Bulkhead locations, size and number

[redfishbluefish]

Newbie Question…the next project is a custom 90g tank (five feet long) with half inch glass.   Also, it is unknown if the glass is tempered…so I’m looking into picking up polarized film or sunglasses to determine if it’s tempered (reference: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070302000201AAR8WI3 ).  Anybody ever try this and does it really work to see if the glass is tempered?

As an aside, it amazes me that we haven’t even “finished” the first tank…a 48g bowfront…and we are already upsizing, planning and building the next tank.  Does it stop there or are we going to do this all over again in another six months with something even bigger?

Anyway, we need to drill a few holes in this puppy.  How many, how big, and what location?  I’ve been discussing this with onefish2fish, and we have a difference of opinion.  By the way, sump/refugium is 45g with a mag 9.5 pump.

Options Discussed:
1.  In one corner a 1” outflow; in the other corner, a ¾" return.

2. Two holes in each corner for an outflow and a return in each corner.  Size? 

3. Something seen on some site that I can’t remember…One big bulkhead..say 1 ½ inches, in each corner as the outflow, with a ¾ inch pipe coming up the center of this larger pipe as the return.  Has anyone done this or know of it?

4. Open to suggestions??

 

[concept3]

I also have a tank similar to yours- 60X20X20 custom, about 90 or so gallons.

here's what I would do:
A one inch pipe drains/pushes roughly about 600gph.

At this point, if you really really wanna drill a tempered piece of glass, a minimum number of holes is what you want to do (I really would think twice about this if you're unsure). I suggest you ONLY drill one 1 inch hole for the sump return. I would do it closer to the side where 2 other pieces of glass holds so that there is more structural strength. I would also probably reinforce it with another plate of glass siliconed on so that you have added strength.

As for the pump return to the tank, just put together a manifold like this one- it will prevent the need to have a second hole, and allow you to readjust your flow as your corals grow, taking up more space.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Concept, thanks for the feedback. I really like this manifold idea. Looks like all HD stuff...regular pipe stuff, except for the black split-end flex pieces. Now here’s the question...where do you buy them? And also, pipe size and number of inlets...looks like maybe ¾ inch pipe with six of those end pieces? Thanks

 

[Hawkeye]

if your lfs doesn't have it - then you could try savko.com or bulkreefsupply.com.

 

[ds4x4]

i'll save you a trip.. Lowes and Home Depot do not carry bulk head fittings.. been there twice in the last 3 days

 

[PrettyBoy]

Aquatic Obsessions in Avenel has bulkhead fittings in stock all of them time

 

[concept3]

Concept, thanks for the feedback. I really like this manifold idea. Looks like all HD stuff...regular pipe stuff, except for the black split-end flex pieces. Now here’s the question...where do you buy them? And also, pipe size and number of inlets...looks like maybe ¾ inch pipe with six of those end pieces? Thanks

absolutely ALL HD stuff when it comes to the PVC pipe. You can buy the "ends" at modularhose.com very cheap, don't get them at an aquarium supply place, they are outrageously priced! I bought ALL my fittings, plus some at nearly 40percent less than what you would get them for at an LFS if they carry it.

Refer to this thread on Reefcentral when I had the tank build many many many moons ago I feel like an old fart.....

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=535632&perpage=25&pagenumber=17