Pre drilled tank, what next

[paultaylor]

Hi All,

I have just taken delivery of my 450l glass tank. The tank has been predrilled with a hole at the bottom left. The hole is 4.5cm in diameter.

The idea of getting all this working is frightening me a little, but I'll start from the beginning:

1. I know that I need to add a bulkhead to the tank for the overflow. After some research on the net I found a slightly different way of setting up the stand pipe:
http://www.rl180reef.com/pages/standpip ... _frame.htm
Question is has anyone else tried this configuration and what are their comments?

2. In the aquarium itself, there is nothing but the hole. I understand that I therefore need to create a corner area for the standpipe to sit inside. For this do I simply get some glass cut to size and then use silicon to stick it in place? On the top of the new pieces of glass, does it need to be serrated to stop things just falling over the top of the glass? If so how is this done?

Thanks in advance for your replies and apologies for my lack of 'technical' terms.

Paul

 

[dougc]

The Durso standpipes work great. They eliminate the waterfall noise that will result if the water level in the overflow box is much lower than the tank. As to creating an overflow, you could certainly use glass or acrylic. If using glass, you can use eggcrate material (the grid used as a cover for flourescent lights in a drop ceiling) to prevent creatures from getting into the overflows. This is what some custom tank manufacturers do.

 

[ChrisRD]

Question is has anyone else tried this configuration and what are their comments?

This is a very popular standpipe setup, and as mentioned above - works very well.

For this do I simply get some glass cut to size and then use silicon to stick it in place?

That would work, but acrylic might be easier. You want something that is opaque (probably black) that blocks light transmission so that you don't have a lot of nuisance algae growth inside the overflow box.

On the top of the new pieces of glass, does it need to be serrated to stop things just falling over the top of the glass? If so how is this done?

Yeah, it's a good idea to have the teeth on them. If you use acrylic for the box you can cut them yourself with a tablesaw or router.

 

[paultaylor]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Just a quick question on the acrylic panels, do you know what the best thickness should be and is there any specific type of silicon I should use.


I've been out this afternoon to try and see how I can make up the bulkhead / standpipe.

I'm no plumber, but I'm not too bad at DIY. Now the thing is, I can't seem to find the right type fitting to use as the bulkhead. The tank just came with the hole pre drilled. Any ideas anyone ?

Thanks in advance,
Paul

PS. The hole is about 4.5cm (1.75in )

 

[Lostmind]

Paul, are there any plumbing, home improvement or marine shops in paris?

Call them up and they should carry a bulkhead. Maybe your tank supplier will even carry bulkheads.

 

[ChrisRD]

Just a quick question on the acrylic panels, do you know what the best thickness should be and is there any specific type of silicon I should use.

Do a search on this board and you should find some recommendations for aquarium safe silicones - not sure which ones will be available in France.

As for the thickness of the acylic for the overflows - since they'll have water on both sides of them (very little pressure differential), IMO the thickness won't be all that critical. I'd probably just use 1/4" or 3/8" thick acrylic.

I can't seem to find the right type fitting to use as the bulkhead.

It's a special fitting made just for that purpose. They look like this and you may have to order one online if you can't find it locally.

 

[paultaylor]

Paul, are there any plumbing, home improvement or marine shops in paris?

Call them up and they should carry a bulkhead. Maybe your tank supplier will even carry bulkheads.

The marine shops are a bit clueless with regards to the plumbing of tanks to be honest. I have also spent time in the biggest DIY shops plumbing departments but to no joy.

I think I'll try and contact the tank manufacturer and see what they can help with.

Cheers