How to deal with (intentionally drilled) holes in Rubbermaid stock tank.

[Mmathis]

I was planning to repurpose my 300 gal stock tank. I previously used it as a QT, but now want to convert it into an upflow gravel bog. But.....I realized today that back when it was my QT, I drilled holes around the perimeter as over-flow protection (didn’t want the fish to float out over the sides when we would get some of our notorious torrential rains).

I am still in the planning stages for the bog and it may not be an issue, but was wondering what kind of options there are if I end up needing to seal these holes. They are high enough on the walls that overflow from the bog might not be a problem — but that’s what I’m worried about. And darn, if I didn’t drill them all the way around!

Some of the holes.

They are right under the “lip” of the stock tank.

 

[Jhn]

Threaded bulkheads and screw a cap into them to plug them.

Most likely will be fine if you drill the return hole for the bog a few inches below the existing holes.

 

[Angel]

aquarium grade silicone may work

 

[Mmathis]

aquarium grade silicone may work

As in, just squirt a dab in each hole?

 

[Jhn]

Silicone won’t make a water tight seal on plastic.

How big are those holes?

Maybe some type of bolt/nut with a rubber washer/ gasket. Tightening it up so the rubber gasket compresses tight.

 

[qclabrat]

Silicone won’t make a water tight seal on plastic.

How big are those holes?

Maybe some type of bolt/nut with a rubber washer/ gasket. Tightening it up so the rubber gasket compresses tight.

Was thinking the same, but can also try nylon bolts/nuts if concerned with corrosion

 

[EricV]

Was thinking the same, but can also try nylon bolts/nuts if concerned with corrosion

That's what I would try too. You can get neoprene or buna washers at your home store. Nylon or stainless bolts and washers. I'm guessing true bulkheads will break the bank and cost as much as the stock tank itself.

 

[qclabrat]

this helps my thought process with the redesign of my bog disaster. Using a stock tank will help speed up the creation of a secondary bog to feed the waterfall. I assume having two bogs are okay?

 

[sissy]

Why would those holes matter just protection .They do sell stock tank adapters that have plugs in them .But if you do like I did and put the tank inside a liner so if it ever overflows all the water goes back into the pond .Less worry if any thing gets plugged and tank overflows

 

[TAHOE]

roofing and flashing sealant will stick to that surface, silicone won't stick very well.
i would probably use the plastic bolt and nuts with sealant

 

[Mmathis]

@Jhn....and everyone else — thank you for the replies! I’ll have to find the drill bit I used to know what size they are. I just went with a size I thought would handle the escaping water during a deluge. The holes are all the way around the tank (I think). I’m not even sure if they will even be a problem, but I panicked when I looked at the tank. And after I panicked it dawned on me that I could probably adjust the weir low enough that water leakage wouldn’t be an issue. I’ll get back with some numbers!

 

[Mmathis]

OK, the holes are 5/16. I guesstimate that there are anywhere from 40-60 holes.

 

[mrsclem]

A strip of liner and PL roof sealant should do the trick.
I finally got my damaged stock tank filter replumbed and all 3 leaks fixed! The tank got cracked while we were moving it! It's been repurposed!

 

[Tula]

@mrsclem , what a great idea....a raised planter !

 

[qclabrat]

@Mmathis, I'm picking up my stock tank tomorrow at Tractor Supply and hope to get the gravel off my deck this weekend, in fear of collapse from the weight. Can you tell me our plans for the bog? Will it be buried and how are you planning to move the water out of the tank? I really don't want to dig any longer and would like to keep it above ground as much as possible. Though I'm concerned with the weight of the gravel. For the spillway, I'm considering a 3 in hole near the top and extended a little by a PVC pipe, which empties into a waterfall. Looking forward to hear your plans.

kind of like this but empties to a waterfall

plumbing similar to this

 

[Mmathis]

@qclabrat What you show in the above pictures is basically what I’m planning. My pond edge is elevated about 12”, and the depth of the tank is about 24” so not sure if I will bury any part of it. If I do, will only be enough to help stabilize it — maybe a few inches. I would like to construct a frame [wood?] around the tank, though. The top pic you posted is how I have my Skippy plumbed and it works well. I will still go with the upflow, and PVC manifold, but will figure out a way to disguise the tubing. I also have a [I think] 2” drain fixed into the bottom for flushing, but not sure if I will carry that over to the bog.

Your question about how to return the water to the pond was going to be my next post on here — you beat me to it. I don’t want to have the return be tubing and would like to fix up a wier/spillway/waterfall somehow. But still researching that part. Just not sure how to position the tank next to the pond, and how to get the water to go where I want it since this type of bog isn’t literally attached to the pond. My concern is with the integrity of anything I DIY — I fear leaks!

I’ll keep you posted and you let me know if you come up with any ideas!

 

[sissy]

It is really hard to find the square stock tanks and I really want one .

 

[Jhn]

@Mmathis

To return it with out any tubing, I would get the front portlion of a water fall/ biofalls or diy a spillway of some sort that bolts on. Cut a hole in the stock tank on the flat face to match spillway drill holes for bolts, use stainless hardware and lock washers. Goop it up with silicone really well then tighten up, silicone should act like a gasket between the two surfaces to prevent leaking.

 

[Angel]

dust pan and cut down and use silcon of pond foam to secure?

 

[myswtsins]

It is really hard to find the square stock tanks and I really want one .

These? Laguna Link