Another newbie question

[CarrieHess]

I feel like you guys are going to get sick of me real soon. Lots and lots of questions keep popping up in my head.

I purchased a used setup from someone not that long ago and after doing lots of reading on here, watching youtube videos etc.. I am updating a lot for the tank. One of the main things on my list was to replace the return pump for multiple reasons. While I was doing research on the pump, I am pretty sure I figured out the setup for the return pump piping wasn't correct.

Currently he had a hard plumbing fitting attached to the return pump itself and then vinyl tubing running from the hard plumbing to the bulkhead. If what I have learned so far is correct, then it should be the other way around. Hard plumbing from the bulkhead, that leads to the vinyl or silcone tubing which should then connect to the return pump to reduce vibration.

My question is more so how to do this. My new return pump is not here just yet (thursday) but I want to make sure I have what I need. The bulk head has a barbed ending for the return area. How would I go about attaching plumbing to this since there is no threading? Or do I attach it to the threading of where bottom piece threaded on?

Sorry if this sounds like a crazy question or if I sound like a complete newbie. Just trying to figure this all out and with never working with plumbing before I am just learning all the terms.

 

[Biglew11]

Is that silicone around the hose barb? it looks like it may be threaded into the bulk head. if it is there no reason to replace the bulk head, you can go to lowes or home depot to get the plumbing parts you need. https://www.lowes.com/pd/CARLON-1-i...-80-PVC-Compatible-Conduit-Fitting/1000999122 this fitting will allow you to thread into a threaded bulk head fitting, then solvent glue the rest of the hard plumbing from there.

 

[CarrieHess]

Is that silicone around the hose barb? it looks like it may be threaded into the bulk head. if it is there no reason to replace the bulk head, you can go to lowes or home depot to get the plumbing parts you need. https://www.lowes.com/pd/CARLON-1-i...-80-PVC-Compatible-Conduit-Fitting/1000999122 this fitting will allow you to thread into a threaded bulk head fitting, then solvent glue the rest of the hard plumbing from there.

No it's actually one whole piece. I had to replace that when I got the tank because it had broke when he dismantled it. I took the old one in to my local store and had them match it.

 

[K7BMG]

There is no right way here.
As long as there is tubing to dampen vibration on the line it is ok.
Yes most will have the tubing close to the pump, as this can make it easier to remove the pump for maintenance.

I think most set ups have the pump connected to a union, then to, a barbed fitting, then to, tubing, then to, a barbed fitting, then to, the hard plumbing to the overflow.

 

[Sharkman89]

Is this in your sump or display tank?

The threads on a bulk head are only meant to secure the bulkhead to the aquarium

 

[CarrieHess]

Is this in your sump or display tank?

The threads on a bulk head are only meant to secure the bulkhead to the aquarium

This is the bulkhead to my tank. The one show is the return bulkhead.

 

[Sharkman89]

I use a small piece of hose off of my return pump to a union check valve..
this is what connects to the check valve to allow hose to be used..https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/gray-male-pipe-adapter-spigot-x-barb.html

 

[Sharkman89]

As far as using hard pipe from there on up to your display you can replace that bulkhead for one without the hose barb and just glue pipe in there, and use unions! I also use union valves right off of my tank bulkheads

 

[Sharkman89]

For a return pump do yourself a favor and use a DC pump, i cannot hear mine running at all

 

[CarrieHess]

For a return pump do yourself a favor and use a DC pump, i cannot hear mine running at all

Thank you for all the info!

 

[Sharkman89]

Hope

Thank you for all the info!

Hope it helps