Drilling for return line
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Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=51153
Printed Date: July 05 2026 at 3:06pm
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Topic: Drilling for return line
Posted By: mmad
Subject: Drilling for return line
Date Posted: September 05 2011 at 2:31pm
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I just finished drilling and for a glass-holes 700 GHP overflow kit. I am going to order a return kit from them as well and am wondering where I should be drilling the hole for the return line. I have the overflow on the left side of my 75 gallon and intend on putting the return on the right side - just not sure how far from the top I should drill the hole. I keep reading about a siphon break needing to be drilled somewhere just below the water level.
In my pic (sorry about the quality and dirty glass), you can see rim of the tank is about half way up the teeth which is hopefully right where my water level will end up...or somewhere just above the black trim.
Thanks for any suggestions.
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Replies:
Posted By: kellerexpress
Date Posted: September 08 2011 at 4:57am
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I drilled mine about 3 inches down, you can see pics here: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=46390&PN=2
I then used the loc-line to angle the return towards the surface. Let me know if you have any other questions about the kit. ------------- IM 30L Kessil A160we x2 |
Posted By: mmad
Date Posted: September 08 2011 at 7:41pm
| Appreciate the response. What size kit is that? Also what kind of paint did you use on the back of your tank? |
Posted By: russianrick
Date Posted: September 09 2011 at 11:23am
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I drilled my first tank and, IMO, you will want to drill as far down from the top of the glass as you can, but if that is a kit, it probably has a template so you properly place the hole for the bulkhead. The anti-siphon hole needs to be on your return line from your sump and it needs to be out of the water. Technically you can do without it as long as your sump is large enough to handle the water that will be siphoned back until your return line starts to suck air, but the anti-siphon hole is nice. In my tank, it is just a tiny hole (no more than 1/8 inch) just above the water line in the return line. Note that this will constantly leak water from your return pump such that it won't come out of your return nozzle(s). The idea is that as soon as you lose power or your pump stops, this hole will suck air into the line and break any potential siphon almost immediately. If your return line will be completely submerged, then you want to drill a tiny hole in the top of it so that the siphon will break as soon as the water gets to that point, but it will probably still run out until the water gets to a certain level. I would recommend putting your return line above water and let it droop into the water so that your anti-siphon hole can be just above the water line. If you watch this guy on youtube as he plumbs a reef tank, it is very informative as to how you will want to prepare for back siphoned water. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn9a1Arvn-Y - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn9a1Arvn-Y This particular episode has several parts and it is worth watching because it will help you visualize how plumbing should work. ------------- In Soviet Russia, Fish collect YOU! 
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