In Search of a Bulkier Bulkhead...

Maritimer · Jan 5, 2017

Hi, All!

Mentioned this in my build thread last night, but could really use an answer . . .

I'm working on a pre-owned 220 gallon aquarium. The original 3/4" return was plumbed with clear vinyl tubing and a barbed fitting, but I'd kind of rather use PVC - especially for a return pump with a 1.25" outlet and 3,000 gph+ rating! (I also wanted a new gasket & seal, just to be a bit more comfortable with all that water!)

I ordered a brace of 3/4" bulkheads from BRS (see comparison photos below), and they're great ... except they have much thinner walls than the old bulkheads, and as a result, a much smaller outer diameter - leaving entirely too much wiggle-room in the hole! Does anyone know of a thicker-walled bulkhead that might be more appropriate? Would I be well-advised to use a 1" bulkhead, and insert bushings to take it down to 3/4" at both ends??

~Bruce

Battlecorals · Jan 5, 2017

Hey Bruce

you might look at Sch 80 bulkheads. They are wider than those kind for sure and way more durable but may also be a little to wide for you holes. although looking at your pic I think the one on the left may actually be be a 1" bulkhead, but its reduced to 3/4 on both ends if that makes sense.

can you measure the hole that it was in?

justingraham · Jan 5, 2017

Do u mean schedule 80 instead of schedule 49 thicker?
From everything I have looked into the interior diameter is the same on all the bulkheads I have ordered

justingraham · Jan 5, 2017

Battlecorals said:
Hey Bruce

you might look at Sch 80 bulkheads. They are wider than those kind for sure and way more durable but may also be a little to wide for you holes. although looking at your pic I think the one on the left may actually be be a 1" bulkhead, but its reduced to 3/4 on both ends if that makes sense.

can you measure the hole that it was in?

Of course we think alike but u type faster and will get all the credit cause ur Adam from battle corals congrats on the new place brotha

Maritimer · Jan 5, 2017

Thanks, Adam & Justin! (Yes, Justin, you get credit too!!)

The barbed bulkhead has a 3/4" interior diameter throughout, and actually necks down inside the barb itself. It's just ... really thick plastic.

Looks like the hole is about 1.75" or just a shade less:

Thanks again,
~Bruce

justingraham · Jan 5, 2017

justingraham · Jan 5, 2017

So in looking at the above it is either schedule 40 1 inch bulk head or schedule 80 3/4

epstein · Jan 5, 2017

You do realize if you taper it down you lose all the gph you just gained because you bottle necked it...

Maritimer · Jan 5, 2017

justingraham said:
So in looking at the above it is either schedule 40 1 inch bulk head or schedule 80 3/4

Would that mean (for a total plumbing noob here...) that I'd have to plumb the entire return with either 1" sched. 40 or 3/4 sched. 80? Is the hole in a schedule 80 bulkhead the same diameter as the one in a sched. 40?

epstein said:
You do realize if you taper it down you lose all the gph you just gained because you bottle necked it...

I _think_ I understand what you're saying... the original plan was for this to be coming out of a 1.25" pump and teeing off to two 3/4". I think that should be enough pipe to carry the flow, but I've got to get it through the bottom of the tank safely . . . Could I use a brace of 1"x 3/4" bushings on either end of the bulkheads to keep me in a 3/4" schedule 40 pipe (which I've already purchased all the fittings for, natch...)

~Bruce