Enlarging Bulkhead - Structural Weakness?

SanFranTodd · #1 01/05/2008, 11:58 AM

Disregard the stand in the photo - but if I enlarge this bulkhead hole from 1" to 1.5 or 2" will it weaken the structural integrity of the tank?

das75 · #2 01/05/2008, 12:06 PM

Often see stated "stay the hole diameter away from outside edges".

eznet2u · #3 01/05/2008, 12:07 PM

I do not think you will have a problem. Go for it. Wait...this IS an Acrylic tank right...?

eznet2u · #4 01/05/2008, 12:12 PM

This is in the overflow, right? If you are worried, just glue another piece of acrylic on top, cut new hole though both pieces. Problem solved.

Acrylics · #5 01/05/2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by das75
Often see stated "stay the hole diameter away from outside edges".

With regard to properly built acrylic tanks; this does not apply.
The area in an overflow box is structurally more rigid than any other place on the tank; IMO - drill away. There are many tanks where there is a "dry box" there for passing wiring through so, no - not a problem in itself.

James

MMM33732 · #6 01/05/2008, 01:45 PM

As long as the tank is acrylic, I don't see any problems in doing so at all, however, if it were glass, then you would want to keep the safety distance away from the edge.

das75 · #7 01/05/2008, 06:13 PM

missed the acrylic part in the original post

eznet2u · #8 01/05/2008, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by das75
missed the acrylic part in the original post

You can tell by the edges in the pictures...No silicone.