Drilling Bulkhead(s) Questions

C

colesy

AC Members
Sep 18, 2005
90
0
0
I am looking at starting up my tank again, and switching it to an In-Wall tank. It's only a 55G tank, so it might not look that great setup In-Wall, but we will see.

Anyway, before I do all this, I plan on drilling the back of my tank and installing 1 or more bulkheads. Before I do so I have a few questions. As I said the display is a 55G, and my sump will be a 33G sitting below the tank.

First off, should I install only 1 overflow, or should I do 2?

Secondly, should I drill a bulkhead for a return, or should I just use some Loc-Line over the tank?

Third, what size of bulkheads should I install, and after answering that, what size holes does that size of bulkhead require?

Finally, what make/model of return pump should I look at, and what GPH should I aim for?

I know there is some sort of formula or rule of thumb to figure a lot of this out, but I don't know it off hand, that's why I gotta ask. lol

Thanks for all your help.
 
I would drill for both the drain (1") and return (3/4"). Or maybe two 1/2 or 3/4" holes for the returns. More outlets from the return gives you more possibilities of adjusting flow, and you can also hook up wavemakers like a SCWD or OceansMotions to get more surge.

On the other hand, it would give you more flexibility if you did not drill the returns, but it is a little more ungainly. You might think about SeaSwirl wavemakers if you don't drill.

For a 1" bulkhead, the hole should be at least 1 5/8", and you'll want 1 3/8" for the 3/4" fitting. Locline makes threaded fittings that you can use with a threaded bulkhead, if you want to go that way.
 
A 1" overflow will run at about 600 gph. Depending on the pump, and the twists and turns, you will probably want about 700-900 nominal gph. This pump selection guide will help figure out which one will give you the flow you want with the amount of head you have.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom