how to widen the return hole (AGA)

[schrun209]

Hello all,

I'm in the process of plumbing my new 65 Gal RR AGA tank, unfortunately me 3/4" bulkhead is alittle too (about 1/8") wide to fit into the predrilled holes. Anybody have any ideas or method of how I can widen the holes? Or should I just go with a 1/2" bulkhead? TIA.

 

[bayareaquarist]

Use a dremmel to etch out the holes...takes forever but works...or use the bit on a drill..that will cut down on the time~!

 

[Elite]

Make sure the glass is not temper. Most AGA tank has temper glass on the bottom. You don't want to mess with it unless you are looking to buy a new tank ...

 

[schrun209]

I believe the glass is tempered, I could be wrong though.

 

[Elite]

Sorry I don't think there is anything you can do to make the hole bigger..

 

[schrun209]

Yeah that's what I figured, guess I'll just have to go with a 1/2" bulkhead and and use some pvc adapter to get it back up to 3/4".

 

[P.Kelly]

That seems really odd that it is only a 1/2", what is the diameter of the hole?

 

[Reefugee]

Are you sure you're not using Schedule 80 bulkheads? I know that on my AGA 120, a 1" schedule 80 bulkhead will not fit in the hole drilled for the 1" pipe. However "normal" (schedule 40) bulkheads will work just fine.

Minh

 

[schrun209]

Maybe Minh is right I'll check on the type of bulkhead, it could very well be a schedule 80. I picked them up at YR, I'll call and ask in a bit.

 

[rafael13]

Yes,
what Minh said

 

[Fragmented]

If you call AGA they will send you a bulkhead that fits free of charge. I had a leaky one and they replaced it right away.

 

[P.Kelly]

If they're grey there is a high probability that they are schedule 80, or heavy duty. Most schedule 40 (but not all) are white.

 

[schrun209]

I believe the bulkhead is black/grey. Anybody know where I can get a 3/4" schedule 40 bulkhead locally? Any of the LFS carry it?

 

[theatrus]

I managed to fit a Sch 80 1" bulkhead into my AGA 90g no problem.

 

[Nu2SW]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10545830#post10545830 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by theatrus
I managed to fit a Sch 80 1" bulkhead into my AGA 90g no problem.

LOL


BUT HUNNY I SWEAR I CAN MAKE THE SQUARE FIT INTO THE TRIANGLE.......


hehe sry Had to say it

 

[bayareaquarist]

The tank came with the holes pre-drilled?? Thats un-heard-of especially if its tempered...huh...Can you sand down the threads of the BH???

 

[P.Kelly]

Exotic sometimes has bulkhead fittings. If you are super desperate you can buy the whole megaflow overflow kit at any petstore tha sells reef ready tanks.

 

[schrun209]

Thanks for the info guys, I think I'm going see if I can find some schedule 40 bulkheads and then go from there.

 

[boviac]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10546012#post10546012 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bayareaquarist
The tank came with the holes pre-drilled?? Thats un-heard-of especially if its tempered...huh...Can you sand down the threads of the BH???

It is common for reef ready tanks to be drilled on the bottom plate, then tempered, and then assembled.

And once they're tempered, I wouldn't mess with it.

I like the idea of griding down the threads on the insertable part.

 

[Reefugee]

I would NEVER grind down the threads. You don't want to risk the chance of weakening your bulkheads. Save yourself some headache and purchase the right bulkheads.

Minh