Need help with drilling my tank

[Royalty]

So im moving my tank, And I figured I go ahead and make it RR but I'm a bit unsure on what size should I drill the hole. I've drilled a tank before at BRS tank wars. I was the guy who drilled a temp' tank. That was fun lol I learned from my mistakes I hope. That same day I drilled a 75 gallon which I'm very proud of, Anyways I have no clue on what size the whole should be I'm using a mag 7 for a return and a 25.5 sump/refu system I dont know if that helps I do want to use union valves and they only come in 1 1/2 so keep that in mind . P.s I want to know who makes overflow boxes I want an acrylic one black would be prefer'd. thanks.

 

[JohnK]

This depends somewhat on what kind of drain set up you are going to use.
If you're planning on a traditional duroso/stockman, figure a 1" bulkhead is good for up to about 600GPH but there will be some noise and microbubbles going into the sump. Some would reccomend up to a 1.5" bulkhead for consistent AND near silent operation.

If you're planning an a "herbie" or "bean" style drain, you will need 2 or 3 holes respectively, and 1" bulkheads will handle well over 1000gph, while staying virtually silent and bubble free.

As for actual hole sizes, IIRC 1" bulkheads (regular ones, not the heavy duty sch 80 ones) use a 1 3/4" hole. For a quick reference most websites that sell bulkheads will list the hole sizes for any given bulkhead size. IIRC marine depot is always good for that.

As for overflow boxes, I may be the one you are looking for, but I'm pretty busy and I'm backed up with a larger than average acrylic project, but if you're patient and ask nicely.....

 

[mnavick]

Thought I saw some 1" at the Depot or maybe True Value.......I had 2-1" PVC's on my 90G with a MAG9 and was more than sufficient. IIRC the size of your drain lines are dependent on your supply pump. Also as you have seen on my setup (4 1-1/2") I went overkill incase 1 gets clogged with an escape artist.
As in black acrylic overflows check out www.glass-holes.com. Little bit more than if you DIY and can be here (MA) in about 2-3 days.

 

[JohnK]

Oh yea, that's what I missed. Yes, you can get true union ball valves in any size. You may just need to order them. www.usplastics.com and www.mcmaster.com are both great for PVC parts. I find the usplastics site easier to navigate for PVC parts.

Also, you NEVER need a valve on a drain UNLESS it's a "herbie" or "bean". Never Never restrict a duroso/stockman style drain or you WILL have a flood eventually

 

[cstmpprl]

So do you remember how to tell if a tank is tempered or not?????
Michelle

 

[JayM]

LOL, you guys KNOW that one was planned just for the drama

 

[newenglandreef]

If you're doing a bean, I would suggest valves that open and close easily. I have 1" bulkheads that open to 1 1/2 inch drains and find that, from time to time, I have to adjust the valves. The typical Home Depot 1 1/2" ball valves can be very tight to adjust, which puts unwanted strain on your drilled holes. Just a precaution if you're going that route... My 1" return valve opens and closes with ease...

 

[JohnK]

To add; On a "bean" or "herbie" I would use gate valves if anything. They cost a little more, but are SOOO much easier to adjust precisely.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#pvc-gate-valves/=9ksyyu

See the bottom two in the link.

 

[Royalty]

So do you remember how to tell if a tank is tempered or not?????
Michelle

well I found a few good sites with lots of imformation thank you very much! lol but I found that the best site I found was the BRS.org site (wink wink) I like the Laptop trick that was pretty easy but I made sure with the other methods ..

 

[Royalty]

Oh yea, that's what I missed. Yes, you can get true union ball valves in any size. You may just need to order them. www.usplastics.com and www.mcmaster.com are both great for PVC parts. I find the usplastics site easier to navigate for PVC parts.

Also, you NEVER need a valve on a drain UNLESS it's a "herbie" or "bean". Never Never restrict a duroso/stockman style drain or you WILL have a flood eventually

thanks for the information John .K You have always been very helpful and I'm very thankful to this site I've learned alot and I still have much to learn. Speaking of which whats a herbie or bean?

 

[JohnK]

Your welcome. Anytime

Start here, plan to read for a while....
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1310585