Drilling acrylic tanks

[Callous1]

I am in the process of building an acrylic tank and am wondering, can I drill my return line(s) thru the back of the tank?? and use bulkheads instead of having the return line go up and over the back of the tank.

I'm just concerned that it may weaken the back panel. Has anyone hear done this successfully??

[kevinpo]

I've drilled the backs of many acrylic tanks. I prefer to drill the corners rather than the center but I've done several of those too. Some of the acrylic tanks are made of rather thin material for their height IMO.

HTH,
Kevin

[Callous1]

I've drilled the backs of many acrylic tanks. I prefer to drill the corners rather than the center but I've done several of those too. Some of the acrylic tanks are made of rather thin material for their height IMO.

HTH,
Kevin

Thanks Kevin,

As you said I intend on drilling return lines in the corners with a center overflow thru the bottom of the tank.

Do you think 3/8 acrylic will be alright drilling it like I stated with a tank 18"T ??

[kevinpo]

No Problem at all. My cube tanks are 3/8" material and 20" tall and have a 2.5" hole drilled in the back of each for a 1.5" bulkhead drain. It's been 2 years, and so far so good
Drilling the bottom of acrylic tanks is quite safe provided that you have a sturdy support for the entire bottom of the tank (except where the hole is of course )

Regards,
Kevin

[Callous1]

No Problem at all. My cube tanks are 3/8" material and 20" tall and have a 2.5" hole drilled in the back of each for a 1.5" bulkhead drain. It's been 2 years, and so far so good
Drilling the bottom of acrylic tanks is quite safe provided that you have a sturdy support for the entire bottom of the tank (except where the hole is of course )

Regards,
Kevin

Excellent, that certainly eliminates some worries for me thanks again Kevin

[dan250]

i now have a 350 acrylic and i drilled 5 holes in the back. 2 are 2'' bulkheads and 3- 1 1/2''. the 2'' bulkheads take a 3 1/4'' hole. all the holes are at the top. using calfo's 2''drains and 1 1/2'' returns. the tank was made in 1/2'' acrylic. it's 72'' x 36'' x 25'' high. so i don't see a problem with your tank as far as drilling.