Plumbing questions

[user 2204]

Hi everyone,

I have my new 65 AGA tank and have decided to get it drilled to be reef ready and have a couple of questions.

First: What size drain hole should I have for a 65 gallon tank that will drain into a 20 gallon refugium / sump (3/4", 1" or ?). Tank will be drilled in the righthand corner 3-4" below rim and 3-4" from the side.

Second: Would it be better to drill the tank for a single return or should I have the return go over the rim and into the tank and have multiple outputs (2-3).

More questions may follow and thanks in advance for the help. Everyone is very helpful here.

p.s. I will be getting rid of the 80's stand and building my own starting next week.

Alex B.

 

[Rod Buehler]

Definitely go with a 1" drain. For the return.. I like the flexibility of going over the top.

 

[Scooterman]

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_Aquar...mbing_parts_fittings_bulkheads_strainers.html

This link they list the BH's & the hole sizes needed, I'd get the Heavy Duty BH's, just me I had bad experience with the regular ones.
I'd do at least one 1" hole for the drain maybe even do one on each side & probably go over the top with multiple outlets. If you decide to do a Closed Loop then maybe you could use the second hole for a CL pump & come over the top with that & just make a third hole for a 3/4" BH for the sump return. Depending on the glass thickness, I'd probably go 4" away from edges & other holes minimum.

 

[Katchupoy]

if you are drilling it yourself... then the only limitation is the size of the drill bore/bit you can find. But if you are going to a glass store, then you can choose the BH's.

 

[user 2204]

Thanks for the input, I will be having the tank drilling done at a local glass shop. It is 25.00 for the first hole and 20.00 there after. Cheaper then getting a nice diamond bit myself.

 

[user 2204]

Which BH are better to use? Thread x Thread, Thread x Slip or ?

Thanks, Alex B.

 

[dnjan]

I would go with a 1-1/2" bulkhead for your overflow. Large enough so that it doesn't get blocked easily.
Over time, the inside diameter of your plumbing pipes will decrease because of the accumulation of various deposits. You could easily lose 1/8" of diameter in 3-4 years. Plus, the deposits will be rougher than clean pipe, which will further reduce the flow rate.
Start with something now that will still be useful a few years down the road.

As for slip versus thread - I prefer the connection to the bulkhead to be thread, so that I don't have to cut off the bulkhead if I want to change something later.

 

[Scooterman]

I agree, even a 1 1/2" drain BH would not be overkill at all!

 

[user 2204]

Thanks for all the help. I will be getting the tank ready and be taking it to the glass shop on March 10th.
Would two BH overflows be to many? One in each corner or should I just go with a single 1 1/2" BH in the right corner?

 

[dnjan]

Having two overflows would not be a problem, but may not be necessary. Are you planning to have your return provide most of the circulation in the tank? Or will you be getting most of your flow from powerheads/closed-loop?

If the former, I would go for two overflows.

 

[user 2204]

I will be getting most of my flow from the returns and I may add a couple of powerheads for even further flow if necessary.

 

[user 2204]

I noticed while shopping for my BH that there is a difference in the required hole diameter and it depends on if you get the standard (sch 40?) or the heavy duty (sch 80). So which is more preferred or is there that big of a difference for the cost difference?
Standard 1 1/2" is 8.99 but the heavy duty is 17.99. And the standard is black fitting while the hd is grey.

 

[Scooterman]

I use HD on all of my BHs, they are a lot more stout & trusting water to thinner Bh's isn't something I wouldn't want to play with! JMO, many people use the regular BH's with no issues! I had issues myself with them but it may be a rare case!

 

[dnjan]

I will be getting most of my flow from the returns and I may add a couple of powerheads for even further flow if necessary.

Then go with two overflows to all for enough flow volume.