Stand pipe only tank

[Wildreefs]

Picked up a used acrylic tank, 4 holes already in bottom. No weir or
Overflow box, just pipes in the tank.

That is how the guy ran it in freshwater. Can it be done this way, or is it an accident waiting to happen? I’ve never (knock on wood) had a bulkhead leak, but if it does with this tank, the entire 120 gallon water volume could theoretically leak out, as opposed to one with overflow box that would only leak out what’s in the box .

Has two 1 inch drain bulk heads and 2 3/4 returns.

 

[UncommonSense]

Picked up a used acrylic tank, 4 holes already in bottom. No weir or
Overflow box, just pipes in the tank.

That is how the guy ran it in freshwater. Can it be done this way, or is it an accident waiting to happen? I’ve never (knock on wood) had a bulkhead leak, but if it does with this tank, the entire 120 gallon water volume could theoretically leak out, as opposed to one with overflow box that would only leak out what’s in the box .

Has two 1 inch drain bulk heads and 2 3/4 returns.

It can be done, but not very well..

For your system to be reliable, you would need to run your operating water lever at least a few inches below what is typically desirable to allow for the emergency drain(s) to actually function if needed!

 

[Tcook]

Are the pipes in the corner? Picture?

 

[Wildreefs]

Are the pipes in the corner? Picture?

 

[Tcook]

I would block off the two inboard holes by gluing in small plexiglass plates. Add two premade overflow boxes in the corners and drill a few more holes for whatever system you want to use, durso, bean, etc.

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

I believe this was designed to be used as a closed loop. I would use the closed loop and drill additional holes if you want an overflow box.