Who's good at plumbing and sumps?

[zmazza]

Hey guys,

I've got a 30 gallon tank that was graciously given to me to be used as an extra tank. Before I go drilling on my main 29 gallon tank, I thought I would give this one a try.

I've got a 1" bulkhead, but I shatter tanks every time I try. I've also built a cal -flo style overflow... I've got a quiet one 3000 for the pump...

I've also got a spare 10 gallon tank that can be used for the refugium or sump... Not sure how to set it all up, really.

Anyone want to help?

 

[ct_vol]

Are you keeping water on the hole saw to keep it cool??? And make sure you go slow... That might be why you're cracking them... You can bring it to the meeting and we might be able to do it there... Have to ask Geoff though... lol

 

[zmazza]

LOL. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I tried a 10 gallon. Maybe that's it. I've got a 45mm holesaw. I think I tried to drill it too quickly.

 

[AquaVolGP]

yeah...bring your tank to my place for th meeting and we will do it there.....you have to have a layer of water in the bottom of the tank.....and let the weight of the drill do the drilling for you....its cool....i have shattered 2 tanks before.....

 

[zmazza]

Hopefully we don't shatter the 30 gallon .

I'll bring it though. I'll have to install the bulkhead and get all the plumbing. Those ball valves are going to get me. Where's the cheapest place to get 1" ball valves? I bought most of the smaller plumbing parts though... Speaking of getting that done... I need to build the rest of my stand. I got some bad 2x4's and couldn't make all of it. Plus I didn't have the right size pocket screws.

Thanks for the help though. I'll more than likely bring it up. If all else fails, I can always just close the ball valve from the bulkhead and then it won't drain any water, right?

 

[Runner]

You can buy some glass and make baffles. Secure them using 100% silicone caulk (make sure it is Aquarium grade or has no additives). That would allow you to section off things like your return pump or skimmer if you have one. Here is what I did with my old 30G tank when it became a sump for my new 75G tank:

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I just put the feed line to the sump into the top where the water exits about 1/2" below the surface. Great for pulling out and doing water changes when I don't want to siphon my substrate. If you do drill, I would put the inlet hole to the sump so it is 1/2 to 3/4 of the way below the maintained water line (which can be created with baffles).

 

[ct_vol]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9413223#post9413223 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zmazza
Where's the cheapest place to get 1" ball valves?

I just got mine at Home Depot... And it depends on the setup as to what your ball valves cut off...

 

[Fishboy42]

We can help you drill your tank. I've broken, I mean drilled, a few tanks lately...

FWIW Lowe's is usually a few cents cheaper on plumbing stuff, but it isn't really noticeable until you start buying a lot

 

[zmazza]

Hmm interesting. We only have a Lowe's around here, so I'll be sure to check them out. I've got some ideas for a saltwater mixing tub... It's going to be interesting, to say the least. I've got some plans drawn out.

I'll check into those glass baffles though. How do you know how many to use to maintain the water line? And about proper placement?

 

[Runner]

I think baffles are more of an art than anything. I would just put one set of 3 on the side you plan to have your return pump. The middle one would be almost to the top, but have about 2 or 3 inches clearance from the bottom. The one opposite the sump would rest on the bottom and be cut to the height you need to maintain water in the sump. The one on the side of the sump would rest on the bottom and be a couple inches shorter than the one opposite the sump.

Look at the baffles on the left side of my pic for the general idea. A setup like this will help trap bubbles and keep them from reaching your pump and getting blown back as a 1000 micro bubbles back into your tank.

 

[zmazza]

Hmm sounds like a great idea. I'll measure the tank and have some baffles cut tomorrow.

 

[Runner]

Another quick-and-dirty option I've seen is to get a smaller tank and put it in the middle of the 10G tank. You don't have the baffles, but at least you have some partition and a place to put your heaters without them becoming exposed due to evaporation.

 

[zmazza]

That's interesting... never thought about that. I'm debating picking up some baffles for the 10 gallon or just buying a 20 gallon tall like I had originally planned.... Oh decisions decisions.