I did some research that said you can use regular sand as long as it is silica free. That way you don't get a huge diatomaceous bloom. Is this true? I'm kind of skeptical in anything I do with saltwater. I've used regular playground sand in my freshwater tanks but I'm terrified that I'm going to make a mistake with saltwater. And does anyone have any advice for drilling holes in glass. I'm trying to use my dremel with a diamond bit so I can install my overflow bulkhead but I seem to be struggling quite a bit.
sand???
- Thread starter kstyle13
- Start date
I have heard of people using silica sand but I wouldn't myself. I you are anywhere near NW Forsyth Co I have a bucket full of sand you can have. Would need cleaning out and lots of rinsing but free is a good thing even if it means a little work. 
Also, I wouldn't try to drill a tank with a dremmel. You can order a glass he saw and bulkhead fittings cheap from http://www.gl*******s.com">www.gl*******s.com</a>.
I know you all think I have no heart but now I have an ultrasound to prove it. :-)
Also, I wouldn't try to drill a tank with a dremmel. You can order a glass he saw and bulkhead fittings cheap from http://www.gl*******s.com">www.gl*******s.com</a>.
I know you all think I have no heart but now I have an ultrasound to prove it. :-)
I just broke down a tank and getting ready to take down another if you want the sand it's about 50 lbs.
if you washed it really good with RO water I guess it's ok?
PM if interested
if you washed it really good with RO water I guess it's ok?
PM if interested
I actually just got the hole done. It took a about 2 hours and slow steady pace but I used a diamond bit routing tool and a silica sandstone bit but the bulkhead fits snug as a bug in a rug. I used silicone around the seal to be extra sure it doesn't leak. And there was not a crackdown or scratch out of place. Using a small stream of water as a lubricant was the trick. That's where I made the mistake. As far as getting the sand I would love it!!! I will be up near Forsyth soon as I am delivering a puppy to someone. Maybe I can swing by and pick it up on my way back.
What should I use? I did the inside threads with pvc cement because I read that was the best adhesive for the pvc bulkheads, but I did silicone in between the glass and outer edges that meet up to the glass so it would create a better seal when I screwed the bulkheads together. One on the inside and one on the outside. Now the hole I created was 5.5 inches from the top of the tank. Not on the bottom. I had to put it there because my sump is actually on a stand next to the tank instead of under it. I am going to build a custom overflow box inside my display tank that will fill with water until it reaches the overflow out take tube. Once there it will run into the sump. I've got it set up so if my return pump goes out for any reason at all the sump will not overflow. I also have a 20 gallon long under my sump with a intake tube set into the sump at the desired level I want to keep water. So if it does try to over flow my 20 gallon will catch the water instead of my floor. And there is a return pump from that as well to push it back into the sump. But it will be kind of an emergency basis use only.
It's not exactly a bulkhead. That's just the best way I can explain it. It's more like I ran a small pvc tube through the hole I cut the put a 90 degree joint on the inside of the tank and another straight connector on the outside. I put pvc cement where the pipe and joint touch and then silicone in between the glass and pvc joints. So it creates a waterproof seal. It's a diy bulkhead as I was having a very hard time trying to find a bulkhead that was the size I wanyed.
rdnelson99;930218 wrote: Replace the stars in that web address with the word my wife sometimes uses when calling me.
I know you all think I have no heart but now I have an ultrasound to prove it.
The address is http://www.glass-holes.com">www.glass-holes.com</a>.
Without that dash, it's some guy's blog.
To be clear. I am in NW Forsyth County not the City of Forsyth. . Big difference.
If I were you, I would remove what you have and go with a real bulkhead fitting. The are cheap and much better than replacing ruined floors.
I know you all think I have no heart but now I have an ultrasound to prove it.
. Big difference. If I were you, I would remove what you have and go with a real bulkhead fitting. The are cheap and much better than replacing ruined floors.
I know you all think I have no heart but now I have an ultrasound to prove it.
