Something other than bulkheads?

[Maddlesrain]

Is there an adhesive I could use to glue the pvc return/ drain lines directly into the glass rather than screwing in bulkheads?

 

[cromag27]

No. why don't you want to use bulkheads?

 

[Maddlesrain]

No. why don't you want to use bulkheads?

Lets just start with the fact that I accept that I'm a complete and total idiot. Lol

So, I custom ordered a tank, first one I've ever had that will be drilled, and somewhere along the lines I forgot to account for the size of the fricken bulkheads in my sizing. I had a 1.5" inch drain hole and a 3/4" return hole. Looking at the BRS site it seems that all their bulkheads need something bigger than the latter (unless I'm super bad at understanding the sizing chart, which is absolutely possible).

The tank is supposed to be shipped out at the end of next week. I've asked if the smaller of the two holes can be sized up, but I'm not sure it'll be possible. I don't blame them since it was my own idiocy. *Major faceplam*

I was hoping there might be something else I can try to fix this situation. I don't know how I managed to do this, I spent so long being so anal and meticulous about everything. Really bad brain fart in the moment.

 

[andrewey]

It's not ideal, but assuming they have already drilled the two holes already (in which case they're unlikely to "redrill" in case of cracking that glass), I would just like to remind you that you can always cap those two holes and either you or they can drill two new holes. From the front, it might just look like you have extra overflows/returns/a closed loop and only you would know they are "dummy" holes.

Who knows, there's a chance they haven't drilled already in which case the point is moot :) (fingers crossed).

 

[Maddlesrain]

It's not ideal, but assuming they have already drilled the two holes already (in which case they're unlikely to "redrill" in case of cracking that glass), I would just like to remind you that you can always cap those two holes and have them drill two new holes. Depending on their location, you might not like that option, but it's definitely an option to salvage the tank if all else fails.

Who knows, there's a chance they haven't drilled already in which case the point is moot :) (fingers crossed).

No, they definitely already drilled. Totally sucks. I'm hating myself right now. Lol.

Drilling more holes will also be really hard because the panel is only 12" by 8." This is a pretty small tank. But I'll keep that in mind. What do you use to cap the holes?

I wonder if that entire panel can be removed and replaced? I'm sure they might charge me for it, but it'd be worth it.

 

[azbigjohn]

I can't imagine a custom tank builder would have drilled two holes to those exact measurements, knowing that those are American plumbing sizes, when most bulkhead holes are in millimeters. Hopefully they haven't drilled yet.

As @andrewey mentioned, you could seal the holes, and re-drill, or use smaller plumbing through bulkheads that fit in those holes...

Good luck!

 

[Maddlesrain]

I can't imagine a custom tank builder would have drilled two holes to those exact measurements, knowing that those are American plumbing sizes, when most bulkhead holes are in millimeters. Hopefully they haven't drilled yet.

As @andrewey mentioned, you could seal the holes, and re-drill, or use smaller plumbing through bulkheads that fit in those holes...

Good luck!

Could you possibly direct me to bulkheads which would fit the 3/4" dimension?? I cannot find a single one! Thank you!!

I mean, I did ask for those measurements, so they probably just obliged. I don't blame them. I just wish my brain would have caught up with my error before now :(

 

[azbigjohn]

Could you possibly direct me to bulkheads which would fit the 3/4" dimension?? I cannot find a single one! Thank you!!

I mean, I did ask for those measurements, so they probably just obliged. I don't blame them. I just wish my brain would have caught up with my error before now :(

I am not familiar with the sizes off the top of my head, but look at schedule 80 bulkheads... they are a little wider than "normal ABS" bulkheads, so you might get lucky...

If it is a smaller tank as you mention, I think having them replace the drilled panel might be your easiest answer...

 

[Maddlesrain]

I am not familiar with the sizes off the top of my head, but look at schedule 80 bulkheads... they are a little wider than "normal ABS" bulkheads, so you might get lucky...

If it is a smaller tank as you mention, I think having them replace the drilled panel might be your easiest answer...

The schedule 80 are still too big unfortunately.

Yeah, I sent a message earlier asking about resizing the hole... maybe I should just send a follow up and have the back panel redone all together. I feel bad, but I guess it's my wallet suffering more than them. Haha

If I were to have the panel redone, and wanted the return to be 3/4" and the drain 1.5," accounting for the bulkheads, I'd then want a 2" return and 3" drainage hole, correct? I just hit between the range asked in the measurements. I can't believe how thick bulkheads are.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulkh...hread-1-6fc3d5c19d1dce101093e77b0bb4a365.html

 

[azbigjohn]

The schedule 80 are still too big unfortunately.

Yeah, I sent a message earlier asking about resizing the hole... maybe I should just send a follow up and have the back panel redone all together. I feel bad, but I guess it's my wallet suffering more than them. Haha

If I were to have the panel redone, and wanted the return to be 3/4" and the drain 1.5," accounting for the bulkheads, I'd then want a 2" return and 3" drainage hole, correct? I just hit between the range asked in the measurements. I can't believe how thick bulkheads are.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulkh...hread-1-6fc3d5c19d1dce101093e77b0bb4a365.html

Bulk Reef Supply has a nice list of all the bulkhead sizes, and the appropriate sized holes here: (bottom of the page, you may have to click on "more"

 

[Maddlesrain]

Bulk Reef Supply has a nice list of all the bulkhead sizes, and the appropriate sized holes here: (bottom of the page, you may have to click on "more"

Yeah, I've scoured over their site. All have a minimum of 1.06." If I can get the 3/4 resized to that I can roll with it!(: maybe the manufacturer will take pity on me. Fingers crossed.

 

[azbigjohn]

The schedule 80 are still too big unfortunately.

Yeah, I sent a message earlier asking about resizing the hole... maybe I should just send a follow up and have the back panel redone all together. I feel bad, but I guess it's my wallet suffering more than them. Haha

If I were to have the panel redone, and wanted the return to be 3/4" and the drain 1.5," accounting for the bulkheads, I'd then want a 2" return and 3" drainage hole, correct? I just hit between the range asked in the measurements. I can't believe how thick bulkheads are.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulkh...hread-1-6fc3d5c19d1dce101093e77b0bb4a365.html

One absolute last thought, although I am not sure I would recommend it, but BRS has "uniseals" that are technically designed for putting PVC pipe directly into buckets, barrels, etc... They are flexible, and are designed to directly attach to PVC... They do come in sizes as small as 1/2", and they do have a 3/4" size here:

Worth a thought at least... I have never used them, but I do know people who have used them on 5 gallons buckets, and sworn by them... If replacing the entire side to too pricey, that might be a stop gap option...

 

[Maddlesrain]

One absolute last thought, although I am not sure I would recommend it, but BRS has "uniseals" that are technically designed for putting PVC pipe directly into buckets, barrels, etc... They are flexible, and are designed to directly attach to PVC... They do come in sizes as small as 1/2", and they do have a 3/4" size here:

Worth a thought at least... I have never used them, but I do know people who have used them on 5 gallons buckets, and sworn by them... If replacing the entire side to too pricey, that might be a stop gap option...

That might work. I'll give them a look for sure. I'm sure I can spin this to workout somehow!

 

[george1381]

You have 1.5 hole the recommended hole size for 1" abs is 1.65 so .15 is just a hair under 5/32. So with the little bit of wiggle room in the hole plus sanding the thread down just a bit, I do believe that the 1inch abs would fit. And you should have enough viable thread left to get a good nut on it. And I bet you could use a uniseal on the 3/4 hole. Maybe 1/2 inch pvc with an elbow on the inside so that it won't slide out.

 

[Maddlesrain]

You have 1.5 hole the recommended hole size for 1" abs is 1.65 so .15 is just a hair under 5/32. So with the little bit of wiggle room in the hole plus sanding the thread down just a bit, I do believe that the 1inch abs would fit. And you should have enough viable thread left to get a good nut on it. And I bet you could use a uniseal on the 3/4 hole. Maybe 1/2 inch pvc with an elbow on the inside so that it won't slide out.

That's a good idea!! I sent an email to the tank manufacturer, hoping that they may be able to change the holes. They've been extremely easy and kind to work with so far, so maybe they'll help me out. I'll keep this updated on what happens.

 

[stunreefer]

Uniseals will not work, they require larger holes than the pipe you push through them (like bulkheads).

Back in the day bulkheads were not a thing in the aquarium world. We would use a threaded male adapter (MPT) on one side, with a female threaded adapter (FPT) on the other. Silicone the you know what out of both sides, and tighten thoroughly. There's a LFS near me that still does this ;)

 

[Maddlesrain]

Uniseals will not work, they require larger holes than the pipe you push through them (like bulkheads).

Back in the day bulkheads were not a thing in the aquarium world. We would use a threaded male adapter (MPT) on one side, with a female threaded adapter (FPT) on the other. Silicone the you know what out of both sides, and tighten thoroughly. There's a LFS near me that still does this ;)

Thank you!!! Ok, this sounds like the plan if they won't drill! This makes me feel a lot better about this whole situation.

 

[Maddlesrain]

GOOD NEWS!!!
I received an email this morning from the manufacturer stating that they'd take care of the holes for me! Woohoo!

And again, thank you all for your suggestions and help, I appreciate it all so much! It gave me hope in my panic over the whole thing! Haha(:

 

[azbigjohn]

GOOD NEWS!!!
I received an email this morning from the manufacturer stating that they'd take care of the holes for me! Woohoo!

And again, thank you all for your suggestions and help, I appreciate it all so much! It gave me hope in my panic over the whole thing! Haha:)

That is indeed good news!