dcforester1
Finally enjoying my tank
When drilling thru the backwall of a tank should the hole be half way thru the water line? Also when installing the bulkhead, should I use alittle silicone, or just let the gasket do its job? TIA Derek
-
******* To read about the changes to the marketplace click here
Question about drilling my tank
- Thread starter dcforester1
- Start date
OP
OP
dcforester1
Finally enjoying my tank
More info on the current plan would help to give specific advice.
I changed the plan that I orig discussed with you, but I think I am going to be OK. The water will be coiming over a wall perpendicular to the rear wall. The top of it is about 12in off the bottom of the tank, It is the original return compartment from the tank. I dont know if I confused you , but I dont really know how to explain it.
I was going to have the center of the bulkhead even with the top of the wall.
I changed the plan that I orig discussed with you, but I think I am going to be OK. The water will be coiming over a wall perpendicular to the rear wall. The top of it is about 12in off the bottom of the tank, It is the original return compartment from the tank. I dont know if I confused you , but I dont really know how to explain it.
I was going to have the center of the bulkhead even with the top of the wall.
OP
OP
dcforester1
Finally enjoying my tank
well here goes nothing. whats the worst that could happen? stay tuned
emabie
Non-member
Do not use silicone sealant on the bulkhead gasket.
What I have started using is plumbers silicone grease. Not mechanics, but plumbers silicone. It does not dry out and is used to keep the gasket from getting brittle. I also use it on threaded fittings or hose barbs so they slide on easy and come off allot easier.
Also don't over tighten the bulkhead. For most sizes 1 1/4'' and smaller hand tight will usually do it.
What I have started using is plumbers silicone grease. Not mechanics, but plumbers silicone. It does not dry out and is used to keep the gasket from getting brittle. I also use it on threaded fittings or hose barbs so they slide on easy and come off allot easier.
Also don't over tighten the bulkhead. For most sizes 1 1/4'' and smaller hand tight will usually do it.
how did it come out?
Jennifer
Moody and emotional slob
Oh the suspense... it is killing me. (serious but funny)
Drilling tanks always scares me. I finished designing my new system yesterday. Now it looks like I will have to drill the 2 tanks that are going to be under my 72 bow. One is a 10 gallon and the other is a 20 gallon. The smaller the tank the scarier it is to drill.
Drilling tanks always scares me. I finished designing my new system yesterday. Now it looks like I will have to drill the 2 tanks that are going to be under my 72 bow. One is a 10 gallon and the other is a 20 gallon. The smaller the tank the scarier it is to drill.
emabie
Non-member
Most of the small tanks are tempered glass anyway. Drill and if it is tempered it breaks then repalce that panel with non tempered, sometime sis the only way to find out.
jayman10134
Non-member
if you haven't already drilled the tank i would drill it about 4 inches down from the top. then install a 90 degree pvc pipe with a 4 inch pipe going to the surface. you can rotate the pipe to adjust where the waterline is. if you put it right at the surface you have no control. if it comes out low it will be difficult to fix. this is what roger at KCA recommended and it sounds like it is a good idea. this is always how he has done it.
Codeman
Cody the Fish Guy
I drilled and plumbed my old 5.5G AGA, it came out fine. You just have to take it slow.
OP
OP
dcforester1
Finally enjoying my tank
No Problem, I am all up and running. I stayed up until about 4am last night, and the night before, and I am good to go. I really didnt take many pictures as I had to get it done, before the kids got up in the AM.
I couldnt have done it without the help of alot of people on here, and my friend Matt. I will take and post some pictures later. The only problem I had, and it only because I got jinxed by someone on here. I forget who it was, but they said to use true union shutoffs, because they always fail. Well I already had my shutoffs, and figured I would worry about it in a couple of years when it leaks. Well it took about 10min, and the shutoff for my Carbon?GFO reactor is leaking. It is a brand new shutoff, and it is weepinging at the handle.
Drilling the tank was so easy, I was practicing on a piece of acrylic, and it must have been a different type. The tank was very soft, and the drill went right thru. The practice piece was very brittle, and it made me nervous.
I drilled thru the back about 4in from the bottom, and have a stand pipe inside for the hieght. I was having a hard time figuring the location, because I have the back of the tank all baffled, but it worked out great. Thanks John for the help
I added about 25gal more volume to the tank, and now I have a sump, with a refuge like a real reefer. It has been along couple of days, and I am heading out. I will post some pics soon. I wish I had taken some as I went along, but to late for that now. Thanks to all for the imput, and giving me lots of ideas.
One other thing is now tht my water level is stable my POS skimmer is actually working. Sorry for any typos I am in a rush.
Thanks again Derek
I couldnt have done it without the help of alot of people on here, and my friend Matt. I will take and post some pictures later. The only problem I had, and it only because I got jinxed by someone on here. I forget who it was, but they said to use true union shutoffs, because they always fail. Well I already had my shutoffs, and figured I would worry about it in a couple of years when it leaks. Well it took about 10min, and the shutoff for my Carbon?GFO reactor is leaking. It is a brand new shutoff, and it is weepinging at the handle.
Drilling the tank was so easy, I was practicing on a piece of acrylic, and it must have been a different type. The tank was very soft, and the drill went right thru. The practice piece was very brittle, and it made me nervous.
I drilled thru the back about 4in from the bottom, and have a stand pipe inside for the hieght. I was having a hard time figuring the location, because I have the back of the tank all baffled, but it worked out great. Thanks John for the help
I added about 25gal more volume to the tank, and now I have a sump, with a refuge like a real reefer. It has been along couple of days, and I am heading out. I will post some pics soon. I wish I had taken some as I went along, but to late for that now. Thanks to all for the imput, and giving me lots of ideas.
One other thing is now tht my water level is stable my POS skimmer is actually working. Sorry for any typos I am in a rush.
Thanks again Derek
