Bulkhead/ return line

[abryant]

I have a 40 breeder with the eshopps eclipse over flow box 800gph, I don’t want to do the over the top route for my return I want to drill it for a cleaner look how do I go about doing this? What parts do I need? What size bulkhead and what size drill bit and all that?? Help please

 

[SPSDomination]

following

 

[SPSDomination]

I think you would start with a 1/2 inch or 3/4 bulkhead like this and add on a threaded loc line from there. Hopefully someone can post pics of their setup. I’m about to do the same to a 60 breeder.

 

[abryant]

I think you would start with a 1/2 inch or 3/4 bulkhead like this and add on a threaded loc line from there. Hopefully someone can post pics of their setup. I’m about to do the same to a 60 breeder.

I think I’m gonna do this, does this seem correct? All 3/4”

 

[DCR]

A 1/2" bulkhead is really small. I would probably use at least a 3/4" for a 40 gal. I like 1" bulkheads for my larger tanks. Make sure you buy the correct size drill bit. It is not the same size as the bulkhead. BRS covers this very well on their web site.

 

[Zero_Cool]

A 1/2" bulkhead is really small. I would probably use at least a 3/4" for a 40 gal. I like 1" bulkheads for my larger tanks. Make sure you buy the correct size drill bit. It is not the same size as the bulkhead. BRS covers this very well on their web site.

Agreed on the larger 3/4 bulkhead size. Much easier to reduce the plumbing size than to redrill for a larger bulkhead. Also, better to have the ability to run more flow though your return line and dial it back than to be restricted by the 1/2 inch.

 

[abryant]

A 1/2" bulkhead is really small. I would probably use at least a 3/4" for a 40 gal. I like 1" bulkheads for my larger tanks. Make sure you buy the correct size drill bit. It is not the same size as the bulkhead. BRS covers this very well on their web site.

I was gonna use 3/4” it was just the picture but besides that it looks all good?

 

[Zero_Cool]

I was gonna use 3/4” it was just the picture but besides that it looks all good?

I personnaly prefer to glue any plumbing that is outside of the tank if possible so a slip/thread bulkhead would be my choice but YMMV.

 

[abryant]

I personnaly prefer to glue any plumbing that is outside of the tank if possible so a slip/thread bulkhead would be my choice but YMMV.

Now for drill bit size should I be using a 3/4” bit or a slightly larger like a 7/8” bit?

 

[DCR]

Larger. You want either a 35 mm drill bit for a 3/4" ABS bulkhead or a 42 mm drill bit for a 3/4" Sch 80 PVC bulkhead. Check the BRS website to make sure you get the right bit. Strongly suggest your read up on drilling glass and maybe make some practice cuts on spare glass before you attempt to drill the tank.

Use a variable speed drill. Keep water flowing on the cut for cooling and go slowly without pressing hard on the drill. I like to tape a wood or plastic template with the same hole size over the glass to get the hole started without wandering. It also keeps water in the cut. Place duct tape on the back side to minimize the glass breakage when the bit breaks through and support the backside with a piece of wood. I like to drill from the inside out so that if you get a little glass breakage around the edge when the bit breaks through (which I always do with drill bits) it does not affect the gasket seal.

 

[BaliReefBox]

a 3/4" bsp fitting would be more like 1" hole. google the fitting and you will see what hole saw size you need...remember slow and lots of water

1/2" ABS Bulkhead	44mm/1.72"	27mm/1.06"
3/4" ABS Bulkhead	52mm/2.04	34mm/1.33"
1" ABS Bulkhead	68mm/2.67"	42mm/1.65"
1 1/4" ABS Bulkhead	77mm/3.05"	51mm/2.00"

 

[BaliReefBox]

https://www.aquariumplumbing.co.uk/buy-aquariumplumbing.asp?ID=1265&ProdGrp=191