[Ratpack]

just wanted to get some opinions on my closed loop plan. The tank is a 75g and I plan to drill it as follows. The larger 3 holes are 2 5/8" for 1 1/2" sch 80 bulkheads and the 4 smaller holes are 1 7/8" for 1" sch 80 bulkheads. The larger center hole is for the overflow that will be placed in the tank. The other two large holes are for the closed loop intake and the 4 smaller ones are for the closed loop outlets. And honestly, my main concern is, too many holes for the glass? The glass appears to be 1/4" thick which I assume is standard on that size tank. What do you think?

[zhenya]

Tim,

If you are concern about having to drill too many holes in the back glass you can always make returns go over the top. Or, simply use couple of sea swirls, larger size(3/4") for the top half of the tank and two pipes coming over the top for the lower area. When I was thinking about upgrade that is what I was planing to do. I too had concerns about having too many holes in the back glass that is roughly 3/8" thick.

[Ratpack]

Well, let me put this out there for thought as well. The closed loop pump has an inlet of 1 1/2". Originally I was going to use 2 holes to feed it in case one got blocked. But what if I drill one hole, then put a "T" on it thus creating two inlets? The original two holes would join via a "T" anyway, just now it is in the tank instead of outside. That would eliminate one of the larger holes. And as I think, another option on this would be since my overflow runs to the bottom of the tank, yet I only need the upper portion where the drain hole will be, I could section off the bottom part to create two chambers. The top for the sump drain and the bottom for the closed loop intake. Then just drill two large holes in the sides of the overflow for water to enter, guarded by gutter guard or similar so critters couldn't get in there, thus it just becomes a large strainer.

Two of the smaller holes were a hope more than a need so they can go. Now I am down to 2 large holes and 2 small holes.

How does that all sound?