Help!!!

[AmandaRaeJean]

My 265 glass tank is leaking, so I went out and got a 300 acrylic tank. But it is a drilled tank and I've never dealt with this setup. I run a sump right now. Can anyone please help me with the plumbing of the return and everything. I am trying to get this tank up in the next few days before this hurricane slams us! Thanks in advance.

300 gallon
Dual overflow
2 return holes in dead center of tank
1 hole for "water changes"

 

[Maritimer]

Are the overflows through the back wall of the tank?

Are there weirs in place?

Do you have access to the supplies you'll need?

It sounds as though you might be able to do what's called a "Herbie" overflow - one line running as a full siphon, with relatively little water running through the other line.

A photo of what you've got available / what you've got to start with / the overflow / return layout would probably help folks who are much better at this than I am to envision your setup, and guide you. There are some #reefsquad folks who, I'm sure, would love to help you plan this project, and execute this plan!

Gotta admire your dedication and moxie - I would probably be freakin' out if my tank sprung a leak with a storm like that one churning down on my position.

~Bruce, _so_ not a plumbing pro!

 

[AmandaRaeJean]

It's got 2 overflows. 1 on each back corner. Not sure what the holes were drilled for in the picture either. There are 3 holes in the bottom of the tank. I have some supplies, and hoping to be able to get the rest tomorrow. The guy said it was a closed loop setup. I kinda understand that. We are trying configure the plumbing and are going nuts. I also included a picture of my current tank that decided to be a pain in the A! [emoji22]

 

[Mike.kel]

I feel your pain, my 150g leaked from a bottom seam a few weeks ago. Got a replacement with holes in the glass and needed to change my drain and return lines as well.

For your situation I think I would use a schedule 80 bulkhead on the bottom and run a plug in them from both sides sealing them with PTFE thread sealant. I personally use "great white" brand.

Then set up a "herbie style" drain from the overflows. Easy.

For returns I would simply run lines in a u shape up and over the back wall of the tank until you can get 1" seaswirls delivered and clamped securely on

Or drill another hole in the back with a bulkhead near the returns to limit the visual impact and add a return nozzle that way.

Good luck with the storm and seriously if you are in the path of it, GET OUT!

 

[Diesel]

Hi there!
Not sure where your tank is leaking or how much water you lose.
Plumbing a tank if you never done so takes research.
Of course there are plenty of folks here that. An walk you through but still half of the time you have no clue what they say.
You are in a bad situation right now as the we thought in Tx had the worst storm ever now it looks like you guys in Florida getting it.
Not a good thing at all and it ain't going to help you.
I will see if I can find some good threads with pictures of to plumb a tank with overflows.
300 gallon ain't a 60 cube you know.
Talking 1.5" on the drains here.

 

[AmandaRaeJean]

We are plumbing everything now. Been at it for hours. Ran into some complications. I have all my live stock in barrels everywhere in my house with air pumps. How long is it safe for them to be in a 45 gallon barrel with an air pump suitable for up to a 60 gallon tank?

 

[AmandaRaeJean]

Question! Our return is drilled. We got the tank with it drilled. Currently we have this strainer that the return flows out from. Clearly going to back siphon. So we have a ball valve on it now. And I need to know which ball check valve to put on it as well. Do I have any other options to guarantee no back siphon when power goes out?