Plumbing PLANNING for NEWBIE

[Lance McMillan]

Very first plumbing job and I'm trying to purchase the "right stuff" from BRS to plumb my 40b.

I have a Reef Octopus DC Varios 2 that has a choice of 3/4" or 1" union, an Eschopps Eclipse M overflow with 1" drains. I will be using two of the Cepex union ball valves from BRS for the primary and the return. I would like to stick to schedule 80 throughout. I would also like to stick to a single return as my space is limited.

The ONLY reason I know the lingo at this point is because I've been scouring this site and watching BRS/TV for months.

My first questions are:

1. Given the 1" theme here, is that the diameter I should be trying to use throughout the job?
2. If so, it seems like I will need to install a pretty big bulkhead for the return to remain at 1"?
3. It does not appear that I would be able to use the 1.5" hole bit from Eschopps to drill my return hole if I want a 1" bulkhead. I would need a bigger hole and thus a bigger bit.

I guess my main question is should I be trying to keep my return bulkhead the same diameter as the rest of the plumbing?

Thanks, and apologies if this question has been answered somewhere else. I swear I've been reading like a reefing monk.

 

[cracker]

I'm not familiar with the varios pumps. Can You give us the flow rate for this pump? I'm going to assume it's mid sized ,I would go with the 3/4 return . You speak of bulk heads . Have you considered just going over the back?
Might be a good idea to do this instead of drilling right away. I'm pretty sure You will want to change /refine your plumbing in the future any way. I know I did ! Like 5 times !

 

[jmsalt1]

Hey Lance - you’ll need a 1 3/4” or 45 mm diamond hole saw to drill the hole in that sump for a 1” bulkhead. If you haven’t drilled a tank before, it’s not difficult. Make sure you drill a template to use and go slow keeping the hole you are drilling wet w clean water and a shop vac can be handy but not necessary. Also, protect the tank where the glass you are cutting out could drop and possibly crack the glass opposite where you are cutting.