Plumbing Question

[scubajay]

Im I supposed to cement the overflow plumbing. The tank came with one loc line. Let's say i decide to add two for better water flow on the return, how can I add Y fitting to line if its cemented. Look at the picture, did I do this right. Im so confused about all this plumbing stuff.

 

[scubajay]

Also, the bulkhead came with four washers. Is it two for both sides of the glass of the intake bulkhead and the other two for both sides of the glass of the return bulkhead.

 

[ecchybridLE]

is the tank reef ready with over flow box? don't go cementing anything just yet. please get picture of the tank. also , you can add a y fitting to the locline to make it have two nozzles , but thats not going to ad more flow , it will actually cut it in half.

 

[scubajay]

its a 57 reef ready rimless with a build in overflow box. I have the tank covered because Im getting ready to paint the back.

 

[scubajay]

its the deep blue 57G model.

 

[scubajay]

Is it better to have one nozzle on the loc line.

 

[nanoreefer22]

It's not better or worse, just depends on what you're trying to achieve. The fix for adding a "Y" is simple. The locline can come apart at each segment, so just pull it apart where you please, insert the locline Y there and you're set.

 

[tomtoothdoc]

rule of thumb--don't cement any pipe on the wet side/inside the tank and cement every pipe dry side/outside the tank.
one washer goes on the wet side of the bulkhead...mine came with only one washer per bulkhead. personally i would not use both. the wet side gasket is what preventing the leak. having one outside may prevent the nut to really pull the flange and the gasket down to seal the glass. only hand tighten the nut and then use the wrench for another 1/4 to 1/2 turn.
as someone mentioned earlier, adding a "y" to split the loc-line will decrease your flow rate per nozzle but give you another direction of the water flow.
if you want to increase the water flow into the tank, you need to up-size the pump but before you do that, you need to check how much your drain/overflow can handle other wise you may end up with a flood.

 

[scubajay]

Thanks for the info Tom. I will keep one nozzle for now and remove the washer on the dry side. Thank god i didn't cement anything yet.

Also, the bulkheads has barbed connections at the end. Lets say you wanted to use PVC how would you connect the PVC intake line to the barbed fitting on the overflow kit.

 

[tomtoothdoc]

Thanks for the info Tom. I will keep one nozzle for now and remove the washer on the dry side. Thank god i didn't cement anything yet.

Also, the bulkheads has barbed connections at the end. Lets say you wanted to use PVC how would you connect the PVC intake line to the barbed fitting on the overflow kit.

yw glad i can help.

did you fresh water test the tank? it's an extra step but always a good idea. use rodi not tap water that way you can just add salt without having to drain and clean the tank. also check with a level after it's filled.

can you post close up pics of the bulkhead/barb area? i'm not familiar with barb connections on the bulkheads.

 

[strgazr27]

Best way to do it is replace the barbed fittings w slip fittings. You can purchase PVC to barbed fittings but to me it's more fittings and clamps. I replaced the barbed fittings on my DB57 w slip fittings. I also used a loc-line Y to split my return.

 

[scubajay]

Hey Bob that is exactly what I did. I changed the fitting to slip fittings. I think I should be good now, thanks. As far as the loc line I will see how it is with one. If I think is too much flow coming from one side I will add the Y to distribute the flow.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

I would tee the locline that way you can direct flow in multiple directions and have 2 sources of surface agitation. It can't hurt

 

[Imbarrie]

Does the corner overflow have two knock outs for the loc line?
Mine does and I plan on putting a tee on the top of my return PVC and using both knock outs for loc line. Instead of using a loc line Y adapter.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

I would tee the locline that way you can direct flow in multiple directions and have 2 sources of surface agitation. It can't hurt

I'm sorry I meant to say the y not tee to split the loc line into 2

 

[scubajay]

Does the corner overflow have two knock outs for the loc line?
Mine does and I plan on putting a tee on the top of my return PVC and using both knock outs for loc line. Instead of using a loc line Y adapter.

My overflow is in the middle. What would be the difference between a tee and the Y adapter. Wouldn't it serve the same purpose.

 

[scubajay]

Best way to do it is replace the barbed fittings w slip fittings. You can purchase PVC to barbed fittings but to me it's more fittings and clamps. I replaced the barbed fittings on my DB57 w slip fittings. I also used a loc-line Y to split my return.

Bob since you had the DB57 what other fittings would I need to put the loc line Y adapter. As you know the return has 90 at the end and then the single screw in loc line that returns the water to the left of the tank. Do I replace the 90 degree fitting with the Y fitting. Where online can I get the fittings.

 

[masterswimmer]

My overflow is in the middle. What would be the difference between a tee and the Y adapter. Wouldn't it serve the same purpose.

Whenever you can use a wye instead of a 'T' you'll be running more efficient. There is more back pressure on a 'T'. A wye is more of a gradual sweep. Much better IMO

Russ

 

[Imbarrie]

This is true.
I think this flow behavior is why the locline has a Y adapter and not a Tee.

What I was suggesting though it going out each side of the overflow with locline. You can Tee off the PVC within the overflow if you have the space. I have a DB 150 with a corner overflow and that is what I will do. I believe this gives a more even distribution of the return given you have a middle overflow.