Advice on custom aquarium holes

[TonapahNorth]

I have made an order and the CAD drawings came back. Is the return hole supposed to be 1.5 inches in diameter? I've only had nano tanks and 1.5 inch return hole seems huge.

I'll attach snips of the CAD drawings below. Any thoughts and advice would be great.

Tona

 

[143MPCo]

Normally most returns are 3/4" but, some choose to make them bigger in order to make accommodations for return pump size.

 

[TonapahNorth]

I will be using a Vectra L1 return pump.

 

[BMW540]

1.5" hole is needed for a 3/4" bulkhead. I think you'll be fine with that.

 

[143MPCo]

I will be using a Vectra L1 return pump.

Input/Output

• Input: 1.5 inches (38 mm)
• Output: 1 inch (25 mm)

So retaining a 1 inch would be optimal, but again it not detrimental that you have a larger opening, you will however have to reduce it if you go smaller.

 

[BMW540]

If you were to keep the 1" output, the hole would need to be 1 3/4"

 

[TonapahNorth]

do you all recommend keeping the 1 inch output? Or should it be reduced to three quarters ?

 

[TonapahNorth]

If you were to keep the 1" output, the hole would need to be 1 3/4"

Can you recommend a particular bulkhead?

 

[TonapahNorth]

It seems like reducing it to three quarters of an inch on the input directly prior to entering the tank will increase velocity And thereby tank circulation.

 

[143MPCo]

I would keep the 1 inch pipe all the way to the bulkhead and then reduce it at the bulkhead

 

[justingraham]

Ur hole is the size of a 3/4 return with the bulkhead. I would make it one inch if u can esp if ur using an l1. U can't redrill the hole bigger once it is done but u can always plug the whole if u don't need it. See attached pic

I would make the drains 2 3/8 and the returns 1 3/4. But that's me I want as much flow as possible and not be limited by the holes

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

You can reduce it with a barb at the bulkhead.

 

[TonapahNorth]

You are all so very helpful. Thank you.