Need help with bulkhead sizes
 

My new tank has a 2 1/2" hole for the drain and 1 3/4" holes for the returns. What size of bulkheads would I buy for this. I don't seem to find 2 1/2" and 1 3/4" listed on retail sites. Also it it better to use slip in fittings or thread in fittings.

Any help with this and the size of lines to run, to and from the sump would be appreciated. Size of tank is 97 gal. and sump will be approx 30 gal.

The 1 3/4" holes are for 1" bulkheads.

My educated guess would say the 2 1/2" holes are for 1 3/4" bulkheads, although I've never seen bulkheads of that size. Normally, the hole is 3/4" bigger than the bulkhead. Maybe someone squashed a 2" bulkhead in there??

I like thread fittings because you can remove or redo them. Slip fittings are more permanent. Often you have to hacksaw all your lines apart to get them off and replace several pieces if you have to replace a single piece when you use slip fittings. With the thread fittings you can unscrew (not as easy as it sounds though!), and replace the piece.

2 1/2" take 1 1/2"
3" take 2" A bit loose but that is what I used.:wink:

http://oceanaquatics.com/store/produ...1.5%22---Long/
Here you go.

The problem I have found with threaded bulkheads is that you have to use a lot of teflon tape to get them to seal, and even then sometimes they will leak a bit.

I found that as well so use them the other way around if I can. Threaded part in.

i've used them that way as well. that way you can monkey around with the plumbing inside the tank too, in case you ad locline down the road or an eductor or the likes. or even convert it entirely to something else.

here's a thread where I found out the various hole sizes for the cheap black bulkheads and speares bulkheads http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...light=bulkhead