Plumbing w/ Bulkheads

FOWLR Tank for now with ideas of expanding. So I have my tank (55gal), stand, lights (MH, Actinic,and moonlights), filter (emperor 400 biowheel) and temp water source (purified water from Walmart that has been processed using Reverse Osmosis. I will use this until i get my R/O Unit). I am ready to start setting up the inside of the tank. Before I do, I want to "Prepare for the future". I have not finalized my decision on what I will have in the tank but i want this first set up to be a decent one. I am going to have the tank drilled professionally and bulkheads inserted for a sump (to be added very soon, just not now). How many holes? Where do i have the holes drilled? How big a bulkhead? What are some downsides? What are all the pros? Noise Factor? What parts will i need? Can you point me in the right direction to get these answers? Can you direct me to places where i can acquire the parts i need cheap? Lots of questions I know. But my research has turned up finished units and very little in between help.


Here is my first thought!
1 - 1" out
2 - 3/4" return

Thanks in advance to all that reply.

 

well some people drill in each back corner giving them 2 overflows or you could do one in the middle, its more of a preference thing I think. you will have to get a piece of acrylic with teeth cut into it for the overflow. 1" is about right for your bulkheads.
Bulkreef supply sells bulkheads fairly cheap. the holes will have to be on the back pane if the bottom is tempered.

I guess they also have the internal overflows
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Plumb...Aquarium-Overflow-Boxes/c14_15_121/index.html

 

I am doing my bulkheads now. I can answer a few of your questions by looking at my build thread http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-off-your-fish-tanks/vegasfish-240-gallon-build-60681.html

Do you have an overflow in the tank now or are you planning on having the pipes visable? If you are going from the display with a 1" pipe to a sump / fuge. where the 1" bulkhead is for this on the inside of the tank you will need a Durso stand pipe to keep the pipe from making noise. I don't know what type of pump you are using to return the water to the display but if it can handle a 1" output I would run it back at 1" then use a reducing bushing to get to the 3/4" at the last connection to the tank. Then connect you loc-line or what ever you are using there. I hope this answers some of your questions. I am new to the hole pluming aspect too but this is what I have learned recently from this site.

 

That's the right sizes you want. The holes have to be bigger, obviously to fit the bulkheads.

 

What am i looking at as far as flow rates?

Also, im not sure what is meant by this "stand pipe"?

 

Yup, 3/4" bulkheads need 1-1/2" holes and 1" bulkheads need 1-3/4" holes.

 

That size, each 1" out and 3/4" in set, will max out around 600 gph.

 

You will be in the ~1000GPH drain rate. A standpipe is a tube that is inside the drainage section. They are generally upside-down J-shaped. Here is a DIY link with a picture to give you an idea.
Durso Standpipes » DIY

 

I get about 800gph on my 1" CPR box.

 

600 / 55 gals = 10 times per hour...if the pump returns the same. Is that a safe number?

also, what about the noise factor?

is there anything else i should expect with doin this mod?