Returns and intakes need help

[Jeremy Brito]

Hey guys so I could really use some help here with choosing the right size plumbing for my tank and getting a better understanding on how to configure it.
So the tanks 72 gallons and from what ive been reading i should have a overflow box rated for 700 gph with a return pump of equal or slightly more
Ive been told in another forum that my drains should be 1" diameter and my should be ts 3/4" diameter

So first does all that sound right?? Second math wasnt my strong suite so what size hole saws do i need?
and third whats the best way of finding the parts to this system on a budget

 

[Mikeamadio]

Plumbing sounds right, buy bulk heads first so you know what size whole to drill. Outside diameter of bulk head will be bigger. I wouldn't go cheap on bulk heads, what if they crack or leak, as for as the rest pvc works well and Is very cost effective. I used spa flex being I only needed 6 ft I didn't mind paying $3 a ft. With the spa flex I was able to minimize any hard bends needed (Less head loss for return) and keep a very clean look. Also keep in mind ball valves and unions, or combo ball valve/unions are very important, if you have to reduce flow, or take plumbing a part the give you the option to do so without cutting it up. I'll try to find better pics later.

 

[Jeremy Brito]

Plumbing sounds right, buy bulk heads first so you know what size whole to drill. Outside diameter of bulk head will be bigger. I wouldn't go cheap on bulk heads, what if they crack or leak, as for as the rest pvc works well and Is very cost effective. I used spa flex being I only needed 6 ft I didn't mind paying $3 a ft. With the spa flex I was able to minimize any hard bends needed (Less head loss for return) and keep a very clean look. Also keep in mind ball valves and unions, or combo ball valve/unions are very important, if you have to reduce flow, or take plumbing a part the give you the option to do so without cutting it up. I'll try to find better pics later.

Any suggestions on overflow boxes? I see two different types ones that you seal to the wall of the tank( a box with the rear side open) or ones that the bulk heads put threw the wall of the over flow box and then threw the wall of the tank with a gasket in the middle. which do you think would be best? also I was looking at kits on a site called Glassholes.com any one ever heard of them? they seem sorta pricey on somethings and cheap on others

 

[Mikeamadio]

Glass holes is good site many people recommend them and I don't know know much about overflows, my cube was first set up with a built in overflow otherwise I've always bought hang ons.

 

[MadReefer]

Glass Holes seems to be the go to place on this and many other sites.
I always saw the overflow box on the inside on many setups. Don't know advantage or disadvantage.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[MadReefer]

Glass Holes seems to be the go to place on this and many other sites.
I always saw the overflow box on the inside on many setups. Don't know advantage or disadvantage.
Just my 2 cents.

some reading material.
Choosing an Aquarium Overflow
Internal or External Overflow

 

[njtiger24 aquariums]

agree with @Mikeamadio on the bulkhead. When I read did my sump I ordered some cheap bulk heads off Amazon and they never made a tight seal and leaked. I had to do it over again. My tank was pre-drilled so I don't know the proper sizes. It does seem like everyone get their stuff from Glasshole.

Agree again with Mike on ball values and unions.

Now I don't 90 and 45 on my pipes and didn't see much head pressure lost. I believe BRS did a test on head pressure lost between 45 and 90 and found there was none/little but do try and do as little bends/turns as you can.

 

[Jim]

I used the CPR Retrofit Overflow box from BRS, can get it with or without the backing. Also if you look at the diamond coated bits page on their site it gives you some good info for hole size for each different bulkhead size/type. Good reference material even if you want to save a few quid by buying them elsewhere.

 

[Jim]

The one I just finished was with the double gasket. If you go that way just be prepared that getting the holes in the glass to line up perfectly with the holes in the box so that it sits level is nerve-racking. I also had an issue with slight leaking at the start and know some people don't recommend because the bulkheads will never seal perfectly. In my case at least that seems to have solved itself not seeing any leaking since the first few days of testing.
I think the downside to just welding a backless box to the glass is that eventually someday the seal will fail, but if you have faith that it wont it does make the build a lot easier.