help w/ size of bulkhead hole

[1628mna]

i was wondering if anyone out there just got a 90 gallon w/ a overflow. i need to know the diameter of the hole if your looking at the front of the tank, the right hole. i just dont want to tear apart my return to measure for a hole, i just got it to run right. i would greatly appreciated it for the help if someone can look for me.


thanx in advance
mike

[1628mna]

bump

[sjm817]

A "standard" predrilled reef ready tank uses 1" for the drain, and 3/4" for the return. The sizes of the holes for the bulkheads are 1.75" and 1.5".

[1628mna]

thanx alot ,alot of help

[1628mna]

thanx alot ,alot of help. the hole for the return is 1.5 then right.

[sjm817]

Yes. 1.5" hole for a 3/4" bulkhead.

[1628mna]

heres a stupid question. if the hole is 1 1/2 in diameter wouldnt the bulkhead also be the same, instead of 3/4. im usually real good with plumbing in a house. i think i have blinders on or something.

[1628mna]

and is that a 3/4 inside diameter, is that what you mean.

[Entropy]

Yep the .75" is the ID. The OD is 1.5". The .75" you lose is the thickens of the bulkhead itself.

[1628mna]

the reason im stressed about the diameter is that i just bought a mag9.5 and in the paperwork they say for an3/4 output pipe ypu need a 1 1/2 inch return inside diameter pipe for maximum flow. please tell me how this is going to be possible to do, without cutting the tempered bottom(which we all know if you break wind against it it will probobly shatter.

[sjm817]

Originally posted by 1628mna
the reason im stressed about the diameter is that i just bought a mag9.5 and in the paperwork they say for an3/4 output pipe ypu need a 1 1/2 inch return inside diameter pipe for maximum flow. please tell me how this is going to be possible to do, without cutting the tempered bottom(which we all know if you break wind against it it will probobly shatter.

I'm impressed. You are one of the very few who actually read directions! Yes, a mag9 needs 1.5" plumbing for full flow. Not a great feature of mag pumps. And yes, it makes a difference. It will have a ton more flow with 1.5" than 3/4".

What you can do is run the large plumbing up to the bulkhead, reduce it back to 3/4" to fit, then run larger plumbing again in the overflow. The reduction in the bulkhead area wont reduce flow nearly as much as doing the whole length. I would run 1.25". 1.5" is a real PITA to work with

[Entropy]

Or you could just use the .75" return as a secondary drain and just return over the back with 1.5 inch pipe. Unless you have the tank flush with the wall you have plenty of options for coming over the back.

[1628mna]

man i was already to go to bed and you threw this in my lap lol. that is really something to think about. im getting a phosban reactor on monday, that secondary lone would be a great thing. great idea thanx alot entropy

[sjm817]

Or, you could get a decent pump *cough* Eheim *cough* that doesn't need huge plumbing to get good flow.

[Entropy]

Glad I could help(?).

When I had my AGA90G I had to use both holes for drains simply because the 1 inch drain would not keep up with my Mag9. I ended up downgrading to a smaller return pump in the end and added Seios (when they where the rage). Anyway I returned over the back and split it into three returns.

[1628mna]

the reason i got my mag9 was my ball valve(now gate valve )wasnt even halfway open. i also have a 1inch pipe drain. i figure stronger pump stronger i can open my valve all the way and get some flow threw my sump. my cheato will not roll it wont even float!! i tried everything all day today with no results and many marks on the back of my head from banging it on the tank stand. oh and also my daughter learned some new swear words today,the wife is really happy.

[Entropy]

LOL! I'be been there (but the daughter was asleep before I started working). If you use both bulkheads as drains you should be able to take all the Mag has to give (fully open). You can return over the back and either had one huge return pipe or split it up into two or three and add the loc-line or spreaders to make it look pretty. Just make sure you remember to add a syphon break to the return line so it doesn't drain the tank in the event of a power failure.

[1628mna]

can you tell me why in a nutshell i cant get my cheato to roll or even stay afloat

[Entropy]

Not sure. To be honest I have never kept cheato. Maybe a small powerhead in your sump with do the trick? Like a little maxijet or a hydor 1?

[sjm817]

Getting chaeto to roll is a pain. My fuge is a 30L and is not a good shape to do so. Once it grows and starts to fill the fuge up, it wont roll anyway. Yes, a small powerhead is good. I have two MJ900s in mine.