need advice

[scott s]

So I'm getting ready to put together my DIY acrilic tank. Should I drill the holes for the bulk head drain and return before or after putting the tank toghther? Also, what is the common size bulk head used for this? I want to keep the top of the tank clean and have no desire to go thru the bottom, so I am planning on going through the back at the top. How much space should I leave between the top of the bulk head and the top of the tank for strength? Thanks alot.

 

[scott s]

Anybody?

 

[BadOleRoss]

OK, here are my thoughts! If you can drill the holes after the tank is assembled wait and do it then. As far as bulkhead fitting size, you need to determine your water flow first and then figure out what size bulkhead fittings you are going to need to get the required flow. I would go with an overflow instead of bulkheads fittings. I had bulkheads fittings on my plywood 315G and was not happy with them. I ended up replacing them with 2 overflows. I just didn't get the flow I wanted through the bulkhead fittings.

 

[scott s]

Thanks for the response. I really don't want to make an overflow. Can I get an opinion from those of you with bulk head fittings? Seem's so much easier. By the way badoleross, what were you filtering with, and how many GPH?

 

[liontammer]

ok first off how big is the tank that depends on the size of how big for 55 to 75 1.5inch would be fine saports about 1000 gph water flow. second if i were you drill the hole atlest 2 to 3 inches from the edge and top. and trust me it is a hell of alot ezer to drill a flat piece of glass then a hole tank. alot more room to work with and if you mess up and brake the side do you realy want to have to cut the piece out and replace it. hope this helps

 

[scott s]

6x4 1/2" acrylic approx. 350g.

 

[scott s]

Any comments from those with bulk heads??

 

[liontammer]

all my tanks have one my 75g reef has a 1.5 bulk head in the bottem not by my choice i bought the tank all ready drilled. my old refuge has a 1.5" side drill bulk head ( was my first custom build and i yoused to thine of glass so it keeps leaking that is y im not yousing it right know) and my frag tank that im building right know has a 2.5 inch bulk head in it i went a little over board on it because i didn't have a 1.5 on hand all i had were 1" and 2.5" heads on hand so i went with the bigger one. the tank im building is 72" x 36" x 12" around 125g. my fresh water tanks are back pack filters and canisters. i wouldn't want a salty with out a sump and i just dont trust over flows lol but that is just me i have seen alot of people have luck with them.