Please critique my plumbing

[cobray]

A bit more work on the mock up. Primary drain on the right, Durso in the middle, and emergency on the left.
Still sorting the returns to the display.

 

[cobray]

I still need to sort out how to support the plumbing with a metal stand. Was thinking these standoffs would fit in the groove.

 

[Dom]

I think I've got the return line to the display the way I want it, just needs paint.

The overflow down to the sump needs a gate valve, then some sort of a bracket to hold it in place.

I'm curious; why have you placed strainers on the return line? I can understand on the drain.

Also, the metal clamps you used (seems like they are on your drain lines) should be painted/coated with something to protect it from rusting. Also, there are plastic versions of those clamps.

Also, I'm curious to know why you have installed bail valves on the drain lines?

 

[cobray]

Those strainers aren't permanent. One will go on the main drain pipe.

Those clamps are from a photo I took of a build on YouTube. Looks like a good solution since I'll try to avoid drilling holes in my stand.

I like a valve and union on all my lines. Better to have it and not need it than vice versa.

 

[cobray]

Current mock up:

 

[KStatefan]

You might have trouble with the full siphon drain sucking air it looks like there will not be much water in the outside box.

 

[jdthome]

I'm interested to see how your extruded aluminium stand fairs. I cut the pieces to build a 40 gallon breeder tank and also did not put a center brace. I did not fill with water yet but considering increasing the top cross beam from 45mmx45mm to a 45mmx90mm one. My bottom shelf is directly on the ground too as I didnt trust the corner brackets to hold the sump by 4 bolts. Have you filled this tank with water yet? what is the size?

 

[cobray]

I haven't put water in it yet.
It's a 55 gallon.
The stand was custom built by a company that specializes in aluminum. They do a lot of stands, so I trust their design.

 

[jdthome]

I haven't put water in it yet.
It's a 55 gallon.
The stand was custom built by a company that specializes in aluminum. They do a lot of stands, so I trust their design.

That's good to hear that a company designed it for that tank. Makes me feel better as mine was built with parts I collected as scrap from work.

 

[cobray]

Well, I think it's about ready for glue unless anyone has suggestions.
Thank you for all of the input so far. It's a much better design now.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

The return pipe on the right will have less flow than the one on the left, the emergency overflow (red) appears lower than the primary drains

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

My bad, I see the other pick with the drains now

 

[Reefering1]

Well, I think it's about ready for glue unless anyone has suggestions.
Thank you for all of the input so far. It's a much better design now.

It will work. Don't glue anything inside the overflow box, inside the tank, or directly over water in the sump. You can work on the standpipes and return outlets later. Reducing the left outlet, to optimize flow on right side ,can be done in tank later. Unless you want to redo the return now. It could be better but you already have 1" holes in glass. I would leave it as is, who knows maybe one day you'll redo it splitting down to 1/2" returns over the back glass and use the holes for closed loop flow(no powerheads?)

 

[Coolcasino]

From the last pic you posted.... The left return will have more flow than the right return. If you wanted it to be more or less the same flow you needed the valve after the "T" so you can control how much flow goes thru the left return. The gate valve seems to be in your secondary drain. Should be in the main drain. You can remove The dorso. Not needed. You can just have the main drain with a 90 and the secondary drain with a little taller pipe. Taller than the main drain but shorter than the emergency.

 

[Reefering1]

What's your plan for the back glass? Surely you don't want to be looking at all that plumbing...

 

[Coolcasino]

You can also just use 1 return. Plug up one of the holes. Its a 55g. I have a 125 and only have 1 return.

 

[Coolcasino]

Ohh... sorry.. remember to not glue the returns facing up like that. You will have water all over your floor. Technically don't even need to glue them to the bulkheads. Press fit should be fine. You technically don't need a ball valve on the emergency or secondary. In time they become almost impossible to turn anyways.