How to use a drainage ball valve on viv

[kueluck]

Ok, I'm looking to set up my Exo Terra 18x18x24 to hold a few inches of water, but I want to be able to drain this out twice a week. So I was thinking I can have a hole cut in the bottom, attach a bulkhead fitting with a ball valve. I'm not quite sure how these items are threaded, but in my mind it works. I'm looking to see if any one else has done this, and the best placement of the hole. The stand for the viv is open on the bottom, it does have a support board in center.

[deranged chipmunk]

normally, a true bulkhead is in 2 parts, with rubber gaskets in between. you can then glue pvc pipe to it and your ball valve at the end of that. not really technical or difficult. they do require a large hole though. make sure you have everything you need before you get the glass drilled so you can dry fit everything first. i may have a few bulkheads laying around and can take pics of them i i can find them.

[kueluck]

I figured you would know what I'm trying to do. Yes I plan on getting all the pieces parts first so when I take the enclosure in they can drill the hole to fit the bulkhead. So with having a water bottom, this would work best?? I've found bulkheads online 3/4 to 1 inch, figure either size would work for what I'm looking to do.

[deranged chipmunk]

Yeah, either one would work. You are just using it as a drain , so size doesn't really matter.

[kueluck]

ohhhhh, I'm not even gonna go there

[deranged chipmunk]

Doh!! I really walked into that one! Should have taken advantage of it, I don't slip like that often lol

[kueluck]

lol

[Mentat]

A bottom bulkhead location will allow full draining; but that will depend on if bottom glass is tempered (no drilling allowed) or in the type of stand being used. A solid top stand for example will make a bottom bulkhead useless. So you are left with the back pane which is the second best route. To prevent glass from shattering recommend drill it at least 1 in. from any edges. That means that at any time you will have a minimum of 1 in. of water in your dead space or drainage layer .

[kueluck]

The stand bottom is open and if I locate the hole close to a corner I could just slightly tip it in that direction to get good drainage. Also it's an Exo Terra 18x18x24 and I don't think they use tempered glass, but I guess I need to contact them to find out unless there are some folks that see this to let me know.

[Mentat]

Don't tip it; that can cause structural problems an possible leaks. Even if laying enclosure flat; the water puddling should be minimal. Why are you adamant about draining all water out ?

[kueluck]

Just wondering about standing water developing that pink slime.

[kueluck]

GRRRR................we've got a glass place here in Winston Salem and he said that he can't drill a hole unless the glass can be removed. Has any one used places like Ace Hardware for this??

[deranged chipmunk]

Nope. Since I drilled my first tank a few weeks ago, I won't pay anyone to do it again.

[kueluck]

Well then bring your butt down to NC, I'll give ya $30.

[deranged chipmunk]

Rotf! I'd love to visit the Carolina's again. I love it there. bring the tank to Philly and I'll not only drill it for you for free, but I'll treat you to a real Philly cheesesteak!! Lol

[kueluck]

Now if you offered that to me 8 months ago I might just take you up on that, but now I'm vegan....... with no regrets.

[deranged chipmunk]

Ack!!! But good for you!! I could never go full vegan. I wouldn't last long without bacon in particular lol

[kueluck]

Once you go off it you don't miss it. You're typing to someone from WI, lived on beer, brats & cheese for years.

But back to the glass cutting thing. I've called 6 places and 5 said they can't do it, one said he would give it a try, but no guarantee. NOT WITH MY VIV!

[kueluck]

Bill, do you have a video on this or recommend one on youtube? I might just try it myself.

[deranged chipmunk]

It's not very difficult. Just make sure to keep the bit wet and cool, and most importantly,let the weight of the drill do the work. Do not apply any pressure.
I never did watch any videos on it, just read the directions on the package of the drill bit and took my time. It probably took me ten times longer because I went slow and stopped often to check progress.