Main Pump is Dead Again - Question with Drilling 55GAL Sump

[reefdvr]

Can a standard 55gal glass tank be drilled for bulkheads?

I need to switch to a new type of main pump on my 180gal reef tank
ASAP. It went out tonight and I have nothing on hand to cycle it for
now. Hopefully the 4 powerheads will maintain it in the meantime. I'm
not feeding the tank and will keep the (2) 400watt MH lights off
tomorrow to avoid heat build-up.

My main pump was a MAG2400. I've gone through four new Mag Drive
2400's in the past 3 to 4 years and two internal shaft replacements
also. I don't have holes drilled in the glass sump for bulkheads but
would like to switch to an external pump. If I can't drill holes then
I will probably setup a primer configuration to get the external going
after power outages. I can post my idea for this if you want (this
post is already too long). I am considering the Dolphin 3000 Amp
Master for this unless there are reasons I shouldn't. I also split the
main pump to run the skimmer.

The sump is also in use and can't be pulled out from under the tank to
be taken somewhere. I have a DSB section in the sump with lots and
lots of little critters.

Whatever I do, tomorrow I need to get everything or order everything
overnight to have a main pump going on Saturday!!! I'll also check the
LFS, but prices may be much higher than paying for one overnight from
an online store.

Ideas?? I don't want to loose any fish/corals/inverts, but am also
tired of having my Mag 2400 pumps constantly seize up all the time
after common Florida power outages.

Thanks!

[PaulB]

I have seen U shaped intakes for pumps that simply were placed over the side
of a tank. These apparently work, but need to be primed with water. The
problem is that the water level must never fall below the intake opening.

I don't know why there are so many of these short power outages. I have
lived in other storm prone areas and never saw anything like this. I
probably loose power for a few seconds at a time four times a week or so.




"reefdvr" > wrote in message
om...
> Can a standard 55gal glass tank be drilled for bulkheads?
>
> I need to switch to a new type of main pump on my 180gal reef tank
> ASAP. It went out tonight and I have nothing on hand to cycle it for
> now. Hopefully the 4 powerheads will maintain it in the meantime. I'm
> not feeding the tank and will keep the (2) 400watt MH lights off
> tomorrow to avoid heat build-up.
>
> My main pump was a MAG2400. I've gone through four new Mag Drive
> 2400's in the past 3 to 4 years and two internal shaft replacements
> also. I don't have holes drilled in the glass sump for bulkheads but
> would like to switch to an external pump. If I can't drill holes then
> I will probably setup a primer configuration to get the external going
> after power outages. I can post my idea for this if you want (this
> post is already too long). I am considering the Dolphin 3000 Amp
> Master for this unless there are reasons I shouldn't. I also split the
> main pump to run the skimmer.
>
> The sump is also in use and can't be pulled out from under the tank to
> be taken somewhere. I have a DSB section in the sump with lots and
> lots of little critters.
>
> Whatever I do, tomorrow I need to get everything or order everything
> overnight to have a main pump going on Saturday!!! I'll also check the
> LFS, but prices may be much higher than paying for one overnight from
> an online store.
>
> Ideas?? I don't want to loose any fish/corals/inverts, but am also
> tired of having my Mag 2400 pumps constantly seize up all the time
> after common Florida power outages.
>
> Thanks!
>