Plugging drain hole in center of tank bottom?

[TylerS]

I stumbled on a used 180 gallon tank that I might be able to buy at a low cost and use for a refugium/sump. Basically no one wants it because it has a center overflow (which no one wants on a 180).

Has anyone plugged overflow holes in the bottom of tanks or old closed loop holes with success? What's the best way to do this? I could do a bulkhead with short capped pipe, or bond a flat piece of acrylic over the hole.

Would you buy a tank planning to plug up a hole in the bottom like that? My gut says it's risky and don't do it, but the more I think about it I bet it's not hard to do and I can probably get a good permanent seal.

 

[KJAG]

Is this an acrylic tank? If so the acrylic patch would work. If not then a bulkhead with a cap.

 

[TylerS]

That's an important detail! It's acrylic.

 

[KJAG]

1/2"?
Just use the same or thicker material(would use at least a 1/2" patch) and make sure you actually bond it with acrylic solvent. Square or round patch is fine as long as it's a bit larger than the hole you're patching.

A bulkhead might be a cheaper/easier option but not sure what you're situation is with being able/willing to cut a hole in the top of your stand. If that's not an issue a bulkhead is also a option

 

[RedoubtReef]

i plugged mine. i have 2 holes that were used for a closed loop that I plugged. Just screwed plug caps into the bulkheads that are in the holes.