moving

[Joe]

Similar to Alex's post. I closed on my house today. My 43 gallon tank did not sell, so I'm left with no other choice - sink more money into it (naturally). I'm going to have a temporary tank set up with various storage containers while I get my tank drilled.
Couple of questions: Where can a buy plumbing parts for overflow and closed loop, etc.? Bulkheads, strainers and some of the other stuff I can't find at Highs or Home Deposit.
I'm going to have two holes drilled in the back of tank near the top for overflows and have the returns over the top. If ya'll think that the glass is strong enough I'd also like to drill another hole down lower in the tank (back) for a third bulkhead/strainer intake for a closed loop. Glass is 3/8 inches thick.

Help! - Joe

ps - I need still need to find a sump - any ideas off of the internet?

[z28pwr]

Joe, you can find bulkheads and other type of connectors at Alamo Aquatics or at most SaltWater stores. It is cheaper to order online but if you need them quick then I would check there.

[Joe]

I won't buy anything from Alamo Aquatics. I made that promise to myself when Aquarium Sales went under. I just found some bulkheads at marinedepot and it looks like I just missed a group order - oh well. What size bulkhead should I need. What sized hole should I have. I was looking at going with 1 1/4 inch overflows. Is that too much?

[obtusewit]

If you need bulkheads look in the elctrical deartment at home depot. they are used to attach PVC conduit to electrical boxes. They have them from 3/4" up to 2 1/2 or 3" in slip on or threaded.. and they are cheap. You might have to cut a gasket but thats easy enough...

[obtusewit]

Also, for strainers, use pvc and hack saw slots and cap the end..

[GaryP]

Joe,

Please see my post on Alex's thread. I'd be happy to loan you some of my moving equipment as well.

Gary

[matt]

Aquatic warehouse has some 1" bulkheads, and you can shop there guilt free! You'll never find 1 1/4" bulkheads, at least I've never seen them. It's either 1" or 1.5". For a tank of your size, 1" bulkheads are fine, really they are. People use 1" on much larger tanks. You might rig a little "eggcrate" or other screen to keep large snails out if you have them. Also, Tamer at Aquatic Warehouse can drill your tank. For a nice sump, contact Dan on this forum. He does fine work at a very reasonable price.

Regarding your plumbing ideas, I have a few suggestions:

1. Forget the corner overflows; do a search for the calfo style overflow. It's much better. On a small tank like yours, though, a single corner overflow is probably okay. Drill any holes for those down low, maybe in the bottom. The calfo overflow uses a few holes high up along the back wall.

2. Don't drill any holes for the returns, just hang them over the back of the tank, or better, make one of those nifty calfo style return manifolds.

3. Closed loop drains should be drilled high, just enough under the water surface to prevent drawing air into the pump. If you ever spring a leak in your closed loop, you will thank me for this advice!

Now, a moment of silence for the passing of AS&S. I understand your pain, but the guys at aquatic warehouse are in our corner.

[wkopplin]

I bought quite a few bulkheads and strainers from Aquatic Warehouse. They are in fact in our corner as Matt says. They drilled my tanks for me too and did a nice job. If I had my system over again, I would do a calfo overflow on it, but Oceanic would not drill the back of my tank without a centerbrace.

[Joe]

Here's what I'm thinking. CB Pets has a 30 cube with two overflows on it. They drilled two holes up top close to the water line. Each hole has a strainer, bulkhead and a standpipe going into the sump. There is very little "stuff" in the tank itself. Has anyone seen this. It looks very simple and seems to work very well. If it should ever leak, it wouldn't leak out much. Has anyone seen it? I know you have, Blake. Ideas??? I'm gonna take my tank to Aquatic Warehouse to get it drilled, so hopefully they can sell me some matching plumbing supplies. I have felt quite comfortable in that store. I will take them out of my classification with the "other" LFS.

[Joe]

I can't find any info or pictures of a calfo style overflow. Josh, didn't you build one on your 75? I can't remember much about it, except that you were able to keep some frags up on top of it. Any thoughts or links?