Drilling a 150 gallon

[DavidJTawil]

I’d like to drill my 150 gallon to add two return lines. Any suggestions on what size hole I should drill and what type of bulkhead I should use

 

[JoshH]

So, first question, have you checked to ensure your tank is 100% drillable? Either non-tempered glass or acrylic is what you need for safe drilling.

As for hole size that will depend on what type of bulkhead (Schedule 40 or 80) as well as size of pipe itself. I would suggest either dual 1" or dual 3/4" returns. What type of flow are you looking for from your return?

 

[RobB'z Reef]

At that size tank I'd recommend holes drilled for 1" bulkheads. What size that is will be available with the size charts given on the bulkhead you purchase. They're fairly standard. If you're inexperienced in drilling glass buy a cheap tank and practice. Each tank has four sides so you can turn that thing into swiss cheese until you feel comfortable. Like other posters mentioned, be 100% sure the panel you're drilling isn't tempered or all the practice in the world won't help you.

 

[DavidJTawil]

I confirmed with the builder that the tank is not tempered and can be drilled. I think I’m going to go with a schedule 40 bulkhead. From the bulkhead how would you direct the flow. One return will be for a UV sterilizer while the other will be water straight from the sump.

So, first question, have you checked to ensure your tank is 100% drillable? Either non-tempered glass or acrylic is what you need for safe drilling.

As for hole size that will depend on what type of bulkhead (Schedule 40 or 80) as well as size of pipe itself. I would suggest either dual 1" or dual 3/4" returns. What type of flow are you looking for from your return?

 

[JoshH]

I confirmed with the builder that the tank is not tempered and can be drilled. I think I’m going to go with a schedule 40 bulkhead. From the bulkhead how would you direct the flow. One return will be for a UV sterilizer while the other will be water straight from the sump.

So after the bulkheads, depending on what size plumbing you go with will dictate what your options are.

3/4" you have
locline with fan or circular nozzles
Locline with a VCA Random Flow Generator
Straight plumbing with a 45° elbow or something similar

1" you have
Locline from VCA with just the open locline end
Locline with a VCA Random Flow Generator
Omni-directional outlets from Ocean Motions
Straight plumbing with a 45° elbow or something similar

If you don’t want to drill you also have the option in both sizes of a Sea Swirl which hangs on top of the aquarium and rotates the nozzle changing the flow direction constantly.

 

[DavidJTawil]

Thanks for providing me with all these options.

 

[Daddy-o]

The one thing I learned when drilling my 2 tanks. Put some protection in the tank so if the little glass disc falls out of the bit when you finish the hole, it doesnt shatter the tank.
Cheers! Mark