*If you can filter through this then great, if not ask questions - I didn't realise I'd written quite so much.
I thought I had sorted it, however, the only pipework I could locate to was an imperial size. I rushed out (online) and bought the stuff and then contacted
@Aquariums4life who told me that they can only cut 22mm for 27mm fittings and cannot cut the size of hole I need.
You should be able to cancel the pipework or return it within the 14 days within standard consumer rights and online purchases, just check their website to learn how which it should tell you. Any questions ask and I maybe able to help.
This was supposed to be a fun project and would have really helped during self isolation. As it is I becoming really stressed about this. It's funny how small things can become overwhelming.
This to me says stop, take a step back, collect your thoughts. After reading other parts of the post it's maybe worth you speaking to aquariums4life, just explain and it could be wise to just ask about delaying it whilst you collect your thoughts and also just inquire about adding a sump to the order - do you really think you're the first person to seem like this to them? I'm quite sure the answer to this is a firm NO so don't feel like an idiot.
This was supposed to be a fun project and would have really helped during self isolation. As it is I becoming really stressed about this. It's funny how small things can become overwhelming.
And it still will be...........................
So what if you don't get the aquarium next week etc I've learnt to just be patient with these things and a couple of other people who I have since suggested it to have thanked me. Once it starts becoming stressful or overwhelming it's no good for you or the project.
Learning about the plumbing could be interesting if you let it or have any interest?
Any advice or help would be very welcome
So aside from taking a step back etc maybe look at finances and a long term plan as this probably makes a difference now.
IF you can see this plan including a sump then it's time to stop, speak with aquariums4life and just see about putting a hold on things whilst you understand things - I always ask these kind of questions in a very 'idiot sounding' way in a hope people will treat me like I've no idea which granted at times I don't!
*I have also learnt not to listen to just one person as that has led to mistakes and the enjoyment being take out of things so lesson learnt.
BUT after hearing several different opinions I've been able to take that away, look at what I want to achieve and see if I can assemble myself a plan.
When you've got this plan try submitting it along with as much information as possible and see what people think to it before you go jumping in.
Finances are of course a big thing here too so just ask about aquariums4life supplying a simple sump for the system, prices etc - if it's in your realistic range then work towards it but just decide if that's now or in the future.
I know nothing about plumbing and really don't have the knowledge or skill in this area. I really can't contemplate building a sump. I am lost.
Can anyone help? How do I connect a standard 16/22 inflow and outflow pipes to a bulkhead (I think this is the correct term) with a pipe outside with a 90 degree angle down so the pipes aren't all over the place.
So, the sump side of things I've no experience with configuring/designing them for Paludariums but given a little time doing research you will soon learn and may decide you actually want to drill the bottom, add a weir, want more than one hole etc. You might also confuse yourself further but once you get a grasp on the basics you can adapt things to suit you a little more.
As for connecting a standard 16/22 inflow and outflow pipes hose to a bulkhead; this depends what you want on the other side of the bulkhead in part (inside) and also the size bulkhead you want to use or maybe more what hole sizes Aquariums4life can offer you. (try to think 16mm is your internal hose diameter and forget about the 22mm)
If you have OCD like me then you might not like grey plastic fittings in the aquarium which you can make black in certain sizes only.
(How do you want the water to exit the bulkhead - just straight with no ability to adjust angle/direction? If not then now's the time to say.
Maybe for starters after taking that step back share some system information, what you want to achieve both short and long term, what finances you would want to commit now (remembering we don't know how jobs etc stand right now) along with what you want to achieve.
If it's just a simple I want to connect a 16mm hose to the outside of the paludarium at 90 degrees in that case speaking to aquariums4life and asking what size bulkheads (most likely smallest) they can offer you, how they're configured and whether they're all 'slip' insides (means gluing) or if they offer threaded insides is maybe the best thing and then it's just a simple case of either them supplying the fittings if you ask or obtaining them quite simply from somewhere like
plastcitpipeshop or
aquariumplumbing.
I'm sure someone will help you configure something once you know what you want but there's too many possibilities right now in my opinion, don't let that statement overwhelm you though!
You will be fine, it's just tough trying to sort things out - I know