Plumbing Help

[jdpierce21]

I need some help with plumbing my aquarium. This is my first time plumbing a tank, so I am entirely a noob!

I got this tank (used), and I don't think all of the required plumbing came with it. I've got the tank itself, cabinet, a pipe, and what appears to be a bulkhead. See the attached picture. Any help with plumbing this and/or the parts I need would be greatly appreciated.

I appreciate any help you can provide.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Maybe these will help.

How to prevent buildup in overflow boxes!?

For the first time since 2017 I took my plumbing from my overflow boxes, and boy was is crazy what and how much gunk was at bottom on overflow boxes. It was like 2" of mud there. Maid me think of ways to prevent. one way is clean them more often like I just did. I copied picture from brs...

www.reef2reef.com

Heavy noise from my weir.

Hey all. Just set up my freshwater tank with a Weir. The water trickling or cascading down is terrible. I have 2 drilled holes. 1 for return the other for draining. The drain is about 1 inch of the base of the tank but the issue is the sheer noise from the water hitting watter at the...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[jdpierce21]

That helps a lot. Thank you!

Any tips on determine the size of the bulkheads?

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

You just gotta measure. On our website we list what size hole each bulkhead requires. People often get confused because a 1in bulkhead accepts 1in PVC pipe but fits in a 1-3/4in hole. The most common bulkhead size for drains is 1in schedule 40. This is almost certainly what you need but make sure to measure.

Aquarium Plumbing Bulkheads JT Black

Bulkheads, JT Black

www.marineandreef.com

 

[jdpierce21]

You just gotta measure. On our website we list what size hole each bulkhead requires. People often get confused because a 1in bulkhead accepts 1in PVC pipe but fits in a 1-3/4in hole. The most common bulkhead size for drains is 1in schedule 40. This is almost certainly what you need but make sure to measure.

Aquarium Plumbing Bulkheads JT Black

Bulkheads, JT Black

www.marineandreef.com

So I measure the opening of the bulkhead? The pipe says it’s 1 3/4” piping.

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

Bulkheads are named by the size of PVC pipe that they fit.

Here is the thing. If you go to any Hardware store and ask for 1in PVC pipe they will give you a pipe that is 1in inside diameter and 1 1/4in outside diameter. So a 1in bulkhead will accept 1in PVC pipe which is actually 1 1/4in in diameter. But the bulkhead walls take up some space so the bulkhead can git in a 1 3/4in hole.

What do you need to do? Measure the hole in the glass and match it with the size specified on our website, or find out what size of PVC pipe you have. Often the size is printed on the pie and fittings.

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

From the writing on the pipe in the first post, it looks like you need a 1.5in bulkhead.

JT Manufacturing Bulkhead 1-1/2'' Slip x Slip, Black

JT Manufacturing Bulkhead 1-1/2' Slip x Slip, Black

www.marineandreef.com

 

[jdpierce21]

From the writing on the pipe in the first post, it looks like you need a 1.5in bulkhead.

JT Manufacturing Bulkhead 1-1/2'' Slip x Slip, Black

JT Manufacturing Bulkhead 1-1/2' Slip x Slip, Black

www.marineandreef.com

The bull head is already there. But the return pipe won’t fit in the hole. I have no clue what they did to get it out.

 

[vetteguy53081]

The bull head is already there. But the return pipe won’t fit in the hole. I have no clue what they did to get it out.

Will pipe fit into the inside of bulkhead?
I have this very setup for plumbing and switched out bulkhead to accommodate regular plumbing parts.

 

[jdpierce21]

Will pipe fit into the inside of bulkhead?
I have this very setup for plumbing and switched out bulkhead to accommodate regular plumbing parts.

I see. I think that’s my problem. It doesn’t fit from the inside of the overflow box. I will have to check and see if it would fit from the other side like at the sump.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Possibly replace the bulkheads? Or at least take them out and inspect the gaskets so you can be sure there wont be leaks once you start filling with water.

 

[jdpierce21]

Possibly replace the bulkheads? Or at least take them out and inspect the gaskets so you can be sure there wont be leaks once you start filling with water.

Sorry for the noob question but how do I get them out? They are glued in. Haha

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Sorry for the noob question but how do I get them out? They are glued in. Haha

That I don't know. I've only ever dealt with the threaded ones.