Attaching PVC to bulkheads...stability question

[mmittlesteadt]

I'm going to have my tank drilled for bulkheads. I am going to have my drain and return lines going through the floor to the basement where my sump will be.

I already have PVC coming up through the floor in my living room behind my stand (about 12" above the floor, which can be cut down if needed). The bulkheads will be about 3 feet or so above the floor.

I want to use flexible PVC hose between the PVC coming off the bulkheads on the tank and the PVC coming out of the floor. But...I want to ensure there is no way my bulkheads get any stress put on them when attaching/detaching the hose and cracking the glass. So...

I was thinking of attaching some PVC holders to the back of my stand at the top and running solid PVC pipe from the bulkheads through the holders, so I can attach the flexible PVC tubing below the holders. That way the stress is on the holders and not on the bulkheads.

Thoughts?

 

[asudavew]

Pics of the PVC holder. How thick is the glass?

 

[mmittlesteadt]

Something like this...would be mounted to the stand itself.

Not sure...it's a 40 gallon breeder...1/4" thick glass?

 

[billdogg]

Although those will help, I would prefer something to clamp all the way around so that the weight of the pvc is completely removed from the bulkhead

 

[mmittlesteadt]

Like this?...

 

[billdogg]

Yep - they are perfect

 

[mmittlesteadt]

Thanks. That's more what I wanted anyway. At least i won't have to worry about any excess pressure on the glass at the bulkheads. They may not be needed, but I always err on the side of caution.