New return pump. Questions on plumbing

[Aquavaj]

Tank and sump is 120+40. Currently have a Rio 3100+ pump on 3/4" soft tubing with a check valve. New pump is a Jebao DCP-5000.

Should I just stick with the soft plumbing or go pvc?
Looks like the pump has connectors to slip into PVC. Should I glue this connection?
Do I need to provide some slack or gap so the pump can be easily removed if needed?
Can I ditch the check valve since I have drilled holes in the Locline return lines?

 

[RobZilla04]

I used a short section of soft tube from the pump to a PVC section, then a quick disconnect, followed by another short section of PVC then a ball valve, back to a short section of PVC and finally another short section of flexible tube to attach to the bulkhead.

Jebao DCS-9000 been running like this for two years. The quick disconnect makes it easy to remove and clean. I did zip tie the flexible tube sections to the pump and bulk head.

 

[Tangina20]

I have all hard pvc plumbing but I would suggest st least a foot or so of soft to minimize vibration. You don’t really need a check valve if you make sure your return nozzles stay close or above water line. you can use pvc unions to easily take the pump out. I think the easiest way to plumb would be a union attached directly to pump.

Tank and sump is 120+40. Currently have a Rio 3100+ pump on 3/4" soft tubing with a check valve. New pump is a Jebao DCP-5000.

Should I just stick with the soft plumbing or go pvc?
Looks like the pump has connectors to slip into PVC. Should I glue this connection?
Do I need to provide some slack or gap so the pump can be easily removed if needed?
Can I ditch the check valve since I have drilled holes in the Locline return lines?[/QU

 

[MaiReef]

1. PVC is a bit nicer looking and works well with quick connects for cleaning, but short runs of soft are fairly easy to clean.
2. No if the pump is submersed
3. A bit of slack is good, but don't over do it.
4. Don't ditch a check valve, but do clean it.

 

[Matt Carden]

First off, it's not advisable to use check valve due to build up inside that will cause failure.

Second is the use of unions for easy removal for servicing and cleaning.
I used true union ball valves for my herbie drain and jaebo pump return.

Third is it is advisable to use hard plumbing all sanded and glued unless you think, and some do, that using a threaded adapter at your bulkhead or unions or valves is prudent.