fan of running a few pipe up and hiding it all in the scape

 

[Scratch08]

@Scratch08 I was thinking something like this for the lines that return to sump. What do you think?

1" Medium Overflow/Inlet Screen

3D Printed | Reef Safe | Slips Over 1" PVC Keep snails, fish, or other unwanted critters from entering your aquariums drain or return plumbing. The custom design allows it to slip directly over 1" PVC pipe making it super easy to incorporate into your tanks drain system or onto the inlet of your...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Those might work ok, but you'll have to spend some time getting them set at the right height. Only real issue I forsee with them is not enough surface skimming area. The ones I posted link for would be more ideal. I believe @Greybeard uses them in his peninsula tank...difference is his are on the end wall of his tank where for you they would be in the center of the tank. I have seen some people on here, especially in the large tank forum, that made their own using pvc caps and couplings. I'll try to find links later today when I'm not busy with family. Dont forget to check @JoshH 's tank build for ideas on scaping around the returns...

 

[Scratch08]

It does look pretty sick I might go that route or do something like that. Maybe yellow and black. I was looking at bulk reef supply plumbing stuff and boy is my wife going to divorce me lol.

You can get all the colored pvc at other online stores way cheaper than what BRS will cost you. Search Google for Formufit.com, PVCFittingsOnline.com, flexpvc.com(or net , don't remember exactly).

 

[JoshH]

Alright Alright I'm here, Tag me twice why don't you ;Shifty

;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious

First off, Awesome new tank!!! It certainly does look like a closed loop was implemented by the previous owner for sure. And someone who is atleast through in there planning going with Sch80 bulkheads. What size are the bulkheads going through the bottom do you know?

Personally I would drill the back of the tank for an external overflow and return(s) As @jda Suggested above to get your sump going if you are planning on running one that is. However, hold off on sealing the holes up and atleast do some heavy research on closed loop systems first and make a good educated decision on what type of flow approach you want to go with moving forward. Closed loops are not for everyone and it's best to make sure it's the route you really want to go with.

BTW, Welcome to R2R!! I noticed you are relatively new around here so I hope you're enjoying your time here so far.

 

[fishguy242]

thanks for the input @JoshH 3x my 1st,can temporary seal holes with bulks and plugs ,if you go that way ,drilling,@Scratch08 best info,i've only drilled a few in glass,had buddy in glass shop do also a reefer knew correct size needed ,acrylic well i have made swiss cheese thanks again guys for joining in here