If you haven't read the H202 sanitation thread one important lesson learned is that when you test the H202 levels in your plunge with a test strip make sure to take a small sample in a clean container and let it come up to room temperature before dipping the test strip in. I would recommend using 0-100 ppm AND 100-400 ppm (Or similiar) test strips to give you a more accurate picture of your actual levels. Let me know your experiences.

2 months later

Why the bulkhead on side (not center backside)? Do you drain the cooler from the bulkhead/supply? Should the water supply be under water level or top of water (or does it matter)? Does the filter in front of pump reduce flow (could I do return - pump- chiller- then filter? I see all these ink birds, why didn't you use?

    kealyv bulkhead placement is mostly personal preference and can be above or below the water line. The return should be at the bottom of the tank. If you put filter before the pump you will probably need another pump to prime the main pump system. I wouldn't recommend it. I have no need for an ink bird type device, system runs 24/7.

        wintermute What about filter after the chiller? like return to pump to chiller to filter?

        And is adding the inkbird after this setup doable? only to reduce run time…

            kealyv If you want to reduce runtime I personally would use a smart plug. You can put the filter after the chiller if you want, it'll work fine. You could install a coarse mesh filter before the pump if you think you'll have larger debris getting in the tub. That's not a problem I have.

              9 days later

              How far down from the top (or up from the bottom) did you drill the bulk head?

              6 days later

              1. Does the Parts list at top of thread include ALL fittings/pipe/material needed? I noticed half way down thread it was mentioned needing "a small segment of 3/4” pipe for all your slip connections" but didn't see it in material list.

              2. Is the 1 3/8" hole saw bit for the McMaster bulkhead (because I noticed you mentioned, "I'm now recommending this bulkhead"- so not sure if the 1 3/8 hole was for one you used or if you did use the McMaster.

              I appreciate you posting this and helping a rookie like myself and many others.

                4 days later

                kealyv Yes you will need a short length of 3/4" PVC pipe and a way to cut it. The McMaster bulkhead requires a 1 5/8" hole. I have updated the post for this info.

                  20 days later

                  wintermute What silicone sealant did you use? Defiantly want to get this right the first time! BTW, thanks for this review and sharing. It has been most helpful. I am going 1" on everything because I have an Eco Plus commercial chiller.

                      Warthog-79 I used loctite silicone waterproof sealant. Use something that says it works under water. I'm really interested to see what kind of flow rate you get, make a post when you complete it!

                          wintermute My current limiter may be the garden hose return. Trying to find a workaround without installing another bulkhead… I need a 2"NPS to 1" for PVC.. not sure if it exists.

                              Warthog-79 That sounds difficult to find off the shelf! Would be interesting to test and see the actual impact.

                                Hi, first off thank you for creating this post. I have bought all of the parts listed above.

                                For the Mcmaster Bulkhead, how would I connect the garden hose for draining, is there a piece that I would need? since the inside of the bulkhead is not threaded

                                  jshak123 The Mcmaster bulkhead is not threaded so it will need a new solution. I am currently not using that bulkhead but I am thinking there is a way to make a tight enough compression connection there for a drainage hose. Let me know if you come up with a solution.

                                    2 months later

                                    Bulkhead Question:

                                    I believe you used the FlexPVC bulkhead as you made a 1 3/8 hole. You then made a recommendation for a new McMaster bulkhead https://www.mcmaster.com/36895K112/. I am confirming you did not use this one as it has an Non-threaded inside on the external side of the cooler and your connection was with 3/4 pipe nipple which would not go together.

                                    Would you recommend using the Mcmaster bulkhead you recommend with a flat pipe glued into it externally or would you suggest this one (https://www.mcmaster.com/36895K122/ and connecting with the nipple?

                                      Livetoride

                                      based on my research - you are correct. he used a FlexPVC bulkhead. the FlexPVC bulkhead can be ordered with threaded or slip fitting on either side.

                                      if you use the mcmaster bulkhead - its slip fit on the inside, threaded on the outside.

                                      HTH

                                        I used the flexPVC bulkhead but also have the MCMaster bulkhead on hand in case I ever want to switch it out. I do love that the flexpvc bulkhead is threaded so I can screw a hose onto it to empty the tank. However, I'm sure it would not be hard to come up with some sort of compression fit adapter to do the same thing with the McMaster bulkhead. The two that you linked above seem identical to me, I'm not sure what the difference is.