Drilling the 120, bulkhead questions

cordell · #1 07/17/2004, 01:00 AM

Ok guys, I'm trying to figure out how I will be drilling my 120 for the closed loop and the sump returns. This is a FOWLR tank, so I'm not going crazy on flow, but I do want to keep things stirred up pretty good, especially since it will probably be bare-bottom. I want particulate to stay in suspension so it can be pulled out by filters instead of settling on the bottom.
I'm trying to keep as much plumbing and powerheads out of the tank as possible.
I drew up this "schematic" to show how I think the bulkheads should be placed on the back wall of the tank.

Do you think the placement would provide good flow throughout the tank? Could having that many holes (10) in the back glass be something to worry about? There are two drains behind the overflow that you can't see in the drawing.
I'm just throwing this out here to get this project started. I'm up for all ideas and suggestions at this point because I really havn't done much for this tank yet except build the stand (still working on it actually), so there isn't anything in stone yet.

Cordell

randy8876 · #2 07/17/2004, 03:24 AM

I don't know if you're against this, but you don't need to drill holes for the returns. If you have the returns come in through the top you can put them anywhere you want and adjust as needed to get your flow right. You can use black pvc or locline to get the return water to the exact places you want.

TANGBOY5000 · #3 07/17/2004, 08:20 AM

I would also recommend OTB returns, it just gives you more flexibility. As for the rest of them, go for it.

cordell · #4 07/17/2004, 08:45 AM

I think I might go with the OTB returns from the sump. Now that I think about it, with having them in the back glass, I could have problems if the power went out. I just can't trust check valves every time... I'll probably make a couple spraybars that go along the top of the tank in the back on each side of the overflow for the return. How's that sound?
Also, any idea where I can get an overflow box like that? I want it to be as little noticable as possible, and I've seen tanks with that curved OF and it blends right in.

thanks
Cordell