Plumbing for Dummies

[Anonymous]

I've gotten to the place where I would like to place a refugium over one of my tanks and use a gravity feed for the return. Other than the words "gravity feed" and "return" my plumbing knowledge it non-existant.

With that said: Are there any good web sites/articles on plumbing tanks? I mean REALLY basic. Like what are PVC piece names? what kind of glues? Flow rates?

-Greg

[ August 14, 2001: Message edited by: GDawson ]

 

[Anonymous]

There's not much to know. See the thread
http://www.reefs.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=027872

for info on different types of piping.

As far as gluing PVC together, what you do is first prime the part of the pipe you'll be gluing (about half an inch around the end) with "primer" (to get rid of a protective coating that's on there), then apply the glue & stick it into the socket. Pipes, sockets, primer, & glue are all in one place at your local Home Depot, for cheap. Don't worry about flow rates, just be conservative (on the side of bigger width)...

It's easier than you think.

[ August 14, 2001: Message edited by: Cheese Sandwich ]

 

[Anonymous]

Mr. Sandwich, (or do you prefer Cheese, 'cause Mr. Sandwich is your father?)

I've seen references to the noise factor. Are there ways/guidelines to minimize this?

Thanks for the other information.

-Greg

[ August 14, 2001: Message edited by: GDawson ]

 

[Anonymous]

The biggest noise issues you'll run into are gurgling (on the return side) and pump vibration (on the pump side)...

There are various things you can do re these - depends on your situation though.

BTW Cheese is fine! (I've been called worse in The Sump

)

[ August 14, 2001: Message edited by: Cheese Sandwich ]

 

[jdeets]

Cheese--get thee to the Sump! Pronto!!

 

[Anonymous]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jdeets:
<STRONG>Cheese--get thee to the Sump! Pronto!!

</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Shall I compare this to a sump thread?
This is more temperate...

 

[Anonymous]

theres some interesting info on this page: http://www.dolphinpumps.com/plumbing.htm

 

[mgk65]

Also, use the clear primer instead of the purple. It looks better.

mgk

 

[Anonymous]

PVC in general is very cheap (except for things like ball valves), so try experimenting with it before building something for your reef.

 

[Anonymous]

Cheese,

Last question promise (ignore the crossed fingers!)

From the bulkhead fitting (do they sell those at Home Depot?) on the refugium do I do a 90 degree turn down and pipe directly in to the main tank, or does the bulkhead go into a T allowing the top of the T to remain open for air release?

OK...really really last question....how far below the water line should the hole be for the return fitting?

Thanks to everyone who posted!

-Greg

[ August 14, 2001: Message edited by: GDawson ]

 

[Anonymous]

No, bulkheads can only be bought at aquarium supply places (like your favorite online reef store, such as www.championlighting.com ). It secures itself in the aquarium hole in a nut/bolt fashion - it may or may not have an intake screen on the inside. On the outside, there's just a smooth hole into which you can glue PVC pipe, at which point you can rig it however you like.

As far as where to place it, it depends on the width of the outlet, and the flow rate - in general you don't want the waterline too far past the halfway mark of the outlet - if things get clogged even slightly it may not be able to keep up.

Unfortunately I have no quick & easy rules for this... Anybody else?

 

[Anonymous]

Would I want to install a float switch in the main tank? Set it to kill the power to the pump if the water level drops too far because of a clog in the return?

Is there a trick to keeping the screens clean on the return? Or is there a certain type of screen to get that's easier to maintain?

 

[Anonymous]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by GDawson:
<STRONG>Would I want to install a float switch in the main tank? Set it to kill the power to the pump if the water level drops too far because of a clog in the return?

Is there a trick to keeping the screens clean on the return? Or is there a certain type of screen to get that's easier to maintain?</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

As to your first question, that would probably conflict with your topoff system...

As to the second, just clean them periodically, and avoid loose stuff that could clog them quickly. Or, you could opt for no screen (which wouldn't be a bad idea for your refugium). As far as the main tank-to-sump line, a screen is a good idea, as it keeps debris from getting sucked into your main pump & clogging it.

 

[Anonymous]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Cheese Sandwich:
<STRONG>
As to your first question, that would probably conflict with your topoff system...
</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Why would it prevent me from walking to the sink with a pitcher?

Thanks for the info...I'm looking forward to dong this.

-Greg

[ August 14, 2001: Message edited by: GDawson ]

 

[Anonymous]

[ August 14, 2001: Message edited by: GDawson ]

 

[sharkdude]

I would recommend against Lifeguard brand bulkheads as the outside diameter (od vs id inside diameter) is non pvc standard size and thread. Bulkheads like the ones champion sells will accept a female fitting on the outside and thus not reduce the pipe like an inside fitting would. female pipe threads or FPT or male pipe threads mpt taper and bind to create a water tight seal. barb fittings are what's used vinyl flex hose.
best way to learn what fittings work with what is to take your fitting(s) with you to the plumbling section and see what fits.
I prefer threaded connections with teflon tape and vinyly hose clamped on barb fittings over glue and hard pvc as it is easier to modify or disassemble. Also a slow curving vinyl hose has less head pressure than a series of pvc elbows.

check out online catalogs , ie www.savko.com to get an idea of the fittings available.

always better to oversize your drains. determine what you think would work and go one size bigger on drains. simplify and limit use of 90 degree elbows.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Sharkdude- very informative site.