Anyone have a guide to installing bulk heads,multiple tank w/d systems?? and more

[ozz465]

Just as the long ass title suggested i need A guide to install bulkheads,pics area big plus as i suck at this kind of thing with tanks . i have a sea clear aquarium made of acrylic .Pics of the tools help even more.

I also am planing on building a massive w/d system for at least 6-9 tanks of various sizes and need a basic idea to build on .

all help is apreciated..

 

[softturtle]

For my 20 gal long tanks(6 of em), I had both top corners (back) drilled and installed bulk heads. When the water from the sump/tank is pumped up to the top tank, it fills highest tank up to the top and drains out to the next tank under it, so on and so forth until it reaches the bottom tank/sump. It is a 40 gal that can handle a little change in water level (this is the tank that gets low when the water evaporates). It has a pump to move the water back to the top tank and the process continues. I don't have pics of it now but I will soon. Very simple. Hope this helps a little.

 

[ozz465]

For my 20 gal long tanks(6 of em), I had both top corners (back) drilled and installed bulk heads. When the water from the sump/tank is pumped up to the top tank, it fills highest tank up to the top and drains out to the next tank under it, so on and so forth until it reaches the bottom tank/sump. It is a 40 gal that can handle a little change in water level (this is the tank that gets low when the water evaporates). It has a pump to move the water back to the top tank and the process continues. I don't have pics of it now but I will soon. Very simple. Hope this helps a little.

Very interesting . hope to see those pics.

 

[CHOMPERS]

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36298

Here is a link that will keep you busy for a while. I took a different approach in that I plumbed the tanks with independent feeds and drains. That way the tank on the end doesn't get bad water quality. My take on tanks plumbed in series is like getting your tap water from your neighbors sewage and their tap water from their neighbors sewage. The farther down line you go the more poo you get.

Granted there are great advantages to plumbing in series. The waste buildup really is not that bad and is likely not in testable quantities in the last tank. Also you can use a much smaller pump. Where I need a pump that will pump 180gph at eleven feet of head, if I had plumbed in series I could have used one that flows 90gph at the same head.

 

[ozz465]

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36298

Here is a link that will keep you busy for a while. I took a different approach in that I plumbed the tanks with independent feeds and drains. That way the tank on the end doesn't get bad water quality. My take on tanks plumbed in series is like getting your tap water from your neighbors sewage and their tap water from their neighbors sewage. The farther down line you go the more poo you get.

Granted there are great advantages to plumbing in series. The waste buildup really is not that bad and is likely not in testable quantities in the last tank. Also you can use a much smaller pump. Where I need a pump that will pump 180gph at eleven feet of head, if I had plumbed in series I could have used one that flows 90gph at the same head.

thx man , looks like ill need afew beers to read all that .do u suggest a really powerfull pump for a set up like this?

 

[ozz465]

A couple of questions.

the bulkhead for the sump , is that similiar to an item that is a 2 piece u can get at home depot?? i dont know the proper name but i used the same on my acrylic tank with ok succes.
and does the reg pvc glue and cleaner leach into the water??

 

[CHOMPERS]

...do u suggest a really powerfull pump for a set up like this?

For me, yes because my equipment is outside and I have to pump upwards eleven feet.

Not all pumps are created equal. Where two pumps of mine are rated at 1200ghp, at eleven feet of head one pumps around 300gph and the other pumps zero. It tuckers out at about seven feet.

 

[ozz465]

For me, yes because my equipment is outside and I have to pump upwards eleven feet.

Not all pumps are created equal. Where two pumps of mine are rated at 1200ghp, at eleven feet of head one pumps around 300gph and the other pumps zero. It tuckers out at about seven feet.

damm im goignt o have to reserch this more . im planning to convert my garage to a fish and reptile room . so i want to simplify the tank area as im more like building some large enclosures for large reptiles so i need to simplify.

 

[CHOMPERS]

...the bulkhead for the sump

I know that I am going to sound picky here but I am just giving a little info on some terminology. The word BULKHEAD is a nautical term meaning "a wall or vertical barrier". In the marine industry, when you need to plumb to the outside of a hull you use a BULKHEAD FITTING to seal against the hull or transom and to attach a hose. These bulkhead fittings adapt quite well to our hobby. Most of these fittings used on large tanks are out of the same mold as those used in boats. The manufacturers have recognized the interest in our hobby and tailored some of them to our suiting. Now going back to the sump The dividers creating each chamber are bulkheads See the problem. I understand what everyone is talking about by just saying bulkhead...but if you walk into a boating store and ask for a bulkhead you will get a funny look or maybe laughed at. At worse they may tell you that you have to contact a boat manufacturer all the while they have dozens of different shapes and sizes on isle three (you requested a wall for a boat). An LFS will likely take you to straight to his supply while thinking in his head that you are pretty trailor park. No harm done but people form a first impression by the first words out of your mouth.

... is that similiar to an item that is a 2 piece u can get at home depot?? i dont know the proper name but i used the same on my acrylic tank with ok succes.

Mmmm...not sure which two pieces you are talking about. There are drain fittings that could work. I have opted for using male threaded fittings and female threaded fittings. The threads are stronger so you can tighten them more. A word of caution: they are not an equal substitute for bulkhead fittings. They work great in low or no pressure applications. They just don't have enough seal surface area for critical use areas. A bulkhead fitting has a large seal surface and bumping it is less likely to cause a leak.

and does the reg pvc glue and cleaner leach into the water??

After 24 hours there are no more solvents and will be fish tank safe. Just do the bulk of your gluing and cleaning outside because the fumes are nasty.

 

[ozz465]

I think it was the same male and female fitting in ure link to build the sump . i just got it at home depot.and it cool the more i learn the better , i meant the connection between the outside of the sump to the inside that allows a hose to enter or exit water.