bulkhead size for a 75g?

[vietcu]

I am planning on upgrading to a 75g with a 40g sump. I currently have a mag 7 pump for my eventual return. The 75 is not drilled currently, hopefully that will change soon. So I am wondering what size bulkhead should I go with? I am thinking of only doing one hole for the flow to the sump, and running my return line above the tank. I am thinking of going with a 1.5" bulkhead, what do you guys recommend? And also what size bit should I buy on ebay so that the right bulkhead will fit the hole.

 

[ccCapt]

I would go with 2 1" drains on either side of the tank.
A 1" bulkhead needs a 1 3/4" (45mm) hole.
A 1 1/2" bulkhead needs a 2 3/8" (62mm) hole.

 

[vietcu]

Hey cccapt, I went ahead and ordered a 45mm diamond hole cutter. What size pvc pipe do I need to get for that size bulkhead? Just want to buy things ahead of time. My dad has some 1" pvc pipe at his home, so if those fit I wont have to buy any.

 

[ccCapt]

A 1" bulkhead uses 1" pvc. You can get either a slip fitting bulkhead where you just glue the pvc to the bulkhead or you can get threaded bulkhead where you screw on a 1" threaded to slip adapter, then glue the pvc to the adapter.

 

[Ziggy953]

When you do your plumbing you will want a couple of break points so you can take the plumbing off if you need to. I would suggest getting threaded bulkheads. When you go to get your plumbing pick up a couple of unions as well so you can take the plumbing apart.

 

[vietcu]

AHH too late, I went ahead bought a slip bulkhead thinking that it would be easier. Oh well I will figure something out so I can take it apart when I need to.

 

[Ziggy953]

Go back and get some unions and you wont have any problems

 

[ccCapt]

You can take a look at how I did my plumbing. I used slip fittings, but then only glued in a small piece of 1" pvc. Then I got some 1 1/4" ID clear tubing (I think it was 1 1/4") and used that to create an area I can disconnect the plumbing. It works the same as unions. You should have some way to take the plumbing apart if you ever need to.

 

[Ziggy953]

I agree you will want to take the plumbing apart at least 2 times a year for cleaning. You will be amazed at what can grow in your plumbing!!