aquascaping and water flow

[jmb357]

Ok. So I got my PVC pipes installed. I've drilled several holes on the side of caps, and mostly on top too. There all facing upwards. I'm doing fish/sps. Is it gonna effect anything?? On fish, or sandbed??? Any suggestions??

240g acrylic dp
75g refugium
Eheim 5000 compact for return line

 

[kschweer]

Will this be for your return or for a closed loop? If for your return I would be concerned that if you had a power failure the whole tank would drain and cause a massive flood. I think it would work great in a closed loop though.

 

[cracker]

I like it! How deep in relation to the outputs will the sand be? Did You choose that configuration of pipe for the rocks?Kschweer has a good point!

 

[jmb357]

Safety is always on top of my list

 

[jmb357]

I like it! How deep in relation to the outputs will the sand be? Did You choose that configuration of pipe for the rocks?Kschweer has a good point!

I'll have islands and caves in middle. Sandbeds will be about 3".

 

[dan987]

I like what you are doing. Can't wait to see where you go with this.

With my limited experience, I would be paranoid about that check valve failing.

 

[kschweer]

I personally would have a hard time sleeping at night with the only thing between 240g of water in the floor was a check valve. It doesn't take much for a check valve to fail, something as small as a grain of sand can do it. If you're dead set on doing it this way I would at least look into a wye check valve. Theses are still not fail proof but are better than the "flapper" style check valve.

 

[jmb357]

I have my sump build right beside so it easy to get to. But also making my refugium as a display too. My simmer and return pump will be covered. Only refugium will be showing.

I personally would have a hard time sleeping at night with the only thing between 240g of water in the floor was a check valve. It doesn't take much for a check valve to fail, something as small as a grain of sand can do it. If you're dead set on doing it this way I would at least look into a wye check valve. Theses are still not fail proof but are better than the "flapper" style check valve.

Where can I buy these check valve? I am paranoid about this. I was gonna install 2 check valve. 1 under the tank, and the other by my sump. So second valve check would be good then. Right?? Or?? Thnx yall

 

[jmb357]

I personally would have a hard time sleeping at night with the only thing between 240g of water in the floor was a check valve. It doesn't take much for a check valve to fail, something as small as a grain of sand can do it. If you're dead set on doing it this way I would at least look into a wye check valve. Theses are still not fail proof but are better than the "flapper" style check valve.

Is this a good one??

 

[LE0]

Bulk Reef has them also they have the best customer service heres a link http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/georg-fischer-wye-check-valve.html

 

[jmb357]

Bulk Reef has them also they have the best customer service heres a link http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/georg-fischer-wye-check-valve.html

Thnx leo

 

[jmb357]

Will this be for your return or for a closed loop? If for your return I would be concerned that if you had a power failure the whole tank would drain and cause a massive flood. I think it would work great in a closed loop though.

OK what if I want to close loop it. What do I have to do???

 

[Mahbubur Rahman Fahim]

OK what if I want to close loop it. What do I have to do???

just go for a good quality DC pump and you will be good to go

 

[143MPCo]

OK what if I want to close loop it. What do I have to do???

FWIW I would strongly recommend making it a closed-loop, it's not a question of if but, rather when it fails you will have 240 gallons of water to contend with.

Above you can see the outline of a closed loop system, what you don't see is the overflow into the sump and the returns line/s back to the tank.

 

[dbl]

Have to agree...utilize that setup as a closed loop, thusly not relying on a check valve. Plenty of things to worry about, but the reliability of a check valve (especially the way you would be) does not have to be one of them. Just my opinion though...good luck with the new system.

 

[Fin]

Another vote here for not relying on the check valve. Closed loop is the only way to go with open pipes at the bottom of the tank.

 

[jmb357]

Thanx yall

 

[Aussie paul]

In Australia you can get a spring load barrel union check valve I use 1 on my tank with a ball valve before it to shut water off. Best part about them is as part of your regular maintenance you can remove and clean it so no build up cause's it fail

 

[Homer Allman]

I would also be concerned that you used silicone to join your pipes. Why didn't you use PVC glue? I strong pump, over time will blow those pipes a part.

 

[143MPCo]

spring load barrel union check valve

Is the spring metal, if so would you happen to know what type of material it's made from, and is it encased in a protective cover of some sort?