Bought new tank w overflow, need setup help.

[Biff0rz]

Ok, I used to have a 45g aquarium, not drilled, hob filter, cheap setup. Yesterday I bought a 233g reef aquarium with a center overflow. There are 3 drill holes. The seller included two drain pipes (with bulkheads?) and a return - return is easy...the drain is new to me. Been doing some reading but still have some questions. Why are the drain pipes different lengths? Should I use a different drain setup like a durso? I was going to buy new rubber o-rings to ensure good seals. Also going to buy new tubing for the return line.

I plan to buy a bunch of pvc and route everything to my fish room behind the tank. My thought was to use a lot of fittings and gate/valves - is there a generic guide to an optimal setup? I plan to pipe the drains and return, not much more (for now).

And lastly, yes I'll be cleaning all of it w water & vinegar.

 

[Gablami]

Yes it’s supposed to be different lengths. Look up a herbie drain on YouTube. It’s much better than a single durso standpipe.

Congrats on your new tank!

 

[Biff0rz]

Yes it’s supposed to be different lengths. Look up a herbie drain on YouTube. It’s much better than a single durso standpipe.

Congrats on your new tank!

Thanks, that helps and will do! Any tips on best practices for setup? I've never installed a bulkhead or any of that, I'll probably check YouTube.

 

[andrewey]

Thanks, that helps and will do! Any tips on best practices for setup? I've never installed a bulkhead or any of that, I'll probably check YouTube.

Gasket goes on the inside of the tank. Clean gasket and glass around bulkhead really well. Only hand tighten to start- skip the tools. Once installed, fill back area with water to leak test.

 

[Gablami]

Good question, since the bulkheads are where leaks are most likely to happen.

just make sure you put the gasket in on the wet side (with the current orientation of the bulkhead). And don’t over tighten. Hand tighten and then another quarter turn and try it out. If there’s a small leak, can tighten a bit more. Anything more, make sure the surface is clean and you’re using a fresh gasket.

 

[sp1187]

a little reading material.
welcome to the show.
:cool:

https://gmacreef.com/

 

[Biff0rz]

a little reading material.
welcome to the show.
:cool:

https://gmacreef.com/

Perfect, thanks, this is exactly what I needed!

 

[sp1187]

Perfect, thanks, this is exactly what I needed!

you are welcome.

 

[Biff0rz]

I'm now looking at pvc pipes and fittings (lol). Does anyone know if the above pipes are thread x thread, or if thats what I should/not be getting?