Drilling sump - suggestions/hints

lacrosseboss18 · Mar 12, 2016

I purchased a trigger system tideline 48 inch sump. It comes with 3 return drains. 2 x 1.5" and 1 x 1" I am considering expanding the 1" so all 3 will be 1.5"
Anyone have any hints or suggestions on how best to do it, or should i just leave it as is?
Attached a picture of how it currently is setup
Thanks

dbl · Mar 12, 2016

What are your overflow plans for the tank? Do you even need three holes? If so, maybe the "emergency" line could be 1"? No way to know without knowing the overflow design/number/plans.

If you decide to enlarge the smaller hole, you'll need to make some type of jig. Could be a piece of wood with the 1.5" hole drilled in it. Clamp that securely on top, in the spot you want the new hole to be. Securely clamp another piece of wood to the underside of where the hole will be.

The idea is the pre-drilled jig will keep the drill from "walking" on you while drilling. The one underneath gives the bit something to bight in to and provide additional support.

I believe @143MPCo has posted about this topic so let's see if he or anyone else has anything to add.

lacrosseboss18 · Mar 12, 2016

Thanks for the reply. I plan on doing a bean animal so one will be an emergency. I was just thinking for the future if I decide to use all 3 drains in a different way. Today I also thought that I could possibly use the 1 inch for an external skimmer return and just have the emergency dump right into one of the other 2 compartments.
Thanks again.

For a 225 gallon tank do you think a bean animal with 1 inch bulk heads will be enough flow?

dbl · Mar 12, 2016

I would think you could get away with the 1", but the 1.5" may be a better way to go. Many prefer to have the emergency drain dump somewhere other than the "normal" drain area, and leave the E drain line up higher. The concept is you would hopefully hear it draining and realize there is a problem.

143MPCo · Mar 13, 2016

Back the existing hole with a section of plywood large enough to cover it with a bit of overhang, mark the center and using a hole saw with a drill bit guide drill out the additional material you're looking to remove.

You can also do this in reverse, cutting the hole in the wood and letting it act as the guide to remove access material.

lacrosseboss18 · Mar 13, 2016

143MPCo thanks. Which method would you suggest using? Also is there a specific but that you suggest using?

143MPCo · Mar 13, 2016

Clamp down the templet (externally) and use as a guide would work best for this particular scenario as you can line up exactly as you want it, leave enough room for bulkhead flange and nut.