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Post by GingerM on Jun 25, 2013 17:11:15 GMT -5
I have a 125g tank and I am building a 30 gallon sump/refugium. Can I drill 4 bulkheads in the back of my tank? Two going to the sump and two for the return. I was told that I would have to silicone overflow boxes to the inside of my tank, but why? Can't I just go from the bulkhead straight into my sump. I am trying to eliminate as much as I can from the inside of my tank and didn't know if the overflow boxes serve a purpose.
Thanks,
Ginger
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Post by gotareef on Jun 25, 2013 18:06:18 GMT -5
the overflow box will help keep things from getting sucked down the drain
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Post by GingerM on Jun 25, 2013 18:17:45 GMT -5
Ok that was way too logical. LOL Thanks
Do you know what size holes should be drilled? 1" or 1 1/2" |
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Post by spotfin on Jun 25, 2013 18:32:22 GMT -5
You can also use a screen over the bulkhead. Some use a 90 degree elbow (facing up) that has a screened end. Hole size will depend on how much flow you need to the sump. I would go bigger, especially for a 125.
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Post by gotareef on Jun 25, 2013 18:37:59 GMT -5
1" return, 1 1/2" drain
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Post by gotareef on Jun 25, 2013 18:38:50 GMT -5
and if you need glass for baffles I have plenty
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Post by scoobnoob on Jun 25, 2013 22:03:28 GMT -5
check out glass holes the overflow boxes don't take up too much space, I'd also recommend the 90 degree elbow facing up.
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Post by scoobnoob on Jun 25, 2013 22:04:49 GMT -5
PS I should be finished all the drilling on mine, I have diamond crusted hole saws for a 1" overflow as well as a 3/4 return if you want to borrow them.
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Post by GingerM on Jun 26, 2013 6:17:52 GMT -5
I wouldn't trust myself to drill my tank. I went to The Black Shark yesterday to get silicone and left very discouraged! I am very excited to get my tank going and the man there was telling me that I will sink thousands into my tank to wake up and find everything dead. I am trying not to let this bum me out. Also someone recommended a Diablo 10500 pump for my refugium but I didn't know if there were any that were similar that were a little cheaper? I just got hit with paying two daycares for three weeks!
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Post by gotareef on Jun 26, 2013 9:10:48 GMT -5
roony is a great guy but dosnt have a clue about anything other than freshwater tanks with corner filters.he will tell you about his friends tanks.... that have been down for years. anything he said about drilling a tank he dosnt know because he has never done it. he hasnt had a sw tank since 1986 lol ive been friends with him for about 20 years, and back when I had fw tanks I had 3 tanks at his store!! as far as sinking $1000's and watching it all die ive done that to. with freshwater as well as saltwater. I could also walk outside and a meteor could fall on my head, get hit by a bus crossing the street........ you get the point. you are already ahead of most because you are here asking questions  for a return pump I have a rio hf26 and love it!! (also the price) |
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Post by GingerM on Jun 26, 2013 16:11:17 GMT -5
Took a little jaunt down to Easy Aquariums today. After my GPS crapped out and I did a complete circle, I found the place! Super nice and helpful. I bought a pump that will work and the plan is to drill four holes. Two to the refugium and two for the return. I am planning on the bulkheads with 90s on them.
Also scoobnoob how hard is it to drill a tank and where do you live?
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Post by gotareef on Jun 26, 2013 17:06:23 GMT -5
drilling a tank is easy, get some plumbers putty and make a dam around the hole you are drilling this holds water to cool the bit. put the drill on low speed and drill with constant pressure (not allot) slow down before you go totally threw and your done. you will get a little chipping but the bulk head will cover it.
if you get a whole saw with a center bit, you can stop just before you go totally threw the center bit holds it strait so you can finish the whole from the back side. this way there is no chipping and you get a perfect hole
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