Drilling Glass, Bulkhead Size and Overflow Source

[redfishbluefish]

I’m a newbie to saltwater and to the club and my specialty is ignorance...in fact I majored in ignorance in college.

Anyway, I’m planning my next move up to a 75 or 85 gallon (have both of these tanks), and have a few questions:

I want to drill each back corner to put in two standpipes.

(1) What size bulkheads do I use? By the way, I’m currently using a 950 rated return pump, which I believe is big enough for my next tank. Where’s the best place to buy bulkheads?...Home Depot doesn’t carry these!

(2) Just read that sometimes the bottom glass is tempered and if you attempt to drill, it will shatter. How do I know if it’s tempered? Is there some way to test for temper? Can you tell by looking at it?

(3) I would like to cover the standpipes with that curved, saw-tooth topped overflow. Is that a store bought item or is it custom made?

Thanks, Paul

 

[tbone212371]

I just drilled my 75 and did two corner overflows but a Calfo (Similar) Design that exits out the back glass and have external standpipes.
I used 1 inch bulkheads and ran 1 inch pipe to the sump fuge section
and 3/4 return line.
I believe 1 inch bulkheads are rated for about 600- 800 Gallons Per Hour each.
Nice and quiet running and I still have the full use of the footprint of the tank!

 

[RichT]

Unless you are a master glassmen, you or I can't tell by looking at the glass whether or not it's tempered. If you can't get conformation directly from the manufacturer, I would assume it is tempered.

There is a drain calculator on RC: http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/drain.php?gph=950

 

[paintballe48]

I would really be careful drilling, especially if the tank is used, the glass will already be weaker then it once was and if you drill holes in it that would only be taking away to the strenght and life of the glass. I was going to drill my 125 but decided not too bc of all the negative i heard. Overflow boxes arent sooooo bad lol :