Drilling Tank But What Size Hole?

[mantis147]

Im getting a 40gallon cube tank made but im not sure what size the holes for the inlet & outlet need to be? Does anybody know this??

 

[Matthew5664]

what size tank conector are you going to use then we can tell you the hole size you need.

 

[mantis147]

Not sure yet. Im new to doing a sump etc, but i havent got a clue what size piping etc. to use. I heard most use about 1 1/2" piping is this correct? if so would it be a 1" cut in the glass?

 

[Matthew5664]

For a 1 1/2" TC you'll need a 50mm hole.

 

[SkiFletch]

Prolly the best way to do it if you're unsure is to buy the bulkhead and then measure the threads to see what size hole you need to cut I'd look at 1" PVC for a 40g tank unless you want to put a lot of flow through your sump in which case I'd go up to 1.5"

 

[mantis147]

ok Thanks guys!!

 

[mantis147]

Does anyone know where to get the piping in the uk?

 

[Matthew5664]

could try these?


Or any locat swimming pool supplier

 

[andywg]

For metric piping, you can't normally beat the price of Fish Fur and Feather

And they tend to tell you what size hole you need per bulkhead.

 

[Fatty]

BES (.co.uk), seemed quite good mail order place.

I always think people go to alot of trouble to put huge holes in the glass for sumps, I think aslong as you have a big enough pipe to allow the return water to get to the sump fast enough for the sump pump it's fine.

I would have the circulation in the main tank, and just a slow flow thru the sump. Just my opinoin, I think it gives more time for pods and shrimps to grow before getting sucked up the pipe. Also if you have the skimmer in the last chamber it will effectively over skim the water doing posibbly a better job?

But if you have live rock in the sump then you need a more healthy flow.

I think the suggested 1" pipe would pretty much cover as much flow as you could need.

Don't forget to put the adjustable weir combs low enough in the water, expect probably 1/2" increase in the water level to go thru the combs.

Be sure to post some pics, I have a cube and want to put a sump in..

 

[mantis147]

Thanks for the useful info Guys Pretty much answered my questions, Fatty I will update with pics when I get the tank Its just getting designed at the moment.

 

[mr.dark-saint]

If it were me I'd just put in a submersibal water pump in the sump. This way you don't chance jacking up the sump by cracking it while rying to drill a hole.

But if you do decide to drill have the bulkhead in hand before starting. This way you have a good visual and hands on reference .