Bulkhead Question

[trockafella]

I just picked up my new (used) tank, and it has 2 holes for the overflow, they are different sizes. How do I determine what size bulkhead I need.? Just measure from one side of the hole to the other.? Also, are there different types of bulkheads, if so which should I use.?

[steveoutlaw]

Travis - The standard AGA/Aqueon tanks come with a 1" for drain and 3/4" for return. You don't need the Sch80 bulkheads, standard are fine. I would go with bulkheads that are threaded on both ends. This way you can use a Male Adapter and won't have to cut pipe if you ever have to replace the bulkhead.

[trockafella]

Travis - The standard AGA/Aqueon tanks come with a 1" for drain and 3/4" for return. You don't need the Sch80 bulkheads, standard are fine. I would go with bulkheads that are threaded on both ends. This way you can use a Male Adapter and won't have to cut pipe if you ever have to replace the bulkhead.

 

 

Its an ADA tank, but those sizes could be it. How do determine the size?

[hypertech]

Measure the diameter of the hole then check the bulkhead pages on bulk reef supply. They list the size of the hole corresponding to the size of the bulkhead.

[Origami]

Measure the hole diameter and compare it to the drill size requirements for the bulkhead adapter.

 

http://glass-holes.com/Bulkheads_c21.htm

[trockafella]

Ok, so one hole measures 2" accross, the other hole measures 1 3/8" accross.. The 2" I get, but what do I do for the other.??

[hypertech]

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/pumps-and-plumbing/plumbing-sumps-drill-bits-overflows-uniseals/bulkhead-tank-adapters/abs-bulkhead-tank-adapters/3-4-abs-bulkhead-slip-x-slip.html

[hypertech]

Not sure about the 2" hole. This maybe?

 

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/pumps-and-plumbing/plumbing-sumps-drill-bits-overflows-uniseals/bulkhead-tank-adapters/schedule-80-bulkhead-tank-adapters/1-sch-bulkhead-slip-x-thread-slip-on-the-flange-head-side.html

 

BRS group buy next week if you need parts.

[Origami]

The 1-3/8 hole will likely fit a 1/2" bulkhead with a little wiggle room; and a 3/4" bulkhead with a very small amount of clearance.

[trockafella]

Thanks Tom.. What size would you advise for the 2" hole.?

[Origami]

Here's a nice page that I came across that includes some hole size ranges for each bulkhead fitting:

http://www.jehmco.com/html/bulkhead_fittings.html

 

I don't think that you want too much play between the hole and the bulkhead's body. There's too much risk of a slip causing a leak. Thus, for the 1-3/8 inch hole, you probably want to go with a 3/4" bulkhead (regular).

 

The 2" hole is an odd size (in my opinion). I'd probably, in this case, go with the heavy duty SCH80 bulkhead that was already suggested by hypertech - just so it didn't slip. You certainly don't need something that heavy for this application in most instances.

 

For the return bulkhead, I like thread-thread configurations personally. For the drain, though, I like a slip-thread, with the slip inside the tank (flange side) and the thread outside (nut side). This allows me to easily pull or twist out the Durso should I need to drain the compartment behind the overflow.

[trockafella]

Here's a nice page that I came across that includes some hole size ranges for each bulkhead fitting:

http://www.jehmco.co...d_fittings.html

 

I don't think that you want too much play between the hole and the bulkhead's body. There's too much risk of a slip causing a leak. Thus, for the 1-3/8 inch hole, you probably want to go with a 3/4" bulkhead (regular).

 

The 2" hole is an odd size (in my opinion). I'd probably, in this case, go with the heavy duty SCH80 bulkhead that was already suggested by hypertech - just so it didn't slip. You certainly don't need something that heavy for this application in most instances.

 

For the return bulkhead, I like thread-thread configurations personally. For the drain, though, I like a slip-thread, with the slip inside the tank (flange side) and the thread outside (nut side). This allows me to easily pull or twist out the Durso should I need to drain the compartment behind the overflow.

 

Thanks.. I think I get it now. Both holes are going to be used for drains ( I think), thats how Darren had it as well. I was planning to run the smaller one to the refugium and the larger to the skimmer chamber. Now, I need to find a some bulkheads locally. I talked to BRK yesterday and they said they had a fair amount instock, but im not sure about the SCH80..

 

 

 

Anyone know of a good place to find them locally?

[DaveS]

I have 1.5 And maybe 2 inch sch80 if you Want.

[trockafella]

I see what you mean about it being a weird size.. Its a foreign built tank, maybe thats why.?

[trockafella]

I have 1.5 And maybe 2 inch sch80 if you Want.

 

 

Not sure they will fit.. Right now it looks like I need a 3/4" and 1"..

[flowerseller]

sch80 and standard bulkheads are different size units with sch80 being larger.

[hypertech]

I'd guess you need a sched 40 3/4" and a sched 80 1".

 

Note that the outer dimension of the pipe is the same so you don't need sched 80 pipe for the sched 80 bulkhead. You can use the sched 40 from home depot.

[trockafella]

I'd guess you need a sched 40 3/4" and a sched 80 1".

 

Note that the outer dimension of the pipe is the same so you don't need sched 80 pipe for the sched 80 bulkhead. You can use the sched 40 from home depot.

 

 

Thats what im thinking. Thanks for all the help.. Now time to try to find them..

[hypertech]

Good luck. That's a specialty item. I see a BRS order in your future.

[trockafella]

Good luck. That's a specialty item. I see a BRS order in your future.

 

 

Yeah I am gonna try and find it local if I can, otherwise its gonna be an overnight order.

[lowsingle]

Hi Travis, that tank was imported from Japan (at the time I purchased the tank that was the only way to get the rimless ADA tank.....this was before the rimless craze took off in the states) and that is why the bulkhead sizes are a little different from ours (dang metric system).....you may also see that the dimensions of the tank don't match inches well, but match perfectly for cms. That said, I plummed it with standard US bulkheads and never had a leak (I forget the size of them though, but I recall purchasing them at BRK many years ago). Call me if you have any problems.......

 

cheers,

Darren

[lowsingle]

Also, an easy way to size them is to trace the hole diameter onto a piece of paper and take the paper to the aquarium store / lowes and find the best fitting bulkhead.....

 

Darren