Plumbing 3/4" bulkhead through wood canopy OK?

aleonn · 02/19/2011, 12:36 PM

I'm setting up a 150 gallon tank for a friend and I'm thinking of doing an Herbie overflow design. The tank is a corner overflow with 1.5" drain and 3/4" return inside of the overflow. Originally we were going to install a Durso standpipe, but now want to change to an Herbie overflow right off the bat to reduce noise and due to space constraints.

As per the Herbie design, we're using the 1.5" drain as the main drain, and the 3/4" as an emergency drain. The problem is that my friend has a closed back canopy and doesn't have an easy way to run a return line over the back of the tank.

So I was thinking of drilling a hole in the wood canopy to fit a 3/4" bulkhead, and then attaching a Loc-Line. Is there any problem to this idea? I'm thinking the wood should remain dry and the bulkhead itself shouldn't affect the structural integrity of the canopy. Also, the bulkhead would keep the return line in place so that it doesn't get dislodged or moved around. The main disadvantage I can think of (besides slightly more head loss) is that removing the canopy for any reason will be a huge pain.

We really do not want to drill the back glass panel due to our inexperience with drilling as well as voiding our tank warranty. The next best option is to just go with a Durso standpipe overflow.

I've tried to search for instances where people may have plumbed a bulkhead through wood, but found nothing. Any insight is appreciated!!!

needmore-reef · 02/19/2011, 01:13 PM

I would cut a slot in the back ( would look like an upside down U) so the canopy can be removed.

Agu · 02/19/2011, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needmore-reef

I would cut a slot in the back ( would look like an upside down U) so the canopy can be removed.

That was my first thought too.

aleonn · 02/19/2011, 01:38 PM

Ahhh, that's a good idea, guys! I'll check out his canopy when it's delivered and make that suggestion. Hopefully the "lip" of the canopy on the back doesn't extend too far down, if that makes sense.

02/19/2011, 12:36 PM	#1
aleonn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 4,041	Plumbing 3/4" bulkhead through wood canopy OK? I'm setting up a 150 gallon tank for a friend and I'm thinking of doing an Herbie overflow design. The tank is a corner overflow with 1.5" drain and 3/4" return inside of the overflow. Originally we were going to install a Durso standpipe, but now want to change to an Herbie overflow right off the bat to reduce noise and due to space constraints. As per the Herbie design, we're using the 1.5" drain as the main drain, and the 3/4" as an emergency drain. The problem is that my friend has a closed back canopy and doesn't have an easy way to run a return line over the back of the tank. So I was thinking of drilling a hole in the wood canopy to fit a 3/4" bulkhead, and then attaching a Loc-Line. Is there any problem to this idea? I'm thinking the wood should remain dry and the bulkhead itself shouldn't affect the structural integrity of the canopy. Also, the bulkhead would keep the return line in place so that it doesn't get dislodged or moved around. The main disadvantage I can think of (besides slightly more head loss) is that removing the canopy for any reason will be a huge pain. We really do not want to drill the back glass panel due to our inexperience with drilling as well as voiding our tank warranty. The next best option is to just go with a Durso standpipe overflow. I've tried to search for instances where people may have plumbed a bulkhead through wood, but found nothing. Any insight is appreciated!!! Last edited by aleonn; 02/19/2011 at 12:50 PM.

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02/19/2011, 01:13 PM	#2
needmore-reef Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 425	I would cut a slot in the back ( would look like an upside down U) so the canopy can be removed.

02/19/2011, 01:38 PM	#4
aleonn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 4,041	Ahhh, that's a good idea, guys! I'll check out his canopy when it's delivered and make that suggestion. Hopefully the "lip" of the canopy on the back doesn't extend too far down, if that makes sense.