Tank drilling

Jon B · 10/19/2012, 04:18 PM

I am a total newb regarding drilling a tank in order to use a sump. After thinking about this for a while, I need to get something straight in my head: When drilling a tank to install an overflow and return, you can drill only so close to the top of the tank wall because of the clearance needed to install the bulkhead. This distance (from the bottom of the bulkhead fitting to the top of the tank) will determine the fill level of the tank, correct? How do you arrange things so that your fill level can be close to the rim of the tank.

Thanks,

Jon

sponger0 · 10/19/2012, 04:29 PM

Instead of thinking that way, think of it like this, however much drains out of your tank, make sure there is enough room in your sump to hold the water

JimmyK · 10/19/2012, 04:39 PM

The display tank level is adjusted by the height of your overflow box. Before you drill decide what type of overflow you will be using and how much flow you want ino sump. There are many options such as an internal overflow box or a simple 90 PVC fitting.

Jon B · 10/19/2012, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyK

The display tank level is adjusted by the height of your overflow box. Before you drill decide what type of overflow you will be using and how much flow you want ino sump. There are many options such as an internal overflow box or a simple 90 PVC fitting.

Yes, I was thinking about just a 90 degree elbow coming from the bulkhead, and as far as I can see, that would mean the water level in the tank should be even with the bottom of the bulkhead. Is this correct?

sponger0 · 10/19/2012, 05:00 PM

And if your return is lower than your bulkheads it will drain from there until the syphon breaks

mcgyvr · 10/19/2012, 06:02 PM

http://www.beananimal.com/projects/s...ow-system.aspx

BEST system out there..Don't do anything but this.. I just got mine running a couple days ago and its DEAD silent and flows TONS.. The amount of surface skimming from a coast-coast setup is GREAT!!

slavver01 · 10/19/2012, 09:40 PM

Yea of you are planning to drill, might as well make 3 holes. There is another sump walk through thread floating around here, answers some questions regarding where to drill

slavver01 · 10/19/2012, 09:40 PM

Oh and good luck! Remember to measure twice and cut once lol

10/19/2012, 04:18 PM	#1
Jon B Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Greenfield, WI, USA Posts: 70	Tank drilling I am a total newb regarding drilling a tank in order to use a sump. After thinking about this for a while, I need to get something straight in my head: When drilling a tank to install an overflow and return, you can drill only so close to the top of the tank wall because of the clearance needed to install the bulkhead. This distance (from the bottom of the bulkhead fitting to the top of the tank) will determine the fill level of the tank, correct? How do you arrange things so that your fill level can be close to the rim of the tank. Thanks, Jon

10/19/2012, 06:02 PM	#6
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	http://www.beananimal.com/projects/s...ow-system.aspx BEST system out there..Don't do anything but this.. I just got mine running a couple days ago and its DEAD silent and flows TONS.. The amount of surface skimming from a coast-coast setup is GREAT!! __________________ Who me?

10/19/2012, 04:29 PM	#2
sponger0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 6,659	Instead of thinking that way, think of it like this, however much drains out of your tank, make sure there is enough room in your sump to hold the water

10/19/2012, 04:39 PM	#3
JimmyK Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 80	The display tank level is adjusted by the height of your overflow box. Before you drill decide what type of overflow you will be using and how much flow you want ino sump. There are many options such as an internal overflow box or a simple 90 PVC fitting.

10/19/2012, 05:00 PM	#5
sponger0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 6,659	And if your return is lower than your bulkheads it will drain from there until the syphon breaks

10/19/2012, 09:40 PM	#7
slavver01 Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Springfield, MA Posts: 125	Yea of you are planning to drill, might as well make 3 holes. There is another sump walk through thread floating around here, answers some questions regarding where to drill