plumbing

Drilling Holes for Bulkheads in Glass Aquarium Tanks

Drilling an aquarium tank is accomplished with a special bit. This post covers how to set up the tank and drill and what technique to use for a clean cut, as well as how to... more

Reef Aquarium Sump Tank Design

The optimal sump will allow water to be filtered and processed by your equipment, while performing all the duties you ask of it quietly and safely.

What is the ideal Flow Rate of Turnover through the Sump?

A reef aquarium's sump and equipment is affected by the turnover rate. This article goes over "the 10X rule" and how it came to be. This info will help you make the best decision about... more

Suitable Pipe Materials for Plumbing Reef Aquariums

There are a few options of what pipe is suitable for plumbing aquariums. This short guide goes over many common types like rigid, flexible, PVC, tubing vs. pipe and others.

Herbie method for Dual Overflows

Tanks with 2 overflows can be set up for a siphon-based drain method like the Herbie or Bean design. There are essentially three ways to do it correctly, and one way to avoid. A few... more

Plumbing Reef Tank – Cutting and Gluing Pipe, Mounting Bulkheads

How to measure, cut, and glue your pipe and fittings. Also covers how to mount bulkheads to the tank and how to reduce the physical stresses on the tank caused by plumbing.

Selecting the Proper Return Pump for your Reef Tank

Things to consider when buying a reef tank return pump like flow, turnover rate and cost. Includes tips on reducing noise and useful links to calculate flow.

How to Plumb and Install a Return Line from a Sump to Display Tank

How to install a return line from a sump to your display aquarium. Covers design and specific examples of plumbing and mounting to the tank.

Herbie Overflow Dry Emergency vs. Running a Trickle

A discussion about the debate whether running your Herbie drain emergency standpipe with a trickle of water through it adds risk to your system or not.