Do you need a hole drilled for an external return punp

igadget56 · 01/17/2015, 02:25 PM

I'm building a new sump and thinking about a waveline DC pump. To use it externally do you have to drill a hole in the tank or can you go up over and down the end of the tank.

Mark Bianco · 01/17/2015, 02:46 PM

Assuming you are talking about the return flow to the tank and not the suction side of the pump then yes its done all of the time...

azjohnny · 01/17/2015, 02:54 PM

You will need a hole in the sump wall if using the pump externally

igadget56 · 01/17/2015, 02:56 PM

Ok thank you.

Anybody know if a 75 is temperd

ca1ore · 01/17/2015, 04:07 PM

Well, it is possible to run an external pump through a U tube on the suction side, but drilling a hole in the side of the sump is a far better option. I ran U tubes for a while and they can be a pain to prime initially, and can lose prime when the pump is shut down due to water and air back siphoning. Is actually the only application where I think a check valve is warranted.

Most 75 tanks I have encountered are not tempered on any of the sides, but you might want to either mention the brand here, or check with the manufacturer. Also, was not aware that the waveliine pumps were recommended as externals?

azjohnny · 01/17/2015, 05:33 PM

If it is a newer 75 gal my guess it is not tempered, They used to make the 75 gal tanks with 3/8" glass and now make them with 1/4" glass to save money. They have added a plastic cross brace to help stabilize the tank. My guess if the tank builders are doing this they wouldn't spend extra money by tempering the glass

igadget56 · 01/17/2015, 09:29 PM

I believe it is an Aqueon. It's less than a year old and has 3/8" glass. I didn't notice till I took a look at it but it has a sticker on the bottom DO NOT drill tempered glass. I take it the sides are not tempered.

lionfish300 · 01/18/2015, 03:12 PM

I did the u tube for return pump but end up drill my 75 due to every time power of you have to prime unless pump is below the sump

01/17/2015, 02:25 PM	#1
igadget56 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 820	Do you need a hole drilled for an external return punp I'm building a new sump and thinking about a waveline DC pump. To use it externally do you have to drill a hole in the tank or can you go up over and down the end of the tank.

01/17/2015, 04:07 PM	#5
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Well, it is possible to run an external pump through a U tube on the suction side, but drilling a hole in the side of the sump is a far better option. I ran U tubes for a while and they can be a pain to prime initially, and can lose prime when the pump is shut down due to water and air back siphoning. Is actually the only application where I think a check valve is warranted. Most 75 tanks I have encountered are not tempered on any of the sides, but you might want to either mention the brand here, or check with the manufacturer. Also, was not aware that the waveliine pumps were recommended as externals? __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

01/17/2015, 02:46 PM	#2
Mark Bianco In Memoriam Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Infinity and Beyond Posts: 2,445	Assuming you are talking about the return flow to the tank and not the suction side of the pump then yes its done all of the time...

01/17/2015, 02:54 PM	#3
azjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gold Canyon Posts: 2,914	You will need a hole in the sump wall if using the pump externally

01/17/2015, 02:56 PM	#4
igadget56 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 820	Ok thank you. Anybody know if a 75 is temperd

01/17/2015, 05:33 PM	#6
azjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gold Canyon Posts: 2,914	If it is a newer 75 gal my guess it is not tempered, They used to make the 75 gal tanks with 3/8" glass and now make them with 1/4" glass to save money. They have added a plastic cross brace to help stabilize the tank. My guess if the tank builders are doing this they wouldn't spend extra money by tempering the glass

01/17/2015, 09:29 PM	#7
igadget56 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 820	I believe it is an Aqueon. It's less than a year old and has 3/8" glass. I didn't notice till I took a look at it but it has a sticker on the bottom DO NOT drill tempered glass. I take it the sides are not tempered.

01/18/2015, 03:12 PM	#8
lionfish300 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico Posts: 795	I did the u tube for return pump but end up drill my 75 due to every time power of you have to prime unless pump is below the sump