View Full Version : Overflows & Bulkheads. School me!!
jagarundi
06-05-2006, 4:05 PM
Hello all, I've been reading a lot about bulkheads and overflow tubes in tanks. Can someone explain the functions of the two and if possible, justify my need to HAVE them or to NOT have them? Thanks!
coralnerd
06-05-2006, 11:57 PM
I just installed an overflow setup in my 200L tank. My reason for going to all the trouble of findinding a bulkhead, drilling the glass, and installing an overflow was that I wanted to build a homemade wet/dry filter, and have all my heaters, pumps etc tucked away in a sump out of sight.
Basically the advantage of using bulkhead fittings is that you can keep all your plumbing on the outside of your tank, without having to bother with contraptions like overflow boxes hanging on the sides. The disadvantage is that you have to go through the somewhat nerve-racking procedure of drilling hholes in your tank. Actually its not as hard as it sounds. Check out the glass drilling thread in this forum for more info.
jagarundi
06-06-2006, 9:31 AM
I always thought bulkheads were for easier water changes! Goes to show my ignorance. Well, I guess I don't need them then huh?
coralnerd
06-06-2006, 10:45 PM
I always thought bulkheads were for easier water changes! Goes to show my ignorance. Well, I guess I don't need them then huh?
I guess if your tank is really huge and syphoning is impratical you could install a bulkhead with a ball valve or tap on it to make draining the tank easier. It seems like a lot of trouble to go to just for the purpose of water changes though. A syphon is a pretty easy device to master.