2 new tanks, I need help!!

[BlueDSM]

Okay, so I scored 2 tanks, for cheap. I think theyre repo's from a pet store that went under.

One is 24L x 14.5W x 12H = 18 gallons, the other is 42L x 14.5W x 12H = 30 gallons, theyre not huge but theyre long, low and wide.

Anyways, both tanks have holes drilled for an overflow, I have a dilemma as well as a few questions for you DIY tank gurus.

1) How do I seal up that hole if I want to run the tanks as is? Can I put a small ceramic bathroom tile over the hole and silicone it? Is there a better way?

2) The tanks have sliding glass tops, the problem is the back peice is attached to the tank and if I want to run a HOB power filter, or HOB protien skimmer, I need to cut it somehow.....How do I cut glass without causing it to shatter? > its 1/4" thick.

3)Ive been having ideas to put both tanks side-by-side since theyre the same height and width, and keeping the overflow holes to feed a 50 gallon "Rubbermaid" sump underneath. The smaller tank will be a wild refugium with live sand and macroalgae, the larger tank will be a simple reef with live rock and easy corals - total volume will be 98 gallons.

How should I set this up?

30G + 18G Overflows > Sump > 2 Pumps, one return to each tank.
30 gallon overflow > Sump > 1 Pump > Refugium > 1 pump return to main tank

Or does it not make a difference?

And how do I calculate what size pump to get? The overflow tube inner diameter is 0.75"

Sorry for all this, Id appreciate any help

Thanks

 

[Sanderling]

Okay, so I scored 2 tanks, for cheap. I think theyre repo's from a pet store that went under.

One is 24L x 14.5W x 12H = 18 gallons, the other is 42L x 14.5W x 12H = 30 gallons, theyre not huge but theyre long, low and wide.

Anyways, both tanks have holes drilled for an overflow, I have a dilemma as well as a few questions for you DIY tank gurus.

1) How do I seal up that hole if I want to run the tanks as is? Can I put a small ceramic bathroom tile over the hole and silicone it? Is there a better way?

Two ways to patch a hole; silicone a square piece of glass at least twice the size and thickness of the hole on the inside. Make sure you clamp it securely in place for 24 hours while the patch cures. The second and prefered way in my opinion is to use a bulkhead and plug the hole wuth a threaded blind flange. You can probably get a cheap one made of ABS from your local hardware supplier. Use teflon tape and install from the inside. A good LFS or your local TSC will have the bulkhead. Get one with threads on both sides rather than one that has slip fittings.

2) The tanks have sliding glass tops, the problem is the back peice is attached to the tank and if I want to run a HOB power filter, or HOB protien skimmer, I need to cut it somehow.....How do I cut glass without causing it to shatter? > its 1/4" thick.

Is it possible to cut the silicone with an exacto knife and work the back piec off? Sometimes a blade from a disposable razor worked with some needle nose pliers will allow you to cut the seam.

3)Ive been having ideas to put both tanks side-by-side since theyre the same height and width, and keeping the overflow holes to feed a 50 gallon "Rubbermaid" sump underneath. The smaller tank will be a wild refugium with live sand and macroalgae, the larger tank will be a simple reef with live rock and easy corals - total volume will be 98 gallons.

Sounds good. You want the smaller tank level to be about 3 or four inches higher than the larger one. It will become clear why as you read on.

How should I set this up?

30G + 18G Overflows > Sump > 2 Pumps, one return to each tank.
30 gallon overflow > Sump > 1 Pump > Refugium > 1 pump return to main tank

Or does it not make a difference?

I sugest Sump>penguin 1200 powerhead>refugium (18 gal Tank)>large tank>Sump. Also Sump>300 gph pump>30 gal tank> Sump

And how do I calculate what size pump to get? The overflow tube inner diameter is 0.75"

A 50 gallon rubermaid tank is plenty big enough for a sump and wet/dry filter. The 3/4" return line may be a little small. I would recommend a vented straight drop to your sump with a 1" line and install a ball valve on your larger pump pressure side to choke or throttle flow to the 30 gallon as required.

Sorry for all this, Id appreciate any help

Thanks

GL hope this helps!