Manifolds - Are you running one?

[chefjpaul]

Over sized pressure rated return pumps. In other words having more gph than needed and using the excess pressure to run the reactors. When the reactors are not in use, you let the excess dump back into the sump.

I also like to hook up a hose to my extra one and blow / stir up the sump

 

[nkyreef]

I recently updated my sump to include a manifold. In addition to the dual returns, the manifold supplies a TLF 150 reactor (diy chaeto reactor) and BRS mini reactor w/ Rox 0.8 & GFO. I added a third port and plugged it for future use. The Syncra 2.0 return pump in the picture had to be replaced as it could not handle the additional load. I now have a Reef Octopus Varios 4 dialed down (the Varios is a beast!).

 

[Salty1962]

Elos tank / stand.
I ran it on the "ceiling" of the stand.
I have unions / bulk heads in place on the back plumbed for a chiller or algae reactor or ATS that I can add in future.

Currently only using one for carbon reactor, but plumbed 3 for future use.

Nice! Very clean.

 

[Salty1962]

I like the idea of an extra one to use for WCs. Never thought of that. Great info!

 

[Pongo]

I built this manifold when setting up my reefer 525xl, but ended up not needing to run any reactors.

 

[Rick's Reef]

I have Vectra M1 returns. They sit at ~35-40% power and give me about 800gph on my 150g tank combined. The right one has no manifold and feeds the chiller and just one return. The left one has a 3-way manifold - 1 to the tank, 1 to a 1/2" line feeding my GFO/C reactor with a flow meter and about 80gph of flow and the last one feeds a 1/4" poly line that runs about 40' up to the attic and out to the garage, through my calc reactor and then back to the tank.

Kinda hard to see as they are mounted on the roof of my stand...

 

[ReefingwithO]

Sorry for the weird color but I run a Reef Octopus Varios 8 - 3/4 out the pump and goes to the display, it also runs a 1/2 Pax Bellum Reactor and 1/2 PVC line to a mini refugium.

Interestingly in the last few months I've been having issues with return pumps so I wonder if I'm putting too much pressure on these pumps. I've had my Vectra M1 power supply fail and in two months my Varios 8 is making a ton of noise - Coravue said it's possible that I'm creating too much back pressure on the pump because I'm using 3/4 plumbing.

 

[tripdad]

Try not to plumb your return pumps so that your using a valve on the tank return regulating flow. Put a tee in the line with a line off it that returns to the sump with a valve in it. This creates a "bleed off" of excess flow and keeps all backpressure off the pump letting it run efficiently without resistance. I can dial in tank flow very well this way by adjusting the bleed. DC pumps can simply be turned down but still nice to have options.

 

[ca1ore]

Not commonly known perhaps, but back pressure on an AC pump actually reduces power draw. So while diverting flow to the sump may seem like a good thing, if you're not using the flow for anything it IS more efficient to choke the return.

 

[Behnken]

I would love to see more pictures. I plan on buying a reefer 450xl and would love some more ideas on how you set up your manifold.

Here is a picture of my reefer 450. I have three manifolds plumbed in for future reactors. I cannot take credit for this design though, this setup was originally done by Broadfield.

 

[Reef man 89]

Here is a picture of my reefer 450. I have three manifolds plumbed in for future reactors. I cannot take credit for this design though, this setup was originally done by Broadfield.

That's is a awesome looking sump. That's almost exactly what I want to build! It's almost a shame to hide the craftsmen ship in the stand. If that was my tank I would consider taking the doors off to show it off.

 

[Fin]

Here is a picture of my reefer 450. I have three manifolds plumbed in for future reactors. I cannot take credit for this design though, this setup was originally done by Broadfield.

Some definite Toby Broadfield inspiration there!

 

[Broadfield]

Some definite Toby Broadfield inspiration there!

Really?... I just don't see the resemblance

IMG_6030 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

 

[Fin]

Really?... I just don't see the resemblance

IMG_6030 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

You are the master! There is only one of those!

 

[blurry]

I've put manifolds on a few tanks over the years. works well and is handy if your main pump is sized to handle it. If you have a soft start pump then it works great - if you don't and put a reactor for carbon or GFO, the surge blows everything all over the place.

 

[Don Lidtke]

I am planning on running a return pump and a second pump for the manifold.

 

[Bronx19]

I have 3 on my little 30gal. Upgrading to a 110gal this week and wont be running anything but Calerpa.

 

[djray77]

My brother and I just installed my manifold today. It’s still a work in progress with more painting and wire clean up to do.

 

[Salty1962]

Some really awesome manifolds folks! Keep them coming!

 

[hybridazn]

Here are a couple older pics of my manifold setup run by a mag12. I drilled thru the side glass and ran it that way for a cleaner look.