Water Weight vs. Plugged Bulkhead

[thecoolguy]

alright guys...don't want a massive explosion any time soon, so had a quick question regarding plugging up some bulkheads

details: 5 holes on the bottom center of tank

4 - 3/4" return holes
1 - 1.5" exit to sump hole

all currently being used without leaks

will a pvc cap on the bottom be enough? the tank is a 275gal -- can a pvc cap hold that much water weight?

or will i have to plug the top also?

reason being - i am planning on removing the center overflow, and drilling the side instead as it is taking up too much space in my opinion.....



any suggestions/comments welcome....

 

[rallysman]

I've glued a cap to PVC under a 30" tall tank with no issues. I've also plugged the back (at the bottom) of a 30" tall tank with a threaded plug with no issues.

It should be fine.

 

[thecoolguy]

thanks for the reassurance....

might as well describe my plan, and see if you have further great input for me!

steps:

1) lower water level
2) drill new side overflow hole and plumb it into the wetdry
3) plumb the new return pump
4) take out water from center overflow
5) remove old plumbing from under the tank and cap the bulkheads
6) get into tank, and cut out the center overflow chamber
7) fill high, and watch the new overflow work

sound about right?

misc. questions:

1) drilling hole in acrylic 1" thick tank --- slow and keep wet? is that it?
2) cutting out center overflow (full acrylic) - just use a hand hack saw?
3) flowrate - will a side 1.5" overflow hole flow the same amount as the current durso standpipe 1.5"?

i think that is it for now....