evoracer

Not answering as an acrylic pro by any means, but both options can be just as reliable if done correctly. The one thing to remember is that if you ever choose to re-plumb your tank, you are out of luck if you glue plates over the holes. Just something to think about.

If your not going to ever use the holes again then patch them no sense in leaving bulkhead fittings in if you not going to use them. Plus thats a easy patch job if that what your really asking

Gluing an acrylic patch over each hole is doable, but should be done from inside so the water pressure is against the patch. How will you hide the patched areas?

#3 or #16 will do the job. Maybe the patch material should be black... maybe a full black back glued inside the tank would be best. Just thinking out loud since we haven't seen any pictures.

Yeah black acrylic would be the choice. Visualizing it in my head now, patching on the inside, even with black acrylic, would look pretty hoakie. I think perhaps I am better off with bulkheads, plugged with black plugs. I know either way it won't be ideal visually, but it is what it is.

I think he means a piece of black acrylic that would go the entire length and width of the back. So it would be a new black back.

Yes, that was my suggestion. Definitely glue it 100% around the two drilled holes, but also create a new clean back for your tank.

How thick do you suggest the sheet be if I do a full back overlay? It would actually be two peices, separated by the overflow area in the center. The back wall is 36" long by ~20" high.

1/4" should be fine. The more important seal is over the holes in question. The rest just has to hold, but none of it is doing anything other than cosmetics. Why two pieces? Due to the top's opening?

Two pieces because there is an internal overflow (top to bottom) on the back wall.

Centered on the back wall.

Seems like it'll work out easily then.

Thanks for the input, I think I'll go that route. Just need to order up some black acrylic, as no one any where near me has any. Hopefully real soon I'll have this tank up and running!