Just got a free tank, what now?

RookieReef · Nov 3, 2016

So today a customer of mine just gave me this tank, for free! What should I do with it?
I was thinking maybe a frag tank. And does anyone actually use bio balls, or is that more of a fish only system.

Coastie Reefer · Nov 3, 2016

Looks like the basis of an all in one frag tank project to me!

RookieReef · Nov 3, 2016

You think I should add a sump? I know that probably would be better if do able.

JaimeAdams · Nov 3, 2016

Yeah I vote all in one frag tank. Replace the bio balls with marine pure balls.

RookieReef · Nov 3, 2016

Anyone looking to buy some bioballs? [emoji28]

Ljaus · Nov 3, 2016

Definitely all in one frag tank, no need for a sump when it's already got a filtration in the back. As all have said ditch the bio balls.

RookieReef · Nov 3, 2016

Anyone know a good place to buy those marine pure, seems expensive and I might need a lot

Coastie Reefer · Nov 3, 2016

Small pieces of live rock or some rock rubble might do the trick. Don't need a ton for a frag tank.

PJS · Nov 3, 2016

Good score!
+1 on the frag tank

RookieReef · Nov 4, 2016

Also, can I run it with no protein skimmer? And no fish?

Ljaus · Nov 4, 2016

No need for fish in a frag tank, unsure about the skimmer- personally I would run one

RookieReef · Nov 4, 2016

The cats are enjoying the new frag tank more than me right now [emoji23]

RookieReef · Nov 4, 2016

Thanks for all the replies! I've been reading about the skimmer, it looks like it's a 50/50 on yes and no's

Ljaus · Nov 4, 2016

RookieReef said:
The cats are enjoying the new frag tank more than me right now [emoji23]

Hahaha look at this big box we have to plan in!

Personally the skimmer is up to you. You can always add one or take it off down the road

RookieReef · Nov 4, 2016

I'm currently running a HOB skimmer on my 80g right now, would have to do the same thing looks like. That thing wasn't cheap either, got the reef octopus was like $250 I believe

RookieReef · Nov 4, 2016

Also the tank was drilled in the display about a 2inch hole, I've been reading a lot about patching it with bulk heads , or siliconing a glass piece with at least a 2inch diameter bigger, not sure how well the glass will set on acrylic. Any opinions

Ljaus · Nov 4, 2016

Glass and silicon doesn't really mix with acrylic. @Floyd R Turbo do have a suggestion on how to patch the hole.

Turbo's Aquatics · Nov 4, 2016

If it's a hole cover patch, silicone works. That's not structural. The pressure of the water would push the patch tight vs a butt joint which is under perpendicular forces (and would not hold well)

You can cover a hole on the inside with a glass patch but an acrylic patch would be better as it will flex with the other acrylic, whereas glass would stay rigid as the acrylic flexes which could pop the seal

If it's on the bottom panel though, either would work, there's no flexing going on there.

I would be more worried about the euro, not sure if I'm seeing this right but in the 1st pic posted, it looks like there is a crack in the top brace near the front corner of the rear chamber cutout. This was apparently captured by the CAT scan, because the dude is looking right at it.

tonto95 · Nov 4, 2016

Put a threaded bulkhead in the hole , then put a plug in it, this will seal it

clownfish chris · Nov 4, 2016

I would use a marine pure block in stead of balls if it will fit. Less on a detritus trap. Skimmer depends on how heavy the bio load is. I would have one on hand in case there are there are nutrient problems.