Opinions please...will this work for frag tank

[Ladipyg]

OK, this is very basic...and I'm not the best free-hand artist via computer and I haven't had time to sit down and figure out my CAD program, but you'll get the idea.

I want to cut down a 12 gallon Eclipse acrylic aquarium. From the left side I will drill a hole, add a small bulkhead and hook up a Maxijet to take water directly out of my aquarium and pump it in at the upper lever of the tank.

On the right front I will drill a hole, add a small bulk head and put in a very basic overflow that will drain into a T back into the tank.

The height will be 8 inches...the tank will rest on 3 sides of my 65 gallon tank...

A piece of eggcrate supported on a PVC base will hold the frag plugs.

There is no possibility of flooding because as soon as the power quits, the powerhead will stop...nothing to back siphon. The standpipe will assure the water stays over the top of the corals. A small powerhead will supply additional cross flow.

I have the rim with the cross base for the top...since the tank is straight up and down that piece can be replaced to support the top of the tank. It will get indirect lighting via T-5's and 150 watt MH lighting. All other needs will be taken care of via direct contact with my main display.

My biggest worry, cutting the tank as it has a bowfront. I'm thinking of using my Rotozip with a plastic/ laminate cutting bit on a slow speed. Draw a line, take my time and cut.

Is there some fatal flaw here I'm not seeing with this idea? If you see one or think of something I haven't, please LMK. Thanks for looking.

 

[Natclanwy]

You will still have a syphon on the powerhead, the tank will only drain down to the level of the return fitting though. Looking at your drawing it won't be much lower than your stand pipe is going to be so it still may not be an issue.

 

[Ladipyg]

Bad drawing skills...they will be at about the same level and the top of the tank will be cut off, I figure for it to siphon an inch of water at the most. What I should had said is that it won't siphon enough to drain the frag tank. Does that make more sense?

 

[JuniorMC8704]

I would drill the side, put the overflow there. The reason i say this is to give you the ability to turn the tank backwards, so you have a flat front.

Much better for taking pics through.

 

[Ladipyg]

Good point...coming from the side with an elbow, it probably wouldn't make as much noise as a straight up and down stand pipe. This is just temp as I am running out of room so I want it as simple as possible. When I get my 120 gallon going I won't be using this anymore.

 

[ReefArtist]

As for your build it will work great - I've done the same thing many times. Right now I have 7 tanks all connected. Not sure of the location but make sure it is not lower then your larger tank. If it is water could back flow through the pump. Just make sure you have a ball valve between the MJ and the new frag tank so you can control the flow (I'm guessing you know this but just to be sure).

Yes I agree the bowfront is not good for taking photos but 8" will you be mainly taking top down?

 

[Natclanwy]

Bad drawing skills...they will be at about the same level and the top of the tank will be cut off, I figure for it to siphon an inch of water at the most. What I should had said is that it won't siphon enough to drain the frag tank. Does that make more sense?

Makes perfect sense just wanted to make sure you were aware that the pump would still siphon water from the tank.

 

[Ladipyg]

Yep...but thanks for bringing it up...as long as the corals stay covered with water I wont' worry too much. If it looks like I'll be without power too long, I'll start up the generator...I LOVE being married to an electrican

 

[ReefArtist]

Yep...but thanks for bringing it up...as long as the corals stay covered with water I wont' worry too much. If it looks like I'll be without power too long, I'll start up the generator...I LOVE being married to an electrican

I thought only reefers in Florida had to live with one finger on the generator button

BTW - the only reason I brought that backflow up was to remind you to check the amount of water that will go into your main tank - don't want to have your sump overflowing (been there a few times). Other then that - good luck and please post photos of your finished project.

 

[rocko918]

Why even cut the tank. Can you leave it as is and drill the holes where you need them. Maybe down the road you might need a q-tank or something else. You could just plug the holes if you need something taller.