Just got a free tank, what now?

[RookieReef]

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]

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

 

[RookieReef]

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

 

[JaimeAdams]

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

 

[RookieReef]

Anyone looking to buy some bioballs? [emoji28]

 

[Ljaus]

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]

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

 

[Coastie Reefer]

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

 

[PJS]

Good score!
+1 on the frag tank

 

[RookieReef]

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

 

[Ljaus]

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

 

[RookieReef]

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

 

[RookieReef]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 Verified Sponsor]

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]

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

 

[clownfish chris]

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.