Drilling Acrylic Tanks

[d0cdave]

Noob question:

I want to put a 1" bulkhead in the bottom back center of my 50 gallon acrylic tank for an overflow. I will also be drilling for (2) 5/8" bulkheads next to this one for returns.

How far from the back seam can I drill before I lose too much strength or risk a crack? Should I reinforce the area with another sheet of acrylic?

Thanks!!

 

[DRC69]

You should leave enough room for the flange/gasket plus I like about an extra 1/4" to 3/8".
No extra reinforce needed if done right.
Drill slow and steady and use a lubricant.
Have fun.

 

[Fmellish]

Keep in mind the bulkhead itself has a lip. Because of that alone, the hole cannot be near the edge, it will need to at least be 1/2 to 1 full inch away. Then there's your questions, structural integrity. I would say from a tank wall give at least 2 inches. So the actual hole would be anywhere from 2.5 to 3 inches from the wall.

Although I've heard you can turn acrylic into swiss cheese and it doesn't loose much integrity.

This is all my opinion. I don't really know what the hell I'm talking about.

Josh

 

[d0cdave]

Thanks for the advice! Im just worried about busting the seam around the bottom of the tank. Like most acrylic tanks, this one has the back panel resting on the bottom panel of the tank, so any downward pressure on that seam might cause a separation over time. NOT hard-plumbing it (using vinyl or spa-flex) and maybe putting a piece of acrylic along the bottom seam might help... what do you think?

The overflow box glued in place might also provide support and strength to the whole thing.

 

[Orochimaru]

before you drill, drill one on a scrap piece to test out the bulkhead to see if it fits properly.

 

[ReefMeister2]

5/8" bulkhead????

aint no such animal!

 

[d0cdave]

Oh yeah, meant to say 3/4" bulkhead. Been working on the house too much, 5/8" is soo close, who needs the extra 1/8th?