Drill and a few more questions

[Jim_Leyland]

When you drill a tank can you drill the bottom or is it better to do the back? Reason i was asking is because what if you wanted to use the tank as a room divider.. couldn't you drill the bottom and drill the top of the stand for the water to drain to the sump? .. what about the return line that would have to go either over the top or in the back right? does the size of the holes you drill determine the size of the return pump? also do you have to get bulkheads and what are the purpuse of them? just wondering b/c ive never had a drilled tank before.. oh yea one more.. do you drill the sump or just have the overflow hose go into it from the main? if anyone can answer any of these that would be great! thanks
~ Jim

 

[GSMguy]

you can drill two holes in the bottom one for overflow and one for return and have the return come out of the center overflow
no need to drill sump
BUlkheads allow you to pick up the plumbing

 

[serpentman]

Drilling the bottom depends on whether the bottom panel is tempered or not. If it is tempered, attempting to drill will result in a shattered pane. If you know the manufacturer and the date of assembly, you could probably find this out. If this is not possible, assume its tempered. The return line can go either over the side or through the glass like the drains. The size holes will determine the max flow rate back to the sump which indirectly will effect pump size. However, pipes can be adapted to fit various pumps.

Bulkheads are necessary in most applications. They give you a water-tight seal around the pipe as it feeds through the glass. They are also handy because they can be removed if necessary.

As far as the sump goes, it is a personal preference and depends on how your system is plumbed. Most just drop into the sump.

 

[MJAnderson]

Many tanks have tempered bottoms, making it impossible to drill. The reef ready tanks that have overflows were drilled before they tempered the glass.

Usually tanks done as room dividers either drill on one short side, so it's 3 sides viewable or in the middle but getting good flow with 4 sides visible is tough I've read.

The size of the holes determine how much flow can go through them which will determine the biggest pump you can get. And remember the bulkhead will be bigger than the hole. A 1.25" hole in the glass will get you a 1" hole once you slip a bulkhead in it (double check that before drilling please). A 1" bulkhead will allow 600gph of water max. The bulkhead provides a water tight seal over the glass, allowing you to connect hose/pvc to either side. The return will have to go through another hole or over the top.

Can drill the sump for the overflow or the return, although most of seen have the hose go into the sump. Many will drill a hole for the return pump if using a non-submerisble pump.

Edit: wow i type slow. 2 responses by the time I hit post!

 

[Kreeger1]

Most tanks are tempered bottoms, I wouldn't try it.