Tank setup problems need help!

[Austin R]

Hey guys so I'm going to be picking up this tank soon and it has one big flaw...the setup and I don't have a huge amount of money that's the reason for a used one I was just wondering how to make this safe like can I make a overflow/weir or something for the intake to the sump? Please help guys I'm just starting saltwater.

 

[Salty1962]

Are you going to set it up as bare bottom and that's why you want to go with an overflow? You could place some plexi-glass around the intake of the sump to make it an overflow.

 

[Austin R]

Are you going to set it up as bare bottom and that's why you want to go with an overflow? You could place some plexi-glass around the intake of the sump to make it an overflow.

Yes you are correct I want sand that's why I wanna make an overflow box where would I get plexiglass? And how would i figure out how deep and wide to make the teeth or is it kinda trail and error? Also I would use silicone around the edges correct?

 

[Austin R]

Would the plexiglass or acrylic have to be a certain thickness so it won't break? Or won't there be that much pressure on it?

 

[Salty1962]

Any hardware store or Amazon would be fine, I would think that 3/16" would be good enough with your setup.

 

[bevo5]

Just my two cents....you could try and rig something here or you could wait a bit for something else to come up for sale.

I can't tell what's going on in that photo but where is the main drain?

 

[Austin R]

Just my two cents....you could try and rig something here or you could wait a bit for something else to come up for sale.

I can't tell what's going on in that photo but where is the main drain?

The main drain is on the left its black and I know this probably sounds really gheto but I heard if you cut a bucket that you never used for anything before and give it teeth like an over flow and silicone it in place it works just as well. That's what I was thinking.

 

[bevo5]

So the drain is just on the bottom like that? I've never seen anything built in that way - that's insta-flood.

Here's what I would do - looks like there's a bulkhead there. Size up the appropriate PVC and just run it to the surface like a normal drain should be. Then you can build a wall around it with whatever you want. Siliconing acrylic or whatever. Just build yourself a little overflow like you're thinking. The tricky part is going to be making sure it's water tight...obviously. You have the right idea.

 

[Austin R]

So the drain is just on the bottom like that? I've never seen anything built in that way - that's insta-flood.

Here's what I would do - looks like there's a bulkhead there. Size up the appropriate PVC and just run it to the surface like a normal drain should be. Then you can build a wall around it with whatever you want. Siliconing acrylic or whatever. Just build yourself a little overflow like you're thinking. The tricky part is going to be making sure it's water tight...obviously. You have the right idea.

Ok thank you I'm guessing use silicone? And I just wanted to make sure I had the right idea before I went ahead with idea thanks!

 

[bevo5]

Yes - silicone. Search around the site for which is best etc. You also need to let it cure for a while. Some say only a couple days, but I'd go longer depending on how thick a bead you go with.

I have no clue how to seal this thing up - it's going to be tough. Maybe cut the acrylic to the exact size you want and then put a good bead on the bottom of the acrylic and put it in place and hold. At least then you'll have it stuck there and can put a nice bead along the bottom and then up the sides all the way.

Good luck.