Linking two tanks!

[ChrisH]

Hi All!

I am in the process of linking two tanks together, and was wondering if anyone had any experience of doing this? I was origionally planning to use a water bridge method with a pipe over the top, but I have recently been thinking that cutting holes in the glass and fixing a pipe may be safer and more secure.

Anyone know firstly how to cut a hole of a suitable diameter in glass - I am guessing that there must be a tool out there somewhere, and also anyone know where I can buy clear PVC pipe and tank fixings in the UK?

Many thanks!

Chris

 

[The-Wolf]

Hi chris
Great idea!
I would be concerned about my abilities of cutting glass myself, personally I'd take both tanks to a glass shop and have them cut the holes, they will also smooth the edges of the cuts. This also has the advantage that if they break the tank or any part of it then they have to fix or replace it

As for the piping try a local plumbers merchant. Clear pipeing is hard to find but possible. Good luck and keep us posted

 

[smithrc]

someone did it on here a couple of months back....

cant find it with search though...

 

[Doggfather]

somebody did do it, but used acrylic instead of glass, apparently it was easier to work with.

Good luck

 

[ChrisH]

Hi all, and thanks for your enthusiasm!

It is looking increasingly bleak as I can;t find and clear PVC pipe anyware! Anyone got any suggestions or ideas as to a company that may stock it? There is a pint on offer to the first person who can give me a positive lead!!

I will find a solution even if it means going back to the water bridge idea and using white PVC pipe!!!

Many thanks!

 

[The-Wolf]

Hi Chris
This maybe a pricey idea but......
can you get the tubes made in glass at a glass blowers? try yellow pages there must be one listed in there
keep us posted.
Clear plastic pipe is very hard to get due to the lack of use in the building trade I think any plastic extrusion company will make special but this will cost!

 

[Plecopottimus]

a quick search on google turned up this

clear plastic tubing

look at the 4 inch outside diameter one in the list

There were others too. just google "clear plastic tubing"

 

[FMZ]

check this out

http/www.bio-elite.com/waterbridge.htm

 

[ChrisH]

Hey guys!

Thanks so much for trying to help!

a quick search on google turned up this

clear plastic tubing

look at the 4 inch outside diameter one in the list

The only problem with this is that I am based in the UK and was sure that there must be somewhere here to buy some before paying the premium to import it from the US!! I have tried google extensively and it looks like buying from the US may be my only option!

check this out

http/www.bio-elite.com/waterbridge.htm

Yup I think that that is the backup plan!

I have just finished washing the gravel for the new 350l tank so I will keep you posted on my progress - whichever solution I take!

Many Thanks!

 

[myenigmaself]

Hey Chris. I'm currently attempting the bridge approach, and I got my clear pvc from http/www.savko.com . Unfortunately it's a US based company, so I'm not sure if that'll help at all. How big of a connection do you wish to make?

 

[ChrisH]

My two tanks are currently 10 inches (25cm) appart..

 

[myenigmaself]

Sorry, I meant the diameter of the pipe.

 

[ChrisH]

I am guessing that 3 inches should be sufficient!

 

[myenigmaself]

Do you deffinately want it to be a clear connection? For a first try you can simply get the holes cut, then attach s*s bulkheads to each tank and try with white or grey pvc. That would be a good test run.

 

[ChrisH]

Yup.. But I have strugled to get any bulkheads as well, so I am considering a water bridger design over the top as a next step. However I am loathed to do that with non transparent pipe as I really want a visual indication that there is water in the pipe!!

Thanks..