Drilling an aquarium for overflow drainage
Gotta say, the book is great. I enjoy DIY and your book is perfect
for that.
I am ordering a 75g AGA tank.
I would like to have it drilled in the top back for two 1.5 inch drains,
(I know that requires a 2 3/8 hole). How far from the top of the tank
should the holes be drilled? I don't have any of the fittings yet so I
don't know how big they are....
That's a very good question. First and of ut most importance... get the
fittings *first*
This will save you endless aggravation.
In my opinion 1.5" bulkheads would be overkill for a 75 gal. Having
such large holes (overflows) will keep the waterline lower than you
want. I suppose you could use a gate valve to control how much water
comes out.
I would say you could use 2 - 1 1/4 inch fittings instead. That would be
plenty.It would also be wise to connect the bulkheads via rigid tubing
(slanted) in the outside rear of the tank.
Example
One end of the tank has a 90 deg elbow going down toward the floor.
This would connect to a horizontal 1 1/4" rigid pvc going to the other
bulkhead / 90 degree. But the second 90 has a 2 inch pc of pipe that makes
the horizontal pvc slanted (for drainage).
Then its a simple matter toInstall a gate valve and
a breather pipe So the water has no back pressure and can drain into the sump.
As far as how far down the holes should be drilled, that will be
dictated by how much of a plastic lip the tank has and how comfortable
the glass shop is. You would want the fitting (outer portion of the bulkhead)
rite up to the plastic lip.
Hope that helps and if you need more help write me
Robert