Drilling a tank

[Recife]

Hi, where can I find information so I can drill my tank safely?
I saw the thread in http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=136779 but it doesn't say how you know the size of the bulkhead for the hole you drilled.

An illustrated guide would be super.

Thanks!
Pablo

 

[dhoch]

Is the tank you are drilling acrylic or glass?

Best way to size is buy the bulkhead first, then you can see the size of the hole needed to put the bulkhead through. Typically when I have drilled I take my bulkhead and make a trace pattern of the hole I am going to need on the glass.

Dave

 

[shag26272]

use this as a reference

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_plumbing_parts_fittings_bulkheads_strainers.asp

 

[Recife]

Yes, it's an acrylic tank. Pretty thick cause it's 125 gal.

What are those overflow strainers in that link? Why would I need one?

What I had in mind was to either use an elbow pipe turned up or glue a small acrylic box inside the tank to work as an overflow box.

 

[Recife]

Another question:
What would be the best size for the hole in my 125gal tank ? And the best location?
I was thinking of a single hole close to the top of the back wall and build an overflow box around it.
Is that going to give my tank enough flow?

 

[nemo g]

I think the best way to figure out hole size is to figure out how much water you will want to move.

for example, if you want to move "x" amount of water, youll either need 1 large hole, or 2 smaller ones.

nemo g